Historic Happenings Blog

Lower Township, Cape May County World War II Tower Lookout Museum and Memorial Open Fire Control Tower No. 23, on Sunset Boulevard, is New Jersey's last freestanding World War II tower, part of the immense Harbor Defense of the Delaware system known as Fort Miles. After an award-winning restoration in 2009, visitors can climb to the 6th-floor spotting gallery while learning about the homeland defense efforts during World War II. The ground floor of the tower, the All Veterans Memorial, and boardwalk interpretive panels are fully accessible. Open 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children (ages 3-12) (one child free with paying adult).  The World War II Lookout Tower is located on Sunset Boulevard in Lower Township, near Cape May Point.  Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit  www.capemaymac.org . Open Daily from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

Lower Township, Cape May County Climb the Cape May Lighthouse On Saturday, the Cape May Lighthouse, Oil House and Museum Shop reopens for the season. The lighthouse is an 1859 structure with 199 steps to the watch gallery for a panoramic view of the Jersey Cape and Atlantic Ocean. For those who choose not to climb, the Oil House contains a fully-accessible Visitors' Orientation Center and a Museum Shop stocked with maritime accessories and lighthouse memorabilia. Open 10:00 am - 5:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Cape May Point State Park is located in Lower Township, NJ. Admission to the Visitors' Orientation Center and the ground floor of the lighthouse is free. Tower admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children (ages 3-12). Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit  www.capemaymac.org . Open Daily from June 18, 2020, Until October 14, 2020,  10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Open Daily Until Oct...

Cape May, Cape May County Emlen Physick Estate Tour Take a guided tour of Cape May's Emlen Physick Estate, the magnificent Stick Style mansion attributed to the renowned Victorian architect Frank Furness. A tour of the 15 beautifully restored rooms gives you a glimpse into the lifestyle of this Victorian-era Cape May family. Physick Estate Tours take approximately 45 minutes and end with a visit to the 1876 Carriage House where you can see the current exhibit in the Carroll Gallery. Tours will be at 11:15 am and 12:30 pm on Saturday and 12:30, 1:45, and 3:00 pm on Sunday .   Admission is $15 for adults, $8 for children (ages 3-12). Tickets can be purchased at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information and to reserve tickets, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit  www.capemaymac.org . Learn More  https://capemaymac.org/experience/emlen-physick-estat...

Resources While You Stay at Home: Cape May MAC At Cape May MAC, we want you to know that while we are looking forward to welcoming everyone back to our museums, tours, and events, the well-being and safety of our visitors, members, volunteers, and staff are our number one priority. Cape May MAC's tours and events have been cancelled until further notice, and we are re-assessing the situation daily.  Meanwhile, we have been working behind the scenes to provide you with opportunities to interact with our historic sites and educational programs.  We could all use time to unplug from the news, tap into our creativity, and even learn something new. We've gathered a few ideas to help you reset. New! Cape May Lighthouse Virtual Tour  If you're like us, you miss the spectacular view from the top of the Cape May Lighthouse and the awesome experience getting there. Join us on our newest virtual tour. Tip: If you watch while walking up and down your stairs, you will still get that g...

Friday, March 13 – Cape May County Learn about Victorian architecture and local history while helping your neighbors in need during free tours of the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. Three free tours are being offered  by the Friends of the Physick Estate, an affinity group of the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC), on Fridays, Feb. 28, March 6 and March 13 at 2:15 p.m., in exchange for a small donation of items that will benefit the Cape May Community Food Closet.       With a donation of pantry items, toiletries or paper goods worth at least $5, visitors can take a 45-minute, complimentary guided tour of Cape May’s only Victorian house museum, the 1879 Physick House Museum , an 18-room mansion built in 1879 and designed by renowned architect Frank Furness. The Physick Estate is one of the finest examples of Victorian “Stick Style” architecture in America

Sunday, December 22 - Cape May, Cape May County Ghosts of Christmas Past Trolley Ride A member of the East Lynne Theater Company regales you with a Victorian holiday ghost tale as you ride through Cape May’s festively decorated Historic District. Rides start and end at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth Adults $15 and children (ages 3-12) $8. Tour on Sunday at 8:30 and 9:15 pm. Advance reservations strongly recommended. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information and to reserve tickets, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit  www.capemaymac.org .

