With a passion for preserving local history and sharing the stories that shape a community, Kirk Hastings plays an important role in keeping the past alive in Wildwood Crest. Through his involvement with the Wildwood Crest Historical Society, he helps connect residents and visitors to the rich heritage of the area.
His dedication reflects a deep appreciation for history and the importance of understanding where we come from. By preserving local landmarks, stories and traditions, Kirk’s work offers a meaningful way for future generations to stay connected to the community’s roots.
Here are some excerpts from our Coastal Conversation:
AS: What inspired you to get involved with the Wildwood Crest Historical Society?
KH: I grew up in Wildwood Crest in the 1960s, and lived there as an adult also. I have long been fascinated with local history — especially the local mid-century modern motel architecture there. I even wrote a full color, photo/history book about that subject in 2007 called “Doo Wop Motels: Architectural Treasures of The Wildwoods” (now physically out of print, but still available as an E-book), and last year (2025) I published a middle-school mystery book based on my experiences growing up in Wildwood Crest in the 1960s called “The Mystery of The Haunted Motel” (both available on Amazon).
AS: Why is preserving local history so important, especially in a place like Wildwood Crest?
KH: Wildwood Crest has a rich history of very distinctive mid-century modern home and motel architecture that was built there in the 1950s through the 1970s. But because of modern development since the turn of the century, they have lost many of these classic buildings. We need to remember how the town once pioneered the unique design and construction of that kind of architecture.
AS: Can you share a story or piece of history about Wildwood Crest that people may not know? KH: An early Revolutionary War sea battle took place there (“The Battle of Turtle Gut Inlet”) on June 29, 1776, that involved a young Captain John Barry (who later would become Commodore Barry and be known as “The Father of the American Navy”).
AS: What role does the Historical Society play in the community today?
KH: We have a large collection of local documents and artifacts that are presently in storage and awaiting a new museum space; an extensive web page (www.cresthistory.org) that documents the history of the Crest; and we have a very active Facebook page that has almost 6000 members.
AS: How do you engage younger generations and spark their interest in local history?
KH: By directing people to our extensive web page, and posting interesting old photos of Wildwood Crest on our Facebook page that continue to spark old memories and new conversations.
AS: Are there any projects or initiatives you’re particularly excited about right now?
KH: Right now we are anxiously awaiting a new location for our old historical museum (that used to be located in the Crest Pier Community Center).
AS: What challenges come with preserving historical sites and stories?
KH: Curbing local real estate development, which has taken many of our historic homes and motel buildings — and today continues to endanger what is left.
AS: How has Wildwood Crest evolved over the years, and what stands out to you most?
KH: It has experienced a real estate development boom since the early 2000s, which has made many physical improvements in the town — but it has also, unfortunately, erased a great deal of its history (which goes back to its founding in 1910).
AS: How can residents and visitors get involved or support the Historical Society?
KH: Join our Facebook page, and make it known to Crest borough officials that you would like to see our historical museum reopen in the near future.
AS: What do you hope people take away from learning about the history of Wildwood Crest?
KH: The many memories that people today still have of growing up there and vacationing there over the years, and a greater appreciation for the unique, pioneering motel architecture that was once there in great abundance (and still exists there to some extent today).
Many thanks to Kirk Hastings for sharing his passion and dedication to preserving the history of Wildwood Crest. His work ensures that the stories of the past continue to inform, inspire, and connect the community for generations to come.
Coastal Conversations highlights people in our community who are making a meaningful impact. If you know someone who would be a great fit for a future column, please contact me at ShoreCoastalConversations@gmail.com.
From the shore to your door, let’s keep the conversation going.
