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Arts & History Directory
Nina Ranalli, Director
215 39th Street, Avalon, NJ 08202 (609) 967-0090
website: www.avalonfreelibrary.org
The museum collects, catalogues, and preserves objects, documents, photographs and personal histories relating to
Avalon. Programs and fundraisers are offered throughout the year.
P. O. Box 72, Avalon, NJ, 08202 (609) 967-3936
email: s.malyszka.jr@verizon.net
website: www.avalonperformingarts.org
Sponsors such activities as: judged art shows, spring and summer concerts, bus trips, cabaret night, beach concerts and beach movies, children's Holiday program and weekly summer entertainment shows for children.
PO Box 2195, Cape May, NJ, 08204
email: info@capemaycountyartleague.org
website: www.capemaycountyartleague.org
The oldest County Art League in the nation is dedicated to promoting visual, verbal and written art forms throughout Cape May County.
1402 Route 9 South #193, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
website: www.cmccwrt.com
The group presents free lectures, presentations, demonstrations and discussions monthly on various aspects of the Civil War.
504 Rt. 9 North, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 (609)465-3535
website: www.cmcmuseum.org email: museum@co.cape-may.nj.us
The Cape May County Museum is located in the Historic John Holmes House. The Museum invites visitors to explore, discover and learn Jersey Cape history through programs and tours of the historic Cresse-Holmes House estate and by researching local history and genealogy at the Alexander Memorial Library.
Veronica Scutaro, President
PO Box 595, Cape May NJ 08204
website: www.njstatefilmfestival.com
The Cape May Film Society encourages the creation and appreciation of outstanding films in southern New Jersey. They host the Cape May New Jersey Film Festival, Film Camp for Teens and the Summer Movie series.
31 Perry St., Cape May, NJ, 08204, (609) 884-1341 or fax 609-884-4686.
website: www.capemaystage.com
A performance-oriented professional equity theatre company residing at the Robert Shackelton Playhouse that places emphasis on acting, directing, and playwriting excellence. The theatre company also provides education and community outreach to residents and visitors of Cape May as well as to other communities in
Cape May County.
Patty Weeks, Chorus Director
P.O. Box 581, Tuckahoe, NJ
website: www.capeshorechorus.org
This group of women sing in 4-part harmony in the distinctive barbershop style with rehearsals every Thursday at 7:15 p.m. at the Abundant Life Assembly of God, 44 Route 50, Ocean View, NJ 08230
For More Information Email: pwbari@yahoo.com
David Mackensie, Executive Director
717 Franklin St., Cape May, NJ 08204 (609)884-7525; fax: (609)884-6424
website: www.centerforcommunityarts.org
e-mail: info@centerforcommunityarts.org
CCA is restoring the Franklin Street School, a New Jersey African-American Historic Site, as a Community Cultural Center. CCA also owns and operates WCFA-LP 101.5 FM, a low-power community radio station with jazz and community-generated programming serving lower Cape May County. A multicultural educational organization whose arts and humanities programs foster creativity, community-building and appreciation for the rich diversity of our world. Programs include: Art classes for adults; a Youth Arts Program from September to May and summer arts camps in Cape May; after-school programs, and youth arts exhibits; and annual Community Outreach Events including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Party in January.
Bernie Blanks, Sr.
PO Box 412, Whitesboro, NJ 08252
www.ccwinc.org
CCW promotes educational opportunities, civic awareness, recreational and art programming as well as historical and cultural exchange events to enrich the lives of the residents of Whitesboro and the surrounding area. It is committed to building a strong community through local organization, leadership and program development.
571 Petersburg Rd and Hall Ave., P.O. Box 71, Dennisville, NJ 08214
(609)861-9700; fax (609)861-5402
website: www.dennistwp.org e-mail: dennistwpmuseum@comcast.net
The museum is housed in what was the Dennisville Village School House, built in 1874. The museum and history center's mission is the collection of artifacts, early pictures, and historic documents for thematic displays that tell the unique history of the Township's villages of Belleplain, Eldora, North Dennis, Clermont, South Seaville and Ocean View.
Jack Connolly, President
P.O. Box 311, Dennisville, NJ 08214 (609) 861-1338.
website: http://dhhoa.dennistwp.org/
e-mail: dennisvillechristmashousetour@verizon.net
The Association meets quarterly throughout the year. All who have an interest in historic home preservation and the history of the Dennis Township area are invited to attend. The Historic Dennisville Christmas House Tour occurs every year on the 3rd Saturday of December from 5-9 p.m. Tickets are $10.00.
Dan MacElrevey, President
3314 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260
(609)523-1958 website: www.doowopusa.org
e-mail: info@doowopusa.org
The League fosters awareness of, appreciation for, and education about the mid-20th Century culture and architecture of the Wildwoods as a theme and focus for the resort's development in the 21st Century.
Gayle Stahlhuth, Artistic Director
121 4th Ave, West Cape May, NY, 08204, (609) 884-5898
website: www.eastlynnetheater.org e-mail: eastlynneco@aol.com
This Equity professional theater is active all year, performing in residence at The First Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes St., Cape May, from June-December, celebrating its 35th year as New Jersey's home of American Stage Classics.
P.O. Box 236., Ocean City, NJ, 08226, (609) 525-9300; fax: (609) 525-0301
website: www.firstnightoceancitynj.org
Ring in the New Year with this non-alcoholic evening of entertainment for the whole family.
Dona Kemling, President
720 Route 9, Cape May, NJ 08204 (609) 898-1919
email: hcsv.friends@gmail.com
website: www.hcsv.org
John S. Gabel, Chair
P.O. Box 931, Ocean City, NJ 08226 (609) 398-4797
The Friends promote excellence in programming and performance as well as the continued development of the Orchestra and its concerts.
Website: www.gablescapemay.com
Visit: GABLES on Facebook
GABLES was created in 1995 to promote equality at the Southern Shore of New Jersey. GABLES publishes a bimonthly newsletter and has been the recipient of the Governor's award for Excellence in Tourism for their publication, "The Rainbow Directory."
Diane Muentz, President
653 1/2 Washington Street
PO Box 495 Cape May, NJ 08204 (609) 884-9100
website: www.capemayhistory.org
The Greater Cape May Historical Society is Steward of The Colonial House Museum, located in the first period Memucan Hughes house, c. 1730. The museum includes a restored tavern room, common room and Gallery Exhibit Room on first floor. The museum is open June 15 to September 15 Wednesday through Saturday (closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday) 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and during Victorian Weekend in October. The museum is also open by appointment. The Colonial House museum is the headquarters of the Society and is located at 653½ Washington Street, Cape May next to City Hall and behind the Blue Rose Inn.
Betty Mugnier, Manager
111 North Central Ave., North Wildwood, NJ (609)522-4520
website: www.herefordlighthouse.org
We offer guided and self-guided tours of the Lighthouse. There are award-winning cottage gardens, a butterfly habitat, summer craft shows with special guest, and a gift shop.
P.O. Box 658 Marmora, NJ 08223-0658 (609)390-5656
website: www.UpperTwpHistory.org
e-mail: UpperTwpHistory@yahoo.com
The Society strives to promote the historical heritage of Upper Township through the identification, research restoration and preservation of historical landmarks throughout Upper Township. These landmarks include: The restored Tuckahoe Railroad Station on Railroad Ave., Friendship School at 859 S. Shore Rd., Palermo; and John Wesley Gandy Farmstead at 26 Tyler Rd., Greenfield. The Society provides custodial care for all three sites.
Anne Salvatore, Executive Director
720 Rt. 9 Cold Spring, NJ 08204 (609) 898-2300 Fax: (