Sunday, December 8  - Cape May, Cape May County Holiday Lights Trolley Ride Ride through Cape May’s Historic District to see festively decorated inns and homes as guides talk about Victorian Christmas traditions, lead sing-alongs, and play Christmas music. Rides last about 30 minutes. Adults $15 and children (ages 3-12) $10. Trolley rides on Sunday at 5:30, 6:15, 7:15, 7:30, and 8:15 pm. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information and to reserve tickets, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit  www.capemaymac.org . --------------------------------- Sunday, December 8 - Cape May, Cape May County Ghosts of Christmas Past Trolley Ride A member of the East Lynne Theater Company regales you with a Victorian holiday ghost tale as you ride through Cape May’s festively decorated Historic District. Rides start and end at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth Adults $15 and children (ages 3-12) $8. Tour on Sunday at 8:30 and 9...

Lower Township, Cape May County World War II Tower Lookout Museum and Memorial Open Fire Control Tower No. 23, on Sunset Boulevard, is New Jersey's last freestanding World War II tower, part of the immense Harbor Defense of the Delaware system known as Fort Miles. After an award-winning restoration in 2009, visitors can climb to the 6th-floor spotting gallery while learning about the homeland defense efforts during World War II. The ground floor of the tower, the All Veterans Memorial, and boardwalk interpretive panels are fully accessible. Open 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children (ages 3-12) (one child free with paying adult).  The World War II Lookout Tower is located on Sunset Boulevard in Lower Township, near Cape May Point.  Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit  www.capemaymac.org . Open Daily from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm until October 13...

Through Sunday,  November 3   - Cape May, Cape May County The Iconic Cape May Lighthouse Exhibit Illuminating the darkness over the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay for 160 years, Cape May’s lighthouse is the third beacon to guide mariners through the tumultuous waters at the confluence of the ocean and bay. Memories and historic images abound, from the keepers who dedicated their lives to maintaining the light, the MAC preservationists who restored it, and all those who’ve relied upon it for more than a century and a half. This exhibit will be held at the Carroll Gallery  on the grounds of t he Emlen Physick Estate. Admission to the exhibit is free. Visit  www.capemaymac.org/carriage-house-hours  for exhibit hours. The Emlem Physick Estate is located at 1048 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit  www.capemaymac.org . Hou...

Saturday - Sunday,  October 26 - 27   - Cape May, Cape May County Scarecrow Alley at the Physick Estate Once again, the grounds of the Physick Estate will be transformed for a spooky Halloween, and Scarecrow Alley showcases homemade scarecrows -- from the ghoulishly gruesome to the foolishly funny!  VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE!  Visit the Carriage House Gallery at the Physick Estate during hours of operation and cast your vote for your favorite scarecrow. The Emlem Physick Estate is located at 1048 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information and to reserve tickets, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit  www.capemaymac.org .

Sunday, October 13 – Cape May County ROOSEVELT & CHURCHILL:  The Friendship that Saved the World MAC's Lessons of History 8th Annual Distinguished Lecture Series Speaker: Lee Pollock Chair of the International Churchill Society President Franklin Roosevelt (1882-1945) and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill (1874-1965) were among the greatest leaders of the 20th century. Together, they directed a grand alliance which saved democracy and freedom during the world’s darkest hour, carried their nations to victory and laid the geopolitical foundation that defines much of the world we Click here for tickets and info .  https://www.capemaymac.org/lessons-of-historyknow today. General admission: $40; students and teachers, $15. 5:00 p.m. at the Cape May Convention Hall.  Meet the Speaker reception will take place at Convention Hall immediately following the lecture. This is included in the admission price.

Saturdays through August 31, 2019    - Cape May Point, Cape May County The Keeper's on Duty What's it like to be a Lighthouse Keeper?  If you’d like the answer to this question and others, join us for The Keeper's On Duty, at the Education Center at Cape May Point State Park  (adjacent to the Cape May Lighthouse)   on Saturday at 1:15 pm . The Keeper of the Cape May Lighthouse presents an informative and entertaining half-hour talk on the history and lore of the famous 1859 Cape May Lighthouse. Suited for everyone from children to lighthouse buffs, it’s the perfect introduction to your lighthouse climb!  All Keeper's on Duty are free and open to the public. Cape May Point State Park is located at 215 Light House Avenue, Cape May Point, NJ. Co-sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) and Cape May Point State Park. For more information, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit  www.capemaymac.org .

Saturdays through August 31, 2019 - Cape May Point, Cape May County Lighthouse Storytime Bring your young children to the Education Center in Cape May Point State Park (adjacent to the Cape May Lighthouse) to listen to nautical tale s and lighthouse adventure stories on Saturday at 12:30 pm. Free admission.  Cape May Point State Park is located at 215 Light House Avenue, Cape May Point, NJ.  Co-sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) and Cape May Point State Park.  For more information, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit  www.capemaymac.org .

