Costa joins historical assoc. staff

Kimberly Costa

The Monmouth County Historical Association has announced that Kimberly Costa has joined the staff as the new Covenhoven House cook and education coordinator.

Costa will be heading up the open hearth cooking program that is presented to school and adult groups on Wednesdays, Fridays and for special events.

The Covenhoven House is at 150 W. Main St., Freehold, and was built in 1752 for William and Elizabeth Covenhoven. It later served as headquarters for British Gen. Sir Henry Clinton before the Battle of Monmouth in June 1778.

"When I heard about the job opening at MCHA, I was so excited I almost didn't sound coherent on the phone. Jobs that involve wearing period clothing, cooking in an open hearth and bringing hands-on living history to life for children do not come around all that often. I am thrilled to be here and hope to continue the excellent work that my predecessor, Kathy Doherty, did for years," Costa said.

Costa participates in a number of professional organizations and will be a 2007 workshop presenter on first-person interpretation at the Association of Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums conference in June. She also works part time at the James Marshall House/Lambertville Historical Society.

She holds a bachelor's degree in history from Rutgers University and is currently finishing a degree in theater arts at Raritan Valley Community College.

Costa, who is a certified teacher, has expertise in a number of 18th-century crafts and skills, as well as training and expertise in first-person interpretation, according to a press release from the historical association.

For further information about the Monmouth County Historical Assoc-iation's educational programs, including open hearth cooking, call (732) 462-1466 or visit the Web site www.monmouthhistory.org.