Galloway, N.J. — Stockton University has formally returned ownership of the Sam Azeez Museum of Woodbine Heritage to Woodbine Museum, LLC, a nonprofit corporation established to support its future by its founder, Michael Azeez. 

Stockton President Joe Bertolino said that during the process of creating its new Strategic Plan and through conversations with Michael Azeez, it was mutually determined that the Azeez Museum did not align with Stockton’s future priorities and would be returned, as per the original agreement. He said the university continually reviews its facility and other needs.   

The museum at 630 Washington Ave. in Woodbine is a teaching center focusing on preserving the history of the wave of Russian Jewish immigration to that part of Cape May County in the late 19th century and working to reduce prejudice. The museum is housed in the historic Woodbine Brotherhood Synagogue, built by its congregation in 1893.  

“I am deeply grateful for Stockton University’s stewardship of the museum over the past decade and for our continued partnership moving forward. The Sam Azeez Museum of Woodbine Heritage and Stockton continue to share a common purpose to preserve history, educate future generations, and fight prejudice through knowledge,” Michael Azeez said.  

Azeez, a prominent businessman and civic leader, assumed control of the museum in 2001. He spent several years restoring the interior, exterior and grounds of the building, a National Historic Landmark, as close as possible to its original form. In 2003, he established the Sam Azeez Museum of Woodbine Heritage, honoring the memory of his father, a successful entrepreneur who grew up in Woodbine.  

Azeez and the Azeez Foundation donated the museum and a $5 million endowment supporting its operations to Stockton in 2011. The university helped to fund an addition in 2012 with two state-of-the-art classrooms and two offices on the property. Over the years, the museum worked with Stockton and the New Jersey Holocaust Commission in education, teacher training and the collection of oral histories. It has also hosted classes, professional development courses and seminars for the public.  

Bertolino said the university will continue to partner with the Azeez Foundation and the museum in future Holocaust programming. 

“We are incredibly proud of how the museum has thrived as a vibrant space for preserving Woodbine's unique heritage and fostering Stockton’s commitment to preserving history in southern New Jersey,” Bertolino said. “We eagerly anticipate deepening our long-standing partnership with Michael Azeez and the museum on new programming and activities, ensuring the museum's impactful mission continues to flourish for generation to come.” 

Stockton's Sara and Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center hopes to continue educational programs at the museum, said Director Irvin Moreno-Rodriguez. 

“We've been deeply invested in the museum's success under Stockton University's care, particularly through powerful programs about the Holocaust that brought world-renowned scholars, including those from Yad Vashem, the world Holocaust Remembrance Center, directly to the Cape May County community,” Moreno-Rodriguez said. “I hope together we will continue to teach the public about Jewish immigration and settlement in southern New Jersey, and combat antisemitism and all forms of hate through education.” 

The museum contains a rich collection of historic photos, artifacts and documents detailing the story of the town’s settlers who had been denied the opportunity to pursue agriculture in their native lands. Russian and Eastern European Jews were being persecuted through the various pogroms that drove them from their homes to seek safety in other countries. Through the efforts of the Baron de Hirsch Fund, they were resettled in the United States and Argentina. Woodbine was one of the largest and most successful towns.   

Azeez is co-founder of UNITEL, which operated cellular phone systems in rural areas around the United States. He is currently involved in a wide range of venture capital and real estate investment activities.