Henrietta Shelton, founder of the Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation, Inc., has been a tireless advocate for preserving and celebrating African American history and culture in Atlantic City. Established in 1997 alongside her brother, the foundation honors the resilience of African American beachgoers who gathered at Missouri Avenue Beach during segregation, a location that became known as "Chicken Bone Beach." Shelton has reclaimed this once-derogatory nickname, transforming it into a symbol of Atlantic City’s rich culture and enduring spirit.
Under Shelton’s leadership, the foundation has become a beacon of cultural preservation and education. The Chicken Bone Beach Jazz Institute teaches young students to play instruments, fostering the next generation of musicians, while the foundation’s beloved summer Jazz concert series on the Boardwalk brings the community together to celebrate the beauty and unity of Atlantic City.
Shelton’s work has earned her numerous accolades, including the American Conference on Diversity’s 2011 Humanitarian of the Year Award, the 2020 Arts/Entertainment Award from the Atlantic County Women’s Hall of Fame, and recognition at the NAACP’s annual gala. Her legacy reflects her commitment to ensuring African American history remains an integral part of Atlantic City’s story.
After retiring in 2017 with 41 years of service at the FAA Technical Center, Shelton continues to make an indelible mark through her foundation’s efforts to educate, inspire, and unite the community. Her dedication to preserving the history and culture of Chicken Bone Beach stands as a testament to her vision and passion for honoring Atlantic City’s heritage.
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