Cape May MAC's Spring 2025 Newsletter

Newsletter

VOLUME LV, ISSUE 2

www.capemaymac.org SPRING 2025

Photo by Frank Scott/Courtesy of Cape May MAC

The New York Chamber Ensemble performs three concerts in this year’s Cape May Music Festival.

Marvelous May brings gardening, music and more

Cape May MAC (Museums + Arts +

Culture) has a packed schedule of events

and activities for the month of May. From

interesting arts and cultural programs

to events that get us outdoors, there’s

something for everyone to enjoy. May

is the month when flowers are popping

and our step gets a bit lighter! Whether

you’re a local resident or visiting the area,

these events offer a unique opportunity to

explore Cape May’s history and lively arts

scene in this Victorian town. Don’t miss out

on your chance to experience all that Cape

Cape May MAC is launching a new

tour this spring that will highlight the

newly documented stories of this resort’s

African American community.

Cape May is the nation’s oldest

seaside resort. Its Historic District, which

encompasses the entire city, was placed

on the New Jersey and National Registers

of Historic Places in 1970 and designated

as a National Historic Landmark by the

Secretary of the Interior in 1976. The

reason for the designation was based

on the “almost complete showcase and

largest collection of late 19th and early

May MAC has to offer as the high season

begins to bloom.

By the Book: Traveling While Black between

1936 and 1966, presented by Chase Jackson

During the Jim Crow era, African American

travelers heavily relied on an annual

publication, the “Green Book,” to navigate

segregated areas, using it to find safe places

like hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and

even beauty salons that would serve them,

essentially acting as a lifeline for safe travel

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 15)

New trolley tour highlights impact of Black community

20th century wood frame buildings left

standing in the United States.” Cape May

remains the only city in the United States

designated as such.

Starting in 2022, an extensive initiative

was undertaken to provide detail on the

African American contributions to the City

of Cape May in the late 19th and early

20th centuries, in an effort to amend

the landmark status for its inclusion. This

additional documentation was submitted

in 2024 and subsequently approved by

Congress.


Public domain

William Henry Furness III in Yokohama, Japan

in the 1890s.

House tour and exhibit

celebrate artistry, design

A new guided tour of the Emlen

Physick Estate and a new Carroll Gallery

exhibit both begin April 11, both

celebrating artistry and design.

This year’s new Physick House Museum

guided tour, “The Art of Home,”

explores the rich artistry of Victorian life.

Designed by architect Frank Furness, the

home showcases Stick Style architecture

with intricate moldings, custom furniture,

and vibrant wallpapers. Beyond décor,

the era’s artistic traditions shine through

unexpected details like mourning jewelry

made from hair and whimsical “rogue

taxidermy” in parlor shades. Even functional

elements, from pocket shutters to


In This Issue

Coming Attractions.................... Page 3-5

From the President........................Page 6

Membership News .......................Page 7

Recent Happenings...................... Page 2

Thank You Department.......Pages 8-10

As usual, Presidents’ Weekend saw lots

of activity in several locations. We began the

festivities on Friday night with a Channeling

Dinner with psychic medium Craig McManus.

The Inn of Cape May provided a lovely

venue and dinner for our 100 guests, who

were treated to Craig’s “readings” of the

attendees. This event is always a hot ticket.

Saturday and Sunday found us in Cape May

Convention Hall for Crafts & Collectibles in

Winter with a variety of top regional vendors.

Nearly 1,000 people joined us to

browse and buy. We also offered a Brunch

& Bingo at the Inn of Cape May and a Cape

May Wine Trail with visits to Jessie Creek

Winery and Natali Vineyard. While our trolleys

have been rolling through town since

the beginning of the year, we added the

Underground Railroad Trolley Tour for Presidents’

Weekend as well as evening Ghosts

of Cape May Trolley Tours.

In February, we were excited to add a

new feature to our tour roster. Director of

Tour Operations Nanci Coughlin has been

working with Emily Krause, an American

Sign Language interpreter, to make our

Historic District Trolley Tour accessible to

people who are deaf and hard of hearing.

We plan to offer sign language interpreter

tours regularly on our schedule. These tours

operate differently from other regularly

scheduled tours; most will begin and end at

the Physick Estate. Contact Nanci Coughlin,

ncoughlin@capemaymac.org, for tickets.

Love was in the air this winter at the Cape

May Lighthouse. During February, we hosted

two proposals, with another in March.

Our best wishes go to the happy couples.

Cape May MAC’s

programming is

supported in part by

a grant from the New

Jersey State Council

on the Arts

RECENT HAPPENINGS

Spring Wrap-Up

NEWSLETTER

Published by Cape May MAC, a not-for-profit corporation

P.O. Box 340, Cape May, NJ 08204 • Phone: 609-884-5404

New Jersey Relay Center for TTY Customers: 800-852-7899

Web Site: www.capemaymac.org • E-Mail: info@capemaymac.org

Editor: Jody Alessandrine • Assistant Editor: Jean Barraclough

Contributors: Sandra Adams, Maria Amin, Susan Krysiak,

Anna Marie Leeper, Eliza Lotozo, Andrea McVay, Mary E. Stewart

OUR MISSION

Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) is a multifaceted

not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the

preservation, interpretation, and cultural enrichment of

the Cape May region for its residents and visitors.

---- v ----

OUR VISION

Preserving Cape May’s rich heritage and assuring its vitality

through superior cultural programs and events

Lessons of History Distinguished Lecture Series:

Benjamin Franklin’s Revolutions, Sunday, Oct. 12

Cape May MAC’s annual Lessons of History

Distinguished Lecture Series brings renowned

speakers to Cape May to offer illuminating insights

within their respective fields. In this 13th year,

Professor of English Carla J. Mulford, Penn State

University, and Director of the Library & Museum

Michelle Craig McDonald, American Philosophical

Society, present this in-depth look at founding

father Benjamin Franklin. The lecture will explore

Franklin’s role in the American Revolution and his

crucial role as European diplomat. Franklin was the

public face for independence, individual rights and

freedom from political tyranny. His private agony

was his beloved son, governor of New Jersey, who

remained steadfastly devoted to Britain. Through it

all, Franklin’s wit and wisdom helped put a stamp

on the new nation. Tickets are limited. Sunday, Oct.

12, at 5 p.m. Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach

Avenue. For tickets and more information, CLICK

HERE.

And we invite everyone looking for a memorable

engagement to inquire about popping

the question at the Lighthouse. You

can email Carla Colson (ccolson@capemaymac.org)

for details.

March 4 was a big day for us. A group

from our Carroll Gallery Exhibit Team traveled

to Historic Morven in Princeton to

receive an Award of Recognition from the

New Jersey Historical Commission for our

2024 exhibit “Line in the Sand: Segregated

Beaches in Cape May and Atlantic City.”

Cape May MAC Director Emeritus Michael

Cape May MAC’s

public history programs

are funded in part by the

New Jersey Historical

Commission in the

Department of State.

Zuckerman nominated us for the award,

which we gladly shared with our partners

in the exhibit Center for Community Arts,

Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation

and artist Chanelle Rene, whose paintings

from family photos figured prominently in

the exhibit.

On March 13, a few of our staff traveled

to the First Baptist Church of Wildwood,

where they catered one of the church’s

Community Lunches. We’ve been participating

in this community outreach program

which provides hot lunches for several years.

We had another flurry of special events on

St. Patrick’s Day Weekend (March 13-16),

hosting another Brunch & Bingo, this time at

Bella Vida, and a Cape May Beer Trail.

Several local businesses have developed

a very welcome spirit of generosity towards

non-profit organizations. Fin’s Bar & Grill

again invited us to be the beneficiary of a

Sunday Social in January. In February, Cape

May Brewery named us the beneficiary of

one of their Pint Nights and in March, Whale

Tale Brewery held a Saturday Social for us.

On Saturday, March 15, Whale Tale owners

Gary, Donna and Teddy Padussis hosted a

beef and beer (with turkey meatballs, too)

to benefit Cape May MAC. These are great

events for us because it allows us to display

our information, meet a new audience and

maybe enroll a few new members. And


Page 2 • Spring 2025 Cape May MAC www.capemaymac.org

Coming

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Third Annual Writing Workshops

with Poet Laureate Sylvia Baer:

Poetry, Fiction, Memoir & Children’s Literature

Mondays, July 7, 14, 21, 28 at 10 a.m.: Cape May’s Poet Laureate

Sylvia Baer hosts four 2-hour writing workshops in person this

July in Cape May Convention Hall’s air-conditioned Community

Room, 714 Beach Ave. Each workshop will be devoted to exploring

a writing style: poetry (July 7), fiction (July 14), memoir

(July 21) and children’s literature (July 28). These four workshops

are for anyone interested in writing at any level of knowledge

and experience. Participants will learn about the essentials of

each style, with time for creative writing during each workshop.

Sharing work is a personal choice and will not be required. After

each session there will be time for discussion. $25. More information,

CLICK HERE.