Thursday , July 4  - Cape May, Cape May County Dinner and Fireworks Here's an exclusive chance to see the area's Independence Day fireworks from the ideal vantage point: atop the Cape May Lighthouse.  Participants will be transported by trolley from the Washington Street Mall Information Booth to the Red Store in Cape May Point for a delicious, seasonal, five-course dinner prepared by Chef Lucas Manteca. After dinner, hop back on board the trolley for a short ride to Cape May Lighthouse, where you will climb to the top to watch the fireworks from the watch gallery. Reservations necessary - limited to 22 people. Event starts at 6:15 pm. Tickets $100. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit  www.capemaymac.org .

Saturday - Sunday,  June 1 -2  - Lower Township, Cape May County World War II Tower Lookout Museum and Memorial Open Fire Control Tower No. 23 on Sunset Boulevard is New Jersey's last freestanding World War II tower, part of the immense Harbor Defense of the Delaware system known as Fort Miles. After an award-winning restoration in 2009, visitors can climb to the 6th floor spotting gallery while learning about the homeland defense efforts during World War II. The ground floor of the tower, the All Veterans Memorial, and boardwalk interpretive panels are fully accessible. Open Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children (ages 3-12) (one child free with paying adult).  The World War II Lookout Tower is located on Sunset Boulevard in Lower Township, near Cape May Point.  Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit  www.cap...

Saturday,  June 1   - Cape May, Cape May County Underground Railroad Trolley Tour On Saturday at 10:15 am, join the Center for Community Arts' (CCA) Community History Committee on a trolley tour of the places where escaped slaves sought refuge and help to continue their journeys to freedom. Hear the stories and visit some of the places connected with the Underground Railroad, including: a look at the Owen Coachman House; a walk in a historic cemetery where our earliest free Black settlers are buried; and a glimpse of the summer home of Stephen Smith, a leading businessman, abolitionist and unsung hero of the Underground Railroad. Learn how Harriet Tubman found Cape May as a resource for earning money to fund her work.  Board the trolley at the Washington Street Mall information booth at Ocean Street for this 2-hour tour.  Admission is $25 per adult.  Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC).   For more information, call ...

Saturday - Sunday,  June 1 - 2  - Lower Township, Cape May County Climb the Cape May Lighthouse On Saturday, the Cape May Lighthouse, Oil House and Museum Shop reopens for the season. The lighthouse is an 1859 structure with 199 steps to the watch gallery for a panoramic view of the Jersey Cape and Atlantic Ocean. For those who choose not to climb, the Oil House contains a fully-accessible Visitors' Orientation Center and a Museum Shop stocked with maritime accessories and lighthouse memorabilia. Open 10:00 am - 5:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Cape May Point State Park is located in Lower Township, NJ. Admission to the Visitors' Orientation Center and the ground floor of the lighthouse is free. Tower admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children (ages 3-12). Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit  www.capemaymac.org .

Saturday - Sunday,  May 25 - 26  - Lower Township, Cape May County World War II Tower Lookout Museum and Memorial Open Fire Control Tower No. 23 on Sunset Boulevard is New Jersey's last freestanding World War II tower, part of the immense Harbor Defense of the Delaware system known as Fort Miles. After an award-winning restoration in 2009, visitors can climb to the 6th floor spotting gallery while learning about the homeland defense efforts during World War II. The ground floor of the tower, the All Veterans Memorial, and boardwalk interpretive panels are fully accessible. Open Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children (ages 3-12) (one child free with paying adult).  The World War II Lookout Tower is located on Sunset Boulevard in Lower Township, near Cape May Point.  Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit  www.c...

Saturday,  May 25   - Cape May, Cape May County Underground Railroad Trolley Tour On Saturday at 10:15 am, join the Center for Community Arts' (CCA) Community History Committee on a trolley tour of the places where escaped slaves sought refuge and help to continue their journeys to freedom. Hear the stories and visit some of the places connected with the Underground Railroad, including: a look at the Owen Coachman House; a walk in a historic cemetery where our earliest free Black settlers are buried; and a glimpse of the summer home of Stephen Smith, a leading businessman, abolitionist and unsung hero of the Underground Railroad. Learn how Harriet Tubman found Cape May as a resource for earning money to fund her work.  Board the trolley at the Washington Street Mall information booth at Ocean Street for this 2-hour tour.  Admission is $25 per adult.  Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC).   For more information, call ...