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The Ship Model Society of Northern New Jersey was formed in 1981 as a forum for ship modelers to meet and exchange ideas and information. Thirty-four people attended the first meeting on June 20, 1981, at the New Jersey Historical Society in Newark, and provisionally chose Jim Roberts, Alan Frazer and Stan Sinowitz to be President, Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer respectively. It was decided at the time to prepare a constitution and a set of goals for the club that would set certain high standards for ship modeling. At the second meeting, July 25, the site selection committee, headed by Art Bezrutczyk, suggested both Caldwell Library and Millburn library as suitable, cooperative and affordable, with Millburn eventually winning as the regular meeting place. It was also at this meeting that Michael Heinrich took over the title of Editor of the Newsletter (now known as The Broadaxe). From then on, SMSNNJ has grown and prospered. Some of the notable dates in the club’s history are: August 28, 2007 - The society's name was changed from "The Ship Model Society of Northern New Jersey" to "The Ship Model Society of New Jersey" and the constitution was amended accordingly. June 1, 2002 - About thirteen members and guests met to tour the battleship USS New Jersey BB62 which is permanently moored on the Delaware River waterfront in Camden, NJ. Click here to view photographs November 16 - December 28, 2001 - The SMSNNJ sponsored a ship model exhibit at the Morris County Library just outside of Morristown, NJ. We had over 30 models along with some scrimshaw and other nautical artifacts on display. Complimenting our models was a display of nautical paintings by marine artist Mark Cannon. Click here to view photographs November 27, 2001 - The November meeting was held at the Micro-Mark Distribution Center and store in Berkeley Heights, NJ. It is becoming a tradition to hold the November meeting at Micro-Mark. October 21, 2001 - The SMSNNJ celebrated its 20th Anniversary with a Hudson River cruise on the two masted oyster schooner Richard Robbins. About 35 members, spouses, and guests were aboard the 99 year old vessel when we left the dock at the Lincoln Harbor Yacht Club in Weehawken, NJ. November 28, 2000 - The November meeting was held for the first time at the Micro-Mark Distribution Center and store in Berkeley Heights, NJ. October 14, 2000 - SMSNNJ held a model exhibit and workshop at the Federal Aviation Administration Building, 200 Fred Wehran Drive at Teterboro Airport, Teterboro, NJ from 9AM to 4PM on Saturday, October 14, 2000. About 325 people attended. April 15/16, 2000 - First time host of the Northeast Ship Model Conference (previously called the Joint Clubs Meeting). This is the first time that the meeting extended over a two day period with a tour of the USCG Academy on the second day. August 29, 1999 - SMSNNJ held its first picnic, gathering at the Meadowbrook Park in South Orange. Adding to the festivities was the South Orange Seaport Society's Fun Float going on at the same time. December 11, 1998 - The clubs first land-side field trip was held at the Silverton Yacht factory in Millville, NJ. The group was given a stem to stern snapshot of what takes place during all phases of production. September, 1998 - We host our second NRG Conference (50th Anniversary of the Guild and 25th Conference) at the Governor Morris Hotel and Conference Center. The multi day event featured guest speakers, vendors, and 114 models. June 7 through July 27, 1998 - The club particitpated in an exhibit at East Jersey Olde Towne in Piscataway, NJ. The show was very successful and included a Technical talk by club members. There were thirty models at the exhibit. July 19, 1997 - Several of the club members
take a sail on the replica of the Colonial Sloop Providence. The vessel sailed from
Perth Amboy. Members present were Jim Eagle, Steve Fletcher, Roy Goroski, Jim
Roberts and Tom Ruggiero. The members participated in setting sails, pulling rope
etc. April, 1991 - -It’s our turn in the barrel to host another Joint Clubs meeting at Mitchell College August, 1989 - After 2 years of intensive planning and hard work, SMSNNJ hosts the NRG conference at the Hilton in the Meadowlands April 11, 1987 - We host our first-ever Joint Clubs meeting at Mitchell College, New London, CT. March 20, 1984 - Our first show at the Bergen Museum of Arts and Sciences. It was a phenomenal hit with the public who came in droves and gave the Museum its best-attended show ever ! July 17, 1983 - members take a sail on the Hudson River Sloop CLEARWATER for $10 a head! April, 1983 - Our first (unofficial) presence at the joint meeting between the Long Island, Connecticut and Constitution Club of Massachusetts January, 1982 - Constitution adopted
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