Brunch & Bingo at the Marquis de Lafayette

Saturday, April 19 at 9 a.m.: Laugh along with your friends as you play a little bingo,

compete for prizes and enjoy a fashion show by Lace Silhouettes/Cotton Company. It’s

all over a scrumptious breakfast buffet in the Ocean Room at the Marquis de Lafayette,

501 Beach Ave., Cape May. Advance purchase required. Capacity is limited. Admission is

$30. More information, CLICK HERE.

Brunch & Bingo at the Inn of Cape May

Saturday, May 10 at 9 a.m.: The Inn of Cape May is ready to host you for 10 rounds of

bingo over a delicious breakfast. Laugh along with your friends as you play a little bingo,

compete for prizes and enjoy a fashion show by Lace Silhouettes/Cotton Company. It’s

all over a scrumptious breakfast at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St., Cape May. Mark your

calendar now: April 6 and May 11 at 9 a.m. Admission is $35 for adults. Advance purchase

required. Capacity is limited. VISIT HERE for more information and to purchase tickets.

Vintage B.Y.O.B.

Cape May MAC has partnered with KARA Restaurant Group to offer delicious dining on

the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate. Vintage B.Y.O.B. opens for the season Friday

April 11 with exciting menu items for brunch and dinner. Outdoor dining under the tent

is a hallmark of Vintage. Dine on the patio of the Carriage House at the historic 1879 Emlen

Physick Estate. The Carriage House

Museum Shop is a licensed retail outlet

for Cape May Winery wines, available for

purchase with brunch or dinner. Stop in

the shop when you arrive or bring your

own. Vintage is dog-friendly, has plenty

of outdoor seating and take-out is available.

Parking is free. For hours and reservations

call (609) 224-6064.


FULL MOON CLIMBS

Cape May Lighthouse

215 Lighthouse Ave., Cape May Point

Saturday, April 12, Monday, May 12,

Wednesday, June 11: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.:

Follow the light of the full moon on these

rare nighttime climbs up the 199 cast-iron

spiral staircase steps to the top of the Cape

May Lighthouse. Enjoy a nighttime view

nearly 156 feet above the Delaware Bay

and Atlantic Ocean. The 1859 Cape May

Lighthouse is a state historic site and the

third beacon on this site. Since it opened

to the public in 1988, more than 2.5 million

visitors have climbed to the top, but far

fewer have climbed at nighttime. CLICK

HERE for more information.

STAIRWAY TO THE STARS

Cape May Lighthouse

215 Lighthouse Ave., Cape May Point

Sunday, April 27, Tuesday, May 27,

Wednesday, June 25: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.:

Without the light of the moon, you see the

stars shine! Climb the 199 steps to the top

of the Cape May Lighthouse on evenings

of the new moon and the start of a new

29.5-day lunar cycle, when the moon is

so dark it blends in with the night sky and

is invisible to the naked eye. Stars and

constellations are more visible on clear

nights during the New Moon! Binoculars

are permitted if securely worn at all times.

CLICK HERE for more information.

LUNCH & LEARNS

Cape May Lutheran Church Hall

509 Pittsburgh Ave., Cape May

Bring a bag lunch and learn during these

informative talks on popular topics of

history, culture, science and the arts.

Lunch & Learn programs are offered both

LIVE at the Cape May Lutheran Church

Hall, 509 Pittsburgh Ave. and by ZOOM.

You may bring your lunch and beverage,

but no food or drink is provided. The hall

is accessible and free parking is available.

No registration is needed if you plan to

attend in person. CLICK HERE for more

information.

See upcoming spring programs, below:

Titanic: Hubris, Tragedy, Legacy

April 16: 12 p.m.: The Titanic is one of the

most famous tragedies in modern history.

What is the story behind the story? Was

it doomed before it sailed? What of its

many victims and the loved ones they left

behind? And what lasting affect did it have


www.capemaymac.org Cape May MAC Spring 2025 • Page 3

Coming

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ATTRACTIONS

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Spring Crafts & Collectibles Shows

April Crafts & Collectibles: Saturday, April 26 at the Emlen Physick Estate 10-4.

Spring Crafts & Collectibles: Saturday, May 3 at the Emlen Physick Estate 10-4.

Mother’s Day Weekend Crafts & Collectibles: Saturday, May 10 at the

Emlen Physick Estate 10-4.

Summer Crafts & Collectibles: Saturday, June 14 at the Emlen Physick Estate 10-4.

More information, CLICK HERE.

Murder Mystery Dinner: “Betrothal or Betrayal?”

Enjoy a three-course dinner in the historic Chalfonte Hotel as an original murder mystery

by Jacky Fazio artfully unfolds around you, in

“Betrothal or Betrayal?” Another social season is

drawing to a close, and Lady Richfield has yet

to find an appropriate suitor for any of her three

available and aging daughters. As time runs out,

desperation sets in! A scandalous murder at the

final ball of the season sends all of society into a

frenzy. Will you be able to separate rumor from

the truth? Limited event. Advance purchase

required. The Chalfonte Hotel, 301 Howard St.

Offered this spring at 7 p.m. Wednesdays, May

21, June 4, 11 and 18. For more information and

to purchase tickets, CLICK HERE.

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Armed Forces Day

Saturday, May 17, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Every year on Armed Forces Day, Cape May MAC

honors veterans and military men and women. Enjoy free admission on Armed Forces

Day when you visit the World War II Lookout Tower (Fire Control Tower No. 23) on Sunset

Boulevard. Veterans will be on hand at the tower where you can learn about how Fort

Miles helped protect the coastline from attack during World War II. For more information,

CLICK HERE.

Gardens of Cape May Tour

Saturday, May 10:

1 p.m. to 4 p.m.:

Immerse yourself in colorful lush

landscapes that will spark your

creativity during The GARDENS

OF CAPE MAY TOUR. Whether

you’re a seasoned gardener or a

budding enthusiast, this tour offers

endless inspiration and fresh

ideas to bring back to your own

garden! (See page 1 for full story)

on the safety of life at sea? Presenter

Mary Stewart looks at the tragedy and its

aftermath in this illustrated presentation.

CLICK HERE to register now.

Sands of Time: The Black

Presence in Cape May from

the Colonial Era to the

Antebellum Period

May 7: 12 p.m.: Presenter Ellen Alford

will address the Black presence of both

residents and those black people who

traveled through Cape May. She will

speak to who some of these people

were and how their actions affected

others in town. CLICK HERE to register

now.

American Theater:

After the Civil War to 1930

May 21: 12 p.m.: Beginning with Our

American Cousin in 1865, the musicals

of Harrigan and Hart, on to the

Provincetown Players, and the first

Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1918 and

other Broadway shows through 1929,

artistic director of Classic American Tales,

Gayle Stahlhuth, explores over 50 years

of Theater in America. CLICK HERE to

register now.

New Jersey after the

U.S. Constitution Abolished

Slavery in 1865

June 4: 12 p.m.: Rick Geffken returns

to discuss the Garden State’s evolving

attitudes after New Jersey was

the last northern state to ratify the

13th Amendment which abolished

slavery everywhere. Jim Crow laws and

attitudes legalized racial segregation.

How did New Jersey “whitewash” its

history of slavery from books and the

public educational system? CLICK HERE

to register now.

The History of Juneteenth

June 18: 12 p.m. Juneteenth celebrates

the liberation of the last group of African

Americans held in bondage in 1865.

Ted Bryan will trace the holiday from

its beginning to today. CLICK HERE to

register now.



MORE

Things to do....

CLASSICAL CAPE MAY PRESENTS

THE MAIN STREET CHAMBER

PLAYERS OF FAIRFAX, VA

PIANO QUINTETS

Episcopal Church of the Advent

612 Franklin St.

Sunday, April 13: 4 p.m.: This concert

features the Main Street Chamber Players

of Fairfax, Va. Cellist Kenneth Law teaches

at the Main Street Music Studios in Fairfax,

teaching and mentoring excellent young

cellists from the Washington, D.C. area,

including one who was recently featured

on NPR’s national program “From the Top.”

The Main Street Chamber Players include

violin, viola, cello, double bass and piano.

The musicians will play as a quintet and as

various smaller ensembles. On the program

is the rarely heard Vaughn-Williams Piano

Quintet, as well as works by three women

composers: the early 20th century composer

Rebecca Clarke, Belize-born composer

Errolyn Waller, and one of Argentina’s most

celebrated young composers, Adriana

Figueroa Manas. Admission is free. Classical

Cape May is co-founded and co-directed by

Brenda Leonard and Robert Bullington. The

Classical Cape May series is in partnership

with the annual Cape May Music Festival,

now in its 36th year, presented by Cape May

MAC and supported in part by a grant from

the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

New trolley tour


Get ready to experience history in the

making! We’re shining a spotlight on the

often-overlooked, incredible contributions

of Cape May’s African American community,

having significant influence on the social,

economic, and cultural development of

Cape May City.

As we roll through town, you’ll see

homes, businesses, churches, and schools

that stand as powerful symbols of resilience,

innovation, and community. But what makes

this tour truly historic? Not only is Cape May

the only city designated as a National Historic

Landmark, but for the first time ever,

any type of National Historic Landmark designation

has been modified as such.

Hear these newly documented stories

with Cape May MAC

FREE ADMISSION

TO THE CAPE MAY LIGHTHOUSE

FOR MOMS ON MOTHER’S DAY

AND DADS ON FATHER’S DAY

Cape May Lighthouse

215 Lighthouse Ave. Cape May Point

Sunday, May 11, Sunday, June 15: 10 a.m.

to 5 p.m.: Moms and dads are admitted

free on their respective holidays, Mother’s

Day on Sunday, May 11, and Father’s Day

on Sunday, June 15, to the Cape May

Lighthouse. Thanks mom and dad! CLICK

HERE for more information.

COMMUNITY DAY

Sunday, June 22

For 33 years, Cape May MAC Community

Day has encouraged Cape May County

residents to be tourists for a day by offering

free admission to Cape May historic

landmarks and select tours. Cape May

County residents are admitted free to the

Cape May Lighthouse (10am-5pm) and the

World War II Lookout Tower (11am-3pm)

and can take a free Historic District Trolley

Tour (11:45am, 1pm or 2:15pm). This is your

chance to take a hometown tour again, or

for the very first time. Photo ID is required

for county residents.

and history and see the homes, businesses,

churches and schools that tell a powerful

story of Cape May’s African American community,

innovation and resilience.

This 45-minute trolley tour is offered on

Saturdays in May beginning May 17 at 11:15

a.m., Saturdays in June at 10:15 a.m. Tuesdays

in July and August at 10:15 a.m., Saturdays

in September at 11 a.m., and Saturdays

in October at 10:45 a.m. The tour is also offered

on Juneteenth, June 19, at 11 a.m. and

Tuesday, July 1 at 10:15 a.m. Admission is

$20 adults and $15 children (ages 3-12). For

more information call 609-884-5404 or visit

capemaymac.org.

-- SK

CHANNELING DINNER

WITH CRAIG McMANUS

Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St.

Friday, May 2, Friday, June 13: 6 p.m.:

Enjoy a three-course prix fixe dinner

at the Inn of Cape May followed by

a two-hour channeling session with

Medium Craig McManus. McManus

will read the energies in the room and

channel messages from the spirits of

departed family and friends. While

he does not read everyone present

and cannot control where messages

come through, he will bring through as

many messages from spirits as possible

during the two-hour channeling. Inn of

Cape May, 7 Ocean St. This event is not

recommended for people under the

age of 16. No refunds within 14 days

of the event. CLICK HERE for more

information.

FAMILY FUN CRAFTS SHOW

AT THE LIGHTHOUSE

Cape May Lighthouse

215 Lighthouse Ave. Cape May Point

Wednesdays, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Aug.

6, 13, 20, 27: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Bring the

family to the grounds of the historic

1859 Cape May Lighthouse for a funfilled

day of free games and play. Craft

vendors will have high quality bespoke

items on display for sale. CLICK HERE

for more information.

-- SK


FROM THE PRESIDENT

In my Winter Newsletter address, I highlighted

major capital projects underway at

the Physick House Museum.

As a result of our successful annual appeal

fundraising efforts and the generosity

of our Donors, we are also able to continue

our efforts to enhance the interior of

the Physick House for the enjoyment of our

visitors. Several projects are in the works, including

the restoration of several key historic

artifacts, investing in new drapes and rugs,

making improvements to gasolier lighting,

and adding new historically authentic interpretive

opportunities both inside the Physick

House and on the Estate property.

Our Strategic Plan includes a number of

restoration/improvement projects to enhance

our historic Lighthouse and World

War II Lookkout Tower, as well. We will also

be enhancing Museum Education offerings

including our community-based Lunch and

Learns and school initiatives as part of our

mission to reach new audiences with the

highest quality programming.

In 2025, Cape May MAC will continue to

partner with the Cape May community to

display culturally and historically interesting,

free exhibits in our Carroll Gallery on the

Physick Estate. In January, we opened our

exhibit in partnership with the Center for

Community Arts entitled “Routes of Black

Travel: The Green Book in Cape May and

Wildwood.” That exhibit will be followed

in the late spring by a fascinating exhibit

-- “Tattoos: Modern Expression & Ancient

Art.” And the annual theme of our Physick

Estate Tour for the upcoming season will be

“A Matter of Taste: Art and Expression in the

Physick House,” giving a glimpse of how

Janet Coupland, President

Cape May MAC Board

people from Dr. Physick’s era expressed

themselves in their artistic and décor preferences.

We are also introducing an entirely new

trolley tour based upon the amendment

to Cape May’s National Historic Landmark

status, which was approved by Congress

in 2024, celebrating the contribution of the

African American Community to Cape May

from the late 19th to the mid-20th centuries.

This update marks the first time a National

Historic Landmark has been amended in

the United States, and Cape May MAC is

proud to include the new material in our

tours. Subsequently, the Historic District and

Welcome to Cape May Trolley Tours will be

updated to make mention of this enhanced

Landmark status.

It will be an exciting and interesting year

at Cape May MAC and we hope to see all of

you at one of our amazing tours, exhibits, or

events in the upcoming 2025 season!

The entire organization is very important

to me and I will fully commit my time and

energy to working with the Board of Trustees,

Director and CEO Jody Alessandrine,

all of the MAC directors and managers, staff

and volunteers, the City of Cape May and

our strategic business partners to continue

and enhance MAC’s mission and contribution

to the Cape May community. As we

learned from our Economic Impact study

completed in 2022, Cape May MAC is directly

responsible for infusing almost $200

million into the local economy annually. We

take our mission of historic preservation, interpretation,

heritage tourism and cultural

enrichment very seriously.

I believe I speak for the entire Cape May

MAC Board of Trustees when I say that we

very much value our MAC family which includes

18 full time staff (including our amazing

Management Team), 134 part time and

seasonal staff, over 300 volunteers, our

3,200 loyal members and our very generous

donors. We couldn’t offer the more than

8,000 scheduled public and private tours

and events each year without your generous

and continued support. Cape May MAC

would not be the successful organization

that we are without you.

Warmest regards,

Janet

Uncle Nearest Tasting

at Carroll Gallery March 21

A special closing event celebrating the exhibit, “Routes of

Black Travel: The Green Book in Cape May and Wildwood”

at the Carroll Gallery on the grounds of the Physick Estate,

1048 Washington St., Friday, March 21 at 4 p.m. featured

a tasting of Uncle Nearest Whiskey—a brand honoring

Nathan “Nearest” Green, the first known Black master

distiller. An appreciative crowd came to discover the

history behind “the best whiskey maker the world never

knew” and have a final chance to explore this powerful

exhibition.


Our deepest condolences to:

Dave & Sandi Adams, on the death of Dave’s

father David; Lighthouse Keeper Carol Kaplan,

on the death of her mother; The family

and friends of Roger Henry, who volunteered

to keep the brass on our trolleys in

tip-top condition for our visitors; The family

and friends of Bob Steenrod; The family and

friends of Catherine M. Tumminia.

MEMBERSHIP NEWS

Roger Henry

Welcome

New Members

Gold Business: The Beach Club on

Madison Avenue of Cape May, NJ.

Family/Grandparent: Luis & Joanna

Tan of Cape May Court House NJ; Michael

& Maureen Venner of Cape May, NJ.

Joint: Mike & Eileen Dignen of Cape May,

NJ; Sherrie Lisa Galderisi of Ocean View, NJ;

Stephen & Carol Gosser of Huntingdon Valley,

PA; Valerie Labell of N Cape May, NJ;

Lillie Murawski of North Wildwood, NJ; Michael

& Barbara Wall of Pequannock, NJ.

Individual: Kevin Hobbs of Aldan, PA;

Nancy Trombino of Cape May NJ.

Volunteer Joint: June & Michael

Springer of Cape May Court House, NJ.

Tribute to

Jill Bellarmino

Jill Bellarmino began volunteering

with Cape May MAC in September 2014.

One of her first major undertakings was

assisting with the meticulous task of

photographing nearly 3,000 individual

artifacts—a testament to her dedication

and patience. Over the next ten years,

she continued to be an invaluable

presence in the Museum Division,

bringing her keen sense of organization,

sharp attention to detail, and a wealth

of knowledge to every project in which

she was involved. During this time,

for several years Jill logged over 150

volunteer hours!

A retired librarian, Jill naturally gravitated

toward organizing and cataloging

MAC’s reference library, which houses

an extensive collection of books covering

architecture, lighthouses, Victorian

society, Cape May history, and more.

Her dedication to making this resource

more accessible was unwavering, and

in her honor, we will see this project

through to completion. MAC’s reference

library will be officially dedicated

to Jill in recognition of her work, ensuring

that her passion for knowledge and

history continues to benefit future generations.

-- Ben Ridings

Tribute to

Barbara Lamont

Barbara Lamont joined Cape May

MAC as a Tour Interpreter in 2000. Her

husband Andy also joined MAC a few

weeks later. They became the “Dynamic

Duo,” and were always working and

volunteering at Cape May MAC, rain or

shine, in the heat of Summer or the chill

of Winter, and always with a smile and a

good word to share.

So, it was a sad day for all of us in

the MAC family when we lost Barbara in

early March.

Barbara was a people person. She

always had a smile and was loved by

everyone at MAC. She was an amazing

Trolley Tour Guide and Physick Estate

Interpreter. She could also be found

helping to manage the Tour Office and

was a loyal member of the Staff Advisory

Group. Barb volunteered for shifts

any time of the day or evening. She also

loved her time at the World War II Lookout

Tower, where she had a real passion

to educate and entertain our visitors with

her vast knowledge. And she absolutely

loved her many roles in the annual Clueless

plays at the Physick Estate (who can

forget her outrageous portrayal of Ms.

Cherry Bomb?) Barb transformed into

Mrs. Claus at Christmas time for the Santa

Trolley ride. She was also a tireless volunteer

on teams and at events, and she

won many well-deserved volunteer

awards at MAC over the years.

We will miss Barbara very much at

MAC. As a tribute to her memory, we

will be naming our next new trolley, due

for delivery in late spring 2026, in her

honor.

-- Janet Coupland


‘THANK YOU’ NEWS

DONATIONS

ANNUAL APPEAL DONATIONS TO THE

THOMAS E. CARROLL CAPE MAY MAC

PRESERVATION FUND

• $500-$999 Donors: George & Carole Sick.

• Under $100 Donors: Joseph & Maria Sammartino.

CAPE MAY MUSIC FESTIVAL DONORS

• Solo Sponsor ($4,000-$9,999): Brown &

Brown of New Jersey, LLC.

• Duo Sponsor ($2,000-$3,999): Maryellen

& James Ozalas.

• Trio Sponsor ($1,000-$1,999): Mike &

Nancy Childs, Christina Clemens (Tim Kerr

Sotheby’s The Chris Clemans Group).

• Quartet Sponsor ($500 - $999): Janet &

Warren Coupland, Peter & Kathy Manzetti.

Classical Cape May Series: Piano Quintets

Main Street Chamber Players of Fairfax, Va.

The final spring

concert of the 2025

Classical Cape May series

features the Main Street

Chamber Players of

Fairfax, Va. Sunday, April

13, 4 p.m. at the Episcopal

Church of Cape May,

Franklin and Washington

Streets. Admission is

free. Supported by Cape

May MAC and by a grant

from the New Jersey

State Council on the Arts.

For more information,

CLICK HERE to visit

classicalcapemay.com

• Conductor’s Circle ($100-$499): Frank &

Sue Barber, Rowen Blue, Joseph & Eileen

Cassidy, Bill & Sue Currie, Thomas & Erin

Curtis, Wister Dougherty, Ron Frech, R.J.

Scott Griffith, Jennifer Hassel (In memory

of Dr. Mark Hassel), Eileen Kirk-Lazaroff (In

memory of Donna Kirk), Ronald & Rosalind

Levy, Beatrice & Richard Reinacher, David &

Maddi-Jane Sobel, Rosanne & Christopher

Traficante, Joseph & Jillian Vogler, Bennett

Werner & Michelle Uhl.

• Musician’s Circle (Under $100): Donato &

Patricia Giusti, Peggy Zemaitaitis.

CAPE MAY MUSIC FESTIVAL DONORS

GEORGE’S ANGELS

• Musician’s Circle (Under $100): Kim Gibbons,

Elizabeth Mcmullen.

MAJOR DONATIONS

• Acme Markets, for a $803 donation to

Operations.

• Lee Bellarmino, for a donation of $2,500

to the Thomas E. Carroll Cape May MAC

Preservation Fund.

• The Carroll Family, for a donation of

$250,000 to the Physick Estate.

• Tom & Sue Carroll, for a $500 donation to

Operations.

• Barry & Ronnie Cohen, for a donation of

$2,500 to the Thomas E. Carroll Cape May

MAC Preservation Fund.

• Community Foundation of New Jersey,

for a grant of $13,786 from the Charitable

Gift Fund of the Estate of Robert Fite.

• Russell & Lora Jo Dickhart, for a donation

of $1,000 to the Thomas E. Carroll Cape May

MAC Preservation Fund.

• Michael, Mindie & Jocelyn Duquette, for

a $1,000 donation to assist with the HVAC

project at the Emlen Physick Estate.

• Bernie & Ann Flynn, for a donation of

$500 In memory of Jill Bellarmino.

• Melissa McSwigan & Robert Raczka, for a

$3,000 donation to the Physick Estate.

• Re/Max Surfside (Brian Groetsch) for a

donation of $500 to The Physick Estate In

memory of Jill Bellarmino.

• Barry Sharer, for a donation of $2,000 to

the Thomas E. Carroll Cape May MAC Preservation

Fund.

DONATIONS

• Nova Ahrens, for a donation of $250 to the

Physick Estate in memory of Jill Bellarmino.

• John Bailey’s Family, for an in-kind donation

of 28 ornaments.

• Amy Barnes, for a donation of $40 to Operations

in memory of Jill Bellarmino.

• Joyce & Howard Barth, for a donation of

$50 In memory of Jill Bellarmino.

• Art & Patricia Bourgeau, for a donation of

$100 to the Physick Estate in memory of Jill

Bellarmino.

• Cape May Brewing Company, for a donation

of $195, and for a Growler and gift card

donated to the Group Tour Dept for the

American Bus Association Marketplace.

• Cape May WInery, for an in-kind donation

of a wine tasting to the Group Tour Dept. for

the American Bus Association Marketplace.

• Tom & Sue Carroll, for a donation of $200

to the Physick Estate in memory of Jill Bellarmino.

• Barry & Ronnie Cohen, for a donation of

$100 in Memory of Jill Bellarmino.

• Carla Colson, for an in-kind donation of

candy for Brunch & Bingo.

• Warren & Janet Coupland, for a $100 donation

in memory of Gail Capehart and a

donation of $100 to Operations in memory

of Jill Bellarmino.

• Raymond & Maryann Czajkowski, for a

donation of $100 to the Physick Estate in

Memory of Jill Bellarmino.

• Barbara Freda, for an in-kind donation of

Cape May Honey & Cape May Peanut Butter

to the Group Tour Dept. for the American

Bus Association Marketplace.

• Susan Gibson, for a donation of decorative

grass, bags, and ribbon to the Group

Tour Dept. for the American Bus Association

Marketplace.

• Mary Lee Hafley, for a donation of $250

to the Physick Estate in memory of Jill Bellarmino.

• Ronald & Paula Klimas for a donation of


Bellarmino.



Mansions By The Sea Trolley Tour: Then and Now

Photo by Susan Krysiak

This narrated trolley tour travels along and focuses on Cape May’s Beach Drive, covering more

than a century of beachfront development, from grand seaside “cottages” of the 1870s to the

most up-to-date of today’s housing. Although Cape May’s magnificent beachfront mansions and

homes are less palatial than those of Newport, Rhode Island — Cape May has been and still is

accessible to both middle- and upper-class vacationers — on this tour you will learn about and see

some of the most magnificent structures ever erected in Cape May. Tours begin soon! For more

information, CLICK HERE.

• Tricia Kraemer, for a donation of $100 to

the Physick Estate in memory of Jill Bellarmino.

• The Grand Hotel, for lending a high-top

table to the Group Tour Dept. for the American


• Greg Lessig, for a donation of $50 to the

Physick Estate.

• Gusto Brewery, for an in-kind donation

of a beer glass & stickers to the Group Tour

Dept. for the American Bus Association Marketplace.

• Lobster House Restaurant, for lending

high-top tables and tablecloths to the

Group Tour Dept. for the American Bus Association

Marketplace.

• Lucky Bones Restaurant, for an in-kind

donation of Spices, Hanks Hot Sauce, Beach

Plum Farm Jam & a tote bag to the Group

Tour Dept. for the American Bus Association

Marketplace.

• John & Deborah Lukens, for a donation of


Bellarmino.

• Walt & Leslie MacDonald, for a donation

of $250 to Operations In memory of Jill Bellarmino.

• David Marsh, for a $100 donation in

memory of Roger Lewis Henry.

• Myles & Leslie Martel, for a donation of


Bellarmino.

• The New Jersey Lighthouse Society, for a

$100 donation to the Cape May Lighthouse.

• Christian & Jessica Parker, for a donation

of $100 to the Physick Estate in memory of

Jill Bellarmino.

• Michele Piraino, for a $50 donation to

Operations in memory of Jill Bellarmino.

• Pottery by Cat (Cathy Baldacchini), for an

in-kind donation of handmade pottery used

as prizes for Brunch & Bingo, and for pottery

donated to the Group Tour Dept. for the


• Joseph & Christine Rizzo, for a donation


Jill Bellarmino.

• Rosemary Rombado, for an in-kind donation

of wine bags, Cape May bags, decorative

wine bottle and hand-crafted Cape

May sign to the Group Tour Dept. for the


• Sunset Beach Gift Shop (Michelle & Lary

Hume) for an in-kind donation of 1,000

packets of Cape May Diamonds and post

cards to the Group Tour Dept. for the American


• Henry & Mary Anne Satt, for a donation


Jill Bellarmino.

• Susanne Svizeny, for a donation of $100

to Operations In memory of Jill Bellarmino.

• Michael & Mari Veneziano, for a donation


Jill Bellarmino.

• Whale Tale Brewing Company, for a $303

donation to the Physick Estate.

• Lisa Xavier, for an in-kind donation of

two baskets to the Group Tour Dept. for the


2025 Online Auction Donors: Al’s Plumbing

& Heating, Art Pottery Studio (Susan

Fox Hirschmann), Cape May-Lewes Ferry

(Mike Porch), Cape May Stage (Wendy Collins),

The Carroll Villa, Tom Carroll, Eric Christensen,

Classic American Tales (Gayle Stahlhuth),

Nancy Coughlin, Janet Coupland, Joe

Evangelista Photography (Joe Evangelista),

Susan Krysiak, Walter Kuemmerle, La Mer

Beachfront Resort (Theresa Torsiello), Brenda

Leonard, Nick Licouris, CFP, The Madd

Potters Studio (Amanda Leipert, Julie Hickman),

Barbara Morris, New Jersey Audubon-Cape

May Bird Observatory (Shannon

DeAngelis), Planning for Good, Pottery by

Cat (Cathy Baldacchini), Princeton Strategic

Communications (Norris Clark), Amy Reade,

Carla & John Schaeffer, Shell Cottages (Susan

Burgos), Bennett Werner, The Windsor

Cottage (Patti Jo Kiraly), YIP Fitness LLC

(Stacy Yip).

Ticket Buyers who added a donation when

purchasing tickets: Peter Acevedo, William

Barsby, Stephanie Colon, Alexander Curio,

Eileen DeBiase, Josh Dotson, Thomas Dupree,

Jr., Tierny Fernandez, Carole Fisher,

Elizabeth Foran-Owens, Linda Fulford, Kim

Gibbons, Frank Hannigan, Tara Hoey, Gregory

Hurley, Kelly Hurley, Nancy Landgraf,

Patricia Longshore, Michael Ludgate, Melanie

Marcols, Devon Matchock, Ave Mccarry,

Mary Ann McGlinchey, Kathleen OHara,

Karen Patterson, Vicki Proto, Denise Reilly,

Christine Sailon, Mary Ellen Sannino, Lionel

Sellers, Harriet Shepperd, Karen Stallsmith,

Michele Tiedemann, Deana Travetti, Armand

Troiano.

ASSISTANCE

• Eliot Bailen, Artistic Director of the New

York Chamber Ensemble, for participating

in a Lunch & Learn program on March 5.

• Cape May Lutheran Church, for hosting

our Staff Training session and Lunch & Learn

programs at the church hall.

• Janet Coupland, for her help with the

Cape May MAC archiving project.

• Jed Gaylin, Music Director of the Bay Atlantic

Symphony, for participating in a Lunch

& Learn program on March 5.



WAYS TO GIVE TO

In 1970, when a group

of passionate volunteers

found a way to save

the Emlen Physick Estate

from almost certain

demolition, our

organization was born.

Today, Cape May MAC

offers visitors and

residents more than

8,000 scheduled tours,

activities and events

each year.



• Margaret Montet, for presenting a Lunch

& Learn on the Harlem Renaissance.

• Roy Steinberg, Artistic Director of Cape

May Stage, for presenting a program for

Lunch & Learn.

• Lynda Towns, for presenting a Lunch &

Learn on The Negro Spiritual and Cape

May’s Black Churches.

• Hannah Vaught, for volunteering at Lunch

& Learn programs.

VOLUNTEERS

Advisory Team Volunteers: Joyce Barth, Rosalie

Gallagher, Peggy Gora, Carol Hartman,

Loretta Hughes, John Klos, Brian McGrath.

Brunch and Bingo at Bella Vida Volunteers:

Sue Currie, George Macaluso.

Grounds Crew: Carol Lindsay, Hannah

Vaught, Deb Yamashita.

Group Tour Goodie Bag Stuffing Volunteers:

Nancy Battagliese, Rita Walls.

Membership Mailing Volunteers: Kathy

Genzoli, Tricia Kraemer, RuthAnne Stewart.

Music Festival Donation Mailing: Eileen

Cassidy, Sue Currie, Christine Gaudry, Kelly

Gray, Karen Hammerman, Richard Mayer,

June Springer, Michael Springer.

Tour Assistant Volunteers: Ellen DeRose,

Donna Flegal, Gloria Kucher.

Travel Magazine Mailing Volunteers: Sue

Carroll, Roe Gorgone, Kelly Gray, June

Springer, Michael Springer, RuthAnne

Stewart.

Trolley Maintenance Volunteers: Raymond

Grazel, Mark Nathan, Deb Yamashita.

Winter Crafts & Collectibles Volunteers:

Sharon Agin, Sue Carroll, Tricia Nolfi, Michael

Springer.

There are many ways to support Cape

May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) financially

and play an important role in keeping

history alive in Cape May.

As a multi-faceted non-profit organization,

Cape May MAC is committed to promoting

the restoration, interpretation and

cultural enrichment of greater Cape May for

its residents and visitors. Through its sponsorship

of cultural and heritage tourism,

Cape May MAC has helped transform Cape

May from a “summer only” beach resort to

the country’s leading destination for Victorian

architecture.

Your donation to any of Cape May

MAC’s initiatives helps us carry out our mission,

ensuring a vital and robust community.

There are a number of ways to give, including

memorial gifts, legacy gifts, and more.

“We feel very fortunate to have received

a legacy gift this year from the estate of Bob

Fite through his Community Charitable

Foundation, in the amount of $13,786.80,”

said Chief Financial Officer Charles Kealy.

“Bob was a great friend to Cape May MAC.

We were all greatly saddened at his passing

in May. He was a good businessman,

deeply committed to the community, always

cheerful, and a joy to be around. He

loved the annual Cape May Music Festival

and supported it yearly, among other

things. That he would remember us this way

is a great honor and, of course, is greatly appreciated

by us all. As Bob would often say,

‘Be of good cheer!’”

Another recent non-traditional donation

will bloom into a new garden between the

Physick House and the Cape May Tennis

Club soon. Walter Lindheimer, Patti Jo Kiraly’s

great, great grandmother’s brother was

a gardener for Dr. Emlen Physick, and likely

lived for at least some time in the estate’s

potting shed, a building that is now on tennis

club property. Patti Jo recently made a

$19,000 donation of stock for a garden in

Walter’s name, and plans have begun with

help from Cape May MAC staff and volunteers

and Landscaper Rich Pavese. “This donation

of stock will result in an artful transformation

at one of the entrances to the estate,

beautifying it with flowers and plants while

memorializing someone who had a great

connection to the Physick family who lived

here,” said Director and CEO Jody Alessandrine.

“We are so humbly grateful to Patti

Jo for her donation and for this fantastic opportunity

to beautify the estate.”

Here are some non-traditional ways that

donating your dollars or assets can make a

big impact in support of Cape May MAC’s

mission:

Thomas E. Carroll Cape May MAC

Preservation Fund

Now that we’ve achieved the milestone

of our 50th Anniversary, Cape May MAC is

looking forward to an exciting future, which

includes the very important mission of ongoing

stewardship of our historic sites. In

light of that future vision, we’ve renamed

our fund the Thomas E. Carroll Cape May

MAC Preservation Fund, with the goal of

ensuring these cultural assets remain Cape

May’s crown jewels.

Cape May Lighthouse

Brick Paver Program

Be an enduring part of the Cape May

Lighthouse and take advantage of a limited

opportunity to celebrate a light in your life!

The pathway at the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse

is being repaved and will include a

limited number of engraved bricks. Honor

someone special to you with this fixture as

a remembrance or simply celebrate your

own or your family’s love of the lighthouse.

Bricks may be purchased in person at the

Cape May Lighthouse or at the Hill House

Business Office at the Emlen Physick Estate.

You may also print out the Lighthouse

Brick Form and email it to Janice Corkery

at jcorkery@capemaymac.org

or mail to:

Cape May MAC

c/o Janice Corkery, 1048 Washington St.,

Cape May, NJ 08204


CAPE MAY MAC

Bricks will be ordered quarterly. Installation

may take up to one year. We cannot

accommodate special requests regarding

placement of your brick.

Cape May MAC’S Online Auction

Starting on February 2, 2026, Cape May

MAC will be auctioning off fun and unique

items and experiences to bid on to raise

money for our organization – and the more

items we have the more money we can

raise, so we’re asking for your help!

Legacy Giving

Planning for the future and creating

the legacy you wish to leave is one of the

most effective ways to ensure a lasting impact.

Making a gift in your will or living

trust, known as a bequest, can guarantee

that your legacy endures. Your gift may be

a specific dollar amount, a percentage of

your estate, or the remainder after all other

provisions are specified.

Charitable Contributions

from IRAs or Stocks

Many find making charitable contributions

to a non-profit organization from their

IRAs or stock portfolios beneficial due to

positive tax implications. Click below to learn

more about how you can donate to Cape

May MAC from IRAs or stock portfolios.

Memorial Gifts

Honor the memory of a loved one

through a memorial gift to Cape May MAC.

Please select the appropriate fund and use

the comment section on the donation form

to indicate the person you are honoring and

whom to notify of your generous gift and

lasting tribute.

General Operations

You can make a donation to General

Operations and let Cape May MAC choose

where funds are most needed.

Michael Zuckerman

Endowment

Set up in 2013 in honor of Michael Zuckerman’s

30th anniversary as Director of

Cape May MAC, this fund underwrites restoration

projects and collections acquisition

and conservation at our three historic sites.

Cape May Lighthouse

A donation to the Cape May Lighthouse,

a beacon for mariners since 1859 and now a

museum of maritime history, will help Cape

May MAC keep the tower in tiptop condition.

Emlen Physick Estate

Help Us Continue to Save

the Emlen Physick Estate!

Cape May MAC has embarked on a

multi-year project to install an HVAC system

and improved fire suppression in the Physick

House Museum. The planning grants we’ve

secured mean we need to find matching

funds. Your contributions are greatly appreciated

to help us meet our match and see

these plans through to fruition.

World War II

Lookout Tower

A donation to the World War II Lookout

Tower, part of the immense Harbor Defense

of the Delaware system known as Fort Miles,

will help Cape May MAC keep the tower in

tiptop condition.

Cape May Music Festival

Since 1990, the Cape May Music Festival

has been bringing beautiful music – classical,

chamber, jazz and more – to Cape May

each Spring. Your donation helps underwrite

this gift to the Cape May community.

George’s Angels

The George’s Angels fund helps us raise

the monies needed for additional musicians,

related expenses and original orchestrations

for our annual Music Festival tribute

to jazz pianist George Mesterhazy.

Myles Martel

Lessons of History Endowment

History literally comes alive in Cape May,

our nation’s oldest seaside resort – from our

Native American and Dutch roots, to our

beloved Victorian architecture, to the city’s

roles in World War I and II. We are even the

only city in the U.S. to be wholly designated

as a national historic district. The Myles

Martel Lessons of History Fund Endowment

supports important programming on history

in Cape May, such as the annual Lessons

of History lecture series. This fund is named

in honor of Myles Martel, who created this

endowment and tirelessly led our efforts to

bring historical programming to Cape May

for many years.

-- SK

***

Tax-Exempt EIN: 221-923-415

Mail Donations to:

PO Box 340

Cape May, NJ 08204

For more information on any of these

ways to give please CLICK HERE to

visit the Cape May MAC Donor webpage

or call us at 609-884-5404.

Any gift you give to Cape

May MAC helps further the

mission to preserve and

share the stories of Cape

May to those who visit and

live here. With your help,

we can continue to do so

for many years to come.


New sign-interpreted tours available for the deaf and hard of hearing

House tour, exhibit


Photo by Susan Krysiak/courtesy of Cape May MAC

American Sign Language interpreter Emily Krause interprets during a new Cape May MAC trolley

tour created especially for the deaf community.

Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture)

is taking an important step toward greater

accessibility with special American Sign Language

(ASL) interpreted trolley and walking

tours, available on select dates throughout

the year. These tours are thoughtfully designed

for individuals who are deaf or hard

of hearing, offering an immersive experience

of Cape May’s rich history in a way

that’s welcoming to all.

The initiative, brought to life by Director

of Tour Operations Nanci Coughlin, is inspired

by a moment from her teenage years

when she saw her friend’s deaf sister miss

out on shared experiences. That powerful

moment stayed with Nanci and led her to

work with deaf children during college. After

returning home, she pursued ASL classes

and soon discovered the thriving deaf community

in Cape May and Atlantic counties.

Last year, when Cape May MAC received

a request for an ASL-interpreted

tour, Nanci reached out to her former ASL

instructor, Tiffany Narciso, along with Emily

Krause, a local professional sign language

interpreter. Their collaboration brought

Cape May MAC’s first ASL-interpreted tour

to life, and it was a huge success. For 2025,

Cape May MAC will expand this offering,

providing 10 months of tours specifically

designed to be accessible and engaging

for deaf participants.

Nanci emphasizes that these tours go

beyond just providing an interpreter —

they’re about completely reimagining the

tour experience.

“Since deaf guests must focus on the interpreter

to fully follow along, it’s important

to allow extra time at the end for questions

and even a second drive around to appreciate

the sights without distraction,” she said.

“These tours aren’t only for deaf participants

— hearing guests are encouraged to join

as well, providing a unique opportunity to

raise awareness and create a more inclusive

environment.”

“This is a learning experience for everyone,

and a meaningful step toward expanding

accessibility at Cape May MAC,” Director

and CEO Jody Alessandrine said. “The

ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone,

regardless of ability, can enjoy the beauty

and history of Cape May in an inclusive and

welcoming way.”

To explore more about these tours and

see what is being offered, CLICK HERE. For

more information and to make reservations

email ncoughlin@capemaymac.org.

-- AM

ceiling medallions, were crafted with elegance.

Each room tells a story of beauty,

memory, and creativity, making the Physick

Estate a living masterpiece of 19th-century

design and expression. Tour Cape May’s

1879 Victorian House Museum and learn

about its key role in Cape May’s decadeslong

renaissance story as you appreciate its

beauty and craftsmanship. Admission to the

tour is $20 adults, $15 children (ages 3-12)

with 25 percent discount for members. The

tour is offered daily at various times, April

11 through Nov. 18 (except April 29, May 21,

Sept. 13).

The exhibit, “Tattoos: Modern Expression

& Ancient Art,” highlights the rich and

varied history of body art. For millennia,

humans have tattooed their bodies to express

their individuality, chronicling loves,

losses, beliefs, victories, affiliations, hopes

and dreams. The oldest human mummy discovered

— 5,300 years old — had 60 tattoos,

and his contemporaries, from the South

Pacific to the indigenous people of New

Jersey, were also inked. Queen Victoria’s

husband, son, and many of her grandsons

and nephews, who were rulers of Europe,

were tattooed. There is a long tradition of

sailors using tattoos to chronicle adventures

at sea. Tattooing has become increasingly

popular in the last 20 years, and today, eight

out of 10 Americans believe society is more

accepting of people with tattoos.

Tattoo artists from Perigee Moon Tattoo

in West Cape May have decorated mannequins

for display with a variety of historic

and traditional designs. Six original,

contemporary photographic portraits will

be on display as a distinct Cape May component

of the exhibit. Mary Pat Myers of

M.P. Myers Photography Studio, Cape May

family and portrait photographer for more

than 32 years, is the featured photographer.

With her distinctive warmth and style, she

has created unique portraits of individuals

and their tattoos. Each from the Cape May

region, they represent different walks of

life, some with many, some with only one

tattoo. Their stories will accompany their

photographs. Submissions from the community

also will be included as part of the

exhibition, with a variety of additional stories

to tell. Learn about the range of expression

and history of this ancient art form in

this Carroll Gallery Exhibit on the grounds of

the Emlen Physick Estate. Admission is free.

April 11-Nov. 2, 2025.

-- SK


Promoting group travel to Cape May

Every year, the Group Tour team at

Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture)

attends conventions across the country and

Canada to connect with group tour leaders

and agents, to make business connections

and promote Cape May and the Southern

Shore as a top tourist destination for

groups. Cape May MAC is the designated

Group Tour Direct Marketing Organization

(DMO) Division of New Jersey Southern

Shore, promoting group travel not only to

the City of Cape May but to Cape May and

Cumberland Counties.

This year’s American Bus Association

convention from Feb 1-4, the “ABA

Marketplace Philadelphia,” stands out as a

grand success for Cape May MAC’s Group

Tour team and the Southern Shore in

general, with many one-on-one meetings,

connections made and knowledge brought

home from seminars and information

sharing.

To get off to a rousing start, Cape

May MAC made a splash at the show’s

launch, held at the Adventure Aquarium

in Camden, thanks to our talented historic

interpreter and living history team, who

demonstrated what the organization

does best: bring history to life. Victorian

temperance debaters challenged passersby

to take a side on that very Victorian issue:

Temperance, or alcohol.

These conventions are not only about

promotion. The one-on-one meetings are

a crucial part of the convention and a way

to drive group tour business for years to

come. These appointments take a good

deal of preparation in advance. The Group

Tour team had several dozen one-on-one

meetings with tour operators during the

convention.

“Cape May MAC representatives

met with various tour operators and

travel planners to discuss current and

future group travel opportunities,” said

Group Tour Manager Susan Gibson. “Key

takeaways included positive reception of

our pre-designed itineraries, continued

interest in seasonal and themed tours, the

importance of streamlined communication,

and requests for additional information

about accommodation and dining options.”

Many operators praised Cape May

MAC’s selection of 14 unique itineraries,

Gibson said. There was interest in themed

tours such as Maritime, Field to Fork,

Christmas, Halloween, and Black Heritage.

Operators also valued the flash drive

marketing materials and monthly email

blasts Cape May MAC sends out.

Down with Demon Rum!

Shown at right, Cape May

MAC interpreters from left,

Daniel DeRosier, Hope

Gaines and Joyce Barth have

fun challenging passersby

to a very Victorian

temperance debate at the

launch event prior to ABA

Marketplace Philadelphia.

Cape May MAC staff members

supported our Group Tour

Team by helping out at the Cape

May MAC booth at the ABA

Marketplace Philadelphia this

February. Shown at left, Karen

Caplan and Bob Humphreys.

Gibson said the new online bus permit

system was well-received, with many

operators appreciating the ease of planning

group travel logistics.

“There was high demand for Christmas

tours, interest in maritime and lighthousethemed

trips, and a strong focus on

historical and cultural experiences such as

ghost tours and the Black Heritage Tour

soon to be available,” she said.

Several new contacts were made, while

existing relationships were reinforced with

operators already scheduling 2025 tours.

Some operators are looking as far ahead as

2026-2027.

“This year’s ABA meetings reinforced

the strength of our itineraries and the

importance of clear communication and

streamlined logistics,” said Director of Tour

Operations Nanci Coughlin. “Interest in

seasonal and specialty tours remains high,

and operators appreciate our efforts in

automating permits and offering readyto-sell

travel packages. Continued followups

and strategic adjustments to marketing

materials will further enhance group travel

engagement in Cape May.”

-- SK

ABA MARKETPLACE

PHILADELPHIA STATISTICS

More than:

2,880 people attended the show.

1,033 motorcoach and tour operators

were in attendance

289 motorcoach and tour operator

delegates took appointments all

week

40 appointments on average were

prescheduled for each

seller/1816 manual appointments

scheduled

134,246 business appointments slots

131 sponsors


Photo courtesy of Cape May MAC

Shown here, from left, B. Michael Zuckerman, Ph.D., member of the NJ Historical Commission, with representatives of the partners who won the

commission’s Award of Recognition: Cape May MAC Director and CEO Jody Alessandrine, Cape May MAC Chief Outreach Strategist Mary Stewart, Janis

Washington White, Cape May MAC Exhibit Designer Steven Olszewski, Artist Chanelle René, Center for Community Arts Director David McKenzie, Cape

May MAC Director of Media Relations Susan Krysiak, and Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation President Henrietta Wallace Shelton, Music Director

Isaac Nicholson, and Board Members Dr. Laurie Greene and Derek Longcrier.

Historical Commission recognizes ‘Line in the Sand’ exhibit

Partners who mounted an exhibit in

2024 that explored the segregation of

several Jersey Shore beaches during the

Jim Crow era were recognized by the New

Jersey Historical Commission in a ceremony

Tuesday, March 4 at Morven Museum

and Garden in Princeton. Cape May MAC

Recent happenings


possibly enjoy a beer while doing it!

On March 21, we held a closing event

for our Winter exhibit. This year’s exhibit,

“Routes of Black Travel: The Green Book in

Cape May and Wildwood,” looked at how

Black travelers used the Green Book to travel

safely. Our Chief Outreach Officer Eliza Lotozo

was able to connect with Uncle Nearest,

an American distillery named for Uncle

Nearest Green, the world’s first known African

American master distiller. John Boccino,

their Northeast Sales Director, joined us in

the Carroll Gallery and sampled their products

for a large and enthusiastic audience.

(Museums+Arts+Culture) and partners,

Center for Community Arts (CCA), Chicken

Bone Beach Historical Foundation, and

artist Chanelle René, are recipients of the

Award of Recognition from the New Jersey

Historical Commission to acknowledge

the collaborative exhibit “Line in the Sand:

We enjoyed two more concerts presented

by Classical Cape May this winter.

On Feb. 9, we enjoyed Music of our Time

by People of our Place, featuring local classical

artists and music composed during the

last century. On March 9, PolyVoce took the

stage with Brahms Liebeslieder Waltzes.

Both concerts, which are available both live

and livestream, have been well attended.

The final concert of the season is April 13

and we’re happy to announce that we have

added performances on Sundays, Oct. 5,

and Nov. 2.

Segregated Beaches in Cape May and

Atlantic City.”

The exhibit was open to the public at

the Carroll Gallery on the grounds of the

Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St.,

Cape May, from Jan. 13 to March 25, 2024.

-- SK

We continued our Lunch & Learn series

with programs during Black History

Month on the Negro Spiritual and Cape

May’s Black Churches and the Harlem Renaissance.

In March we offered a program

that looked at the Cape May Music Festival,

which will be starting in just a few weeks.

Both Jed Gaylin and Eliot Bailen, who will

be back performing, joined our Zoom. On

March 19, Roy Steinberg, Artistic Director of

Cape May Stage, joined us for a program on

Telling Your Own Story.

(CONTINUED ON FOLLOWING PAGE)


Marvelous May


CHASE JACKSON

across the country where they might face

discrimination or danger due to their race.

On Saturday, May 3 at noon at Cape May

Stage, 405 Lafayette St., arts administrator

Chase Jackson presents “By the Book: Traveling

While Black between 1936 and 1966.”

She will provide a first-hand account of how

the Green Book served its purpose and uncovered

even more discriminatory actions

along the way.

Jackson is an arts administrator and a

community arts activist. She believes that

even though the arts can be created for

aesthetic and intellectual purposes and

judged for beauty and meaningfulness, she

also feels that the arts can also be used as

an educational, motivational and economic

Recent happenings


With Sylvia Baer’s generous assistance,

we offered a new on-line seminar on literature

in March. Sylvia, Cape May’s Poet

Laureate, hosted three interactive seminars,

delving into American literature form Poe

and Melville to Alcott and Dickinson.

Finally, we continued our educational

outreach at the Blind Center of the Jersey

Cape in Avalon and Victorian Towers. We

also visited with the first grade at Wildwood

Catholic Academy with a St. Patrick’s Day

program on Finn McCool. If you belong to a

group that might enjoy one of our presentations,

please contact Elan Zingman-Leith at

ezingmanleith@capemaymac.org.

-- MES

development tool as well as a tool for cross

cultural communication and interactions.

Currently, she is the executive director of

Ocean City Arts Center. She holds a bachelor’s

degree in accounting from Elizabeth

City State University and a certificate in

arts administration from UNC Kenan–Flagler

Business School, Chapel Hill. She has

40-plus years in non-profit management.

Chase is an accomplished storyteller, producer,

director, actor and blues belter. She

is on the steering committee of the Creating

Change Network, a program hosted by

New Jersey Theatre Alliance and ArtPride

New Jersey that aims to build a more equitable,

just, and anti-racist arts community in

New Jersey.

On a more artistic note, a Blues fanatic,

she was the manager of national recording

artists, Saffire-the Uppity Blues Women, on

the Alligator label. She has also performed

under the name of Miz Mamie with her own

band, the wRight Blues Band in Red Bank,

N.J. and as a featured vocalist with De Gut

Bucket Blues Band in Norfolk, Va. Chase is

the co-founder of the Natchel’ Blues Network

(NBN), a blues society based in Norfolk,

Va

Chase is an experienced sailor and a tall

ship lover and advocate. She serves on the

board of Tall Ships America, a national organization

working with tall ship operators,

host ports, crew, and corporate sponsors

to focus on youth education, leadership

development and preservation of the maritime

heritage of North America. She still sails

whenever, wherever and on whatever she

can.

During her time in Cape May County,

she has produced numerous plays, story

and poetry slams through her production

company, ChaseArts, as well as been active

with several local nonprofits as a consultant

and volunteer. This program is presented

by Cape May MAC in association with Chase

Jackson, and hosted by Cape May Stage.

Tickets are $20. For more information or tickets,

CLICK HERE.

Gardens of Cape May Tour

Immerse yourself in colorful lush landscapes

that will spark your creativity during

The Gardens of Cape May Tour on Saturday,

May 10. This is a self-guided tour that shows

private and public gardens in the charming

coastal town of Cape May. Whether you’re

a seasoned gardener or a budding enthusiast,

this tour offers endless inspiration and

fresh ideas to bring back to your own garden.

This is your invitation to explore Cape

May’s unique natural areas and the plants,

blooms and landscape designs of area gardeners.

See what’s flourishing in several

different seashore locations dominated by

sunlight, ocean breezes, and sand and salt,

each uniquely situated. Cape May’s Emlen

Physick Estate gardens are included. The

grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048

Washington St., will host local and regional

vendors, including Rutgers master gardeners,

plus a complimentary wine tasting by

Cape May Winery. A trolley shuttle will be

available. The event is from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

and tickets are $35 and can be purchased by

CLICKING HERE.

Cape May Music Festival

Now celebrating its 36th year, the annual

Cape May Music Festival presented by

Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture),

with major support by the New Jersey State

Council on the Arts, returns to this seaside

resort with an engaging variety of musical

concerts that launch on Memorial Day

weekend. There are 14 classical, chamber,

jazz, funk and brass band musical performances,

some free to attend, from May 25-

June 28.

Evening concerts are scheduled this year

on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The

award-winning Atlantic Brass Band opens

the festival in a free outdoor concert May 25

at Rotary Park.

Classical music lovers will welcome the

New York Chamber Ensemble, the New

Jersey Symphony Chamber Players, and

the Bay Atlantic Symphony in performance.

Bach’s Lunches at the Inn of Cape May and

Midday Music and More at The Washington

Inn feature classical mini concerts with

delicious meals. New this year is the hot

(CONTINUED ON PAGE16)


Marveous May


new group from Philadelphia, SNACKTIME,

bringing their seven-piece funk and soul

to Cape May. “Combining their influences,

which range from jazz to rap to rock to punk

and R&B, SNACKTIME is one of the most

original ensembles out there right now,”

said Paste Magazine. A Jazz Brunch with

Paula Johns at the Shore Club and the heartfelt

George Mesterhazy Tribute Concert in

the intimate setting of the Episcopal Church

of the Advent round out the series for jazz

lovers.

For more information about concerts,

performers or venues, and to purchase tickets,

visit capemaymac.org or call 609-884-

5404.

Here’s the 36th Annual Cape May Music

Festival lineup:

May 25

36th Annual Cape May Music Festival:

Atlantic Brass Band

The award-winning, 35-piece Atlantic

Brass Band, under the baton of Salvatore

Scarpa, returns to Cape May with an exciting

new program of rousing band music, the

perfect high note for Memorial Day Weekend.

7 p.m. Rotary Bandstand, 400-498 Lafayette

St. (Rain location: Cape May Convention

Hall, 714 Beach Ave.) Free admission.

capemaymac.org

June 1


New Jersey Symphony

Chamber Players

Symphony members Bart Feller, flute,

Bob Ingliss, oboe, Juan Esteban Martinez,

clarinet, Andrea Menousek, horn and Bob

Wagner, bassoon, form a woodwind quintet

to delight audiences with a program including

Jacques Ibert’s playful Trois Pièces

Brèves, Valerie Coleman’s anthem of freedom

and unity, “Umoja,” and Franz Danzi’s

lyrically beautiful Quintet in G minor, among

other pieces. 7 p.m. The Episcopal Church of

the Advent, 612 Franklin St. Visit capemaymac.org

for tickets.

June 4, 11, 18


Bach’s Lunches

Lunch and a Classical music mini concert

combine for a wonderful afternoon at

the historic Inn of Cape May. These intimate

performances feature members of the Bay

Atlantic Symphony. 12:30 p.m. Inn of Cape

May, 7 Ocean St. Visit capemaymac.org for

tickets.

June 5


New York Chamber Ensemble

presents “Classical Meets Pop, with

Beethoven and BAILEN”

Featuring Artistic Director Eliot Bailen,

cello, Susan Rotholz, flute, and the pop trio

BAILEN, the New York Chamber Ensemble

presents a beautiful Beethoven String

Quartet and the soulful music of BAILEN

with strings and flute. 7 p.m. The Episcopal

Church of the Advent, 612 Franklin St. Visit

capemaymac.org for tickets.

June 6


Midday Music & More

Enjoy an intimate classical music performance

over lunch at the historic Washington

Inn, presented by Friends of the Cape May

Music Festival, featuring Eliot Bailen, Susan

Rotholz and Jed Gaylin. 12:30 p.m. Washington

Inn, 801 Washington St. Visit capemaymac.org

for tickets.

June 7


Jazz Brunch with Paula Johns

Savor a delicious jazz brunch with Paula

Johns at the phenomenal Shore Club. Paula

is an accomplished cabaret singer and jazz

vocalist who hails from Philadelphia. She is

often compared to Ella Fitzgerald, and some

of the great contemporaries of that era, but

Paula brings her own distinctive panache to

each song she sings, featuring songs from

The Great American Songbook, including

Porter, Rodgers & Hart, Jobim, Bacharach

and others.11 a.m. Shore Club, 1170 Golf

Club Road, Cape May Court House. Visit


June 8


13th Annual George

Mesterhazy Tribute Concert:

“We Love Being Here With You”

Once again the late George Mesterhazy’s

close-knit musical colleagues will perform

a beautiful tribute concert at the Cape

May Music Festival to honor the memory of

their beloved friend George. These musicians

have always enjoyed performing in

this annual event because of the warm and

enthusiastic reception they receive, and all

the familiar faces they see in the audience.

This concert will feature special arrangements

of songs that celebrate the joys of

being together, including classic songs

(CONTINUED ON FOLLOWING PAGE)


Marvelous May

(CONTINUED FROM PRECEDING PAGE)

from the Great American Songbook and

beyond. 7 p.m. The Episcopal Church of the

Advent, 612 Franklin St. Visit capemaymac.

org for tickets.

June 12


Bay Atlantic Symphony

presents

“Serenades and Song”

Bay Atlantic Symphony presents “Serenades

and Songs” for intimate string orchestra

highlighting sweeping melodies

and snappy rhythms by composers from

America, Sweden, England, Georgia/Russia

and Germany. 7 p.m. The Episcopal Church

of the Advent, 612 Franklin St. Visit capemaymac.org

for tickets.

(Lauryn Hill, Turnstile, Bartees Strange). In

describing the band’s sound, Paste Magazine

said, “combining their influences, which

range from jazz to rap to rock to punk and

R&B, SNACKTIME is one of the most original

ensembles out there right now.” Cape May

Convention Hall, 714 Beach Ave. 7 p.m. Visit


June 15



presents

“The Pinnacle of Chamber Music:

Schubert’s Quintet in C Major”

The New York Chamber Ensemble, featuring

Artistic Director Eliot Bailen, cello, and

Susan Rotholz, flute, and guests.

Antonin Dvorak: Terzetto

Franz Schubert: Quintet in C Major with

two cellos

4 p.m. The Episcopal Church of the Advent,

612 Franklin St. Visit capemaymac.org

for tickets.

June 26



presents

“The Virtuosic Piano

in Chamber Music”

Featuring Margaret Kampmeier, piano

Paul Schoenfeld: Three Bagatelles

Frank Bridge: Phantasy Piano Quartet

Felix Mendelssohn: Piano Quartet No. 3

7 p.m. The Episcopal Church of the Advent,

612 Franklin St. Visit capemaymac.org

for tickets.

Atlantic Symphony and will play a work he

has long championed, the eclectic concerto

by Austrian pianist/composer/philosopher

Friederich Gulda. The concerto is for cello

and wind orchestra with a jazz rhythm section

and bounces between swing and funk,

to rustic Austrian folk melodies. It is tuneful

and dramatic, with wildly expressive passages.

The evening’s program begins with

one of the greatest of all wind serenades, by

W.A. Mozart. The audience will also have the

joy of experiencing Mr. Peled’s intensely expressive

artistry performing solo Bach. 7:30

p.m. The Episcopal Church of the Advent,

612 Franklin St. For more information CLICK

HERE.

-- SK

Tickets for any of these

tours and events may be

purchased in advance by

phone at 609-884-5404,

online at capemaymac.org

or in person by visiting Hill

House Visitor Service

Center or Carriage House

Visitor Service Center, both

at the Emlen Physick

Estate, 1048 Washington

St., or the Washington

Street Mall Information

Booth at Washington Street

at Ocean Street.

June 14


SNACKTIME

SNACKTIME is Philadelphia’s already

beloved seven-piece band with soul, funk,

punk, hip hop and rock influences. SNACK-

TIME recently released their debut studio

EP, This is Dance Music, recorded and

produced by Grammy-nominated Will Yip

June 28


Bay Atlantic Symphony

presents

“Alpine Jazz Adventure”

Celebrity cellist Amit Peled joins the Bay

Cape May Music Festival is

sponsored in part with a grant

from the New Jersey State

Council on the Arts and with the

support of generous donors

including Brown & Brown of

New Jersey, LLC, the David R.

& Patricia D. Atkinson

Foundation, Madison

Resorts and the Cape May

Star & Wave.

www.capemaymac.org Cape May MAC Winter 2025 • Page 17

Cape May MAC's Spring 2025 Newsletter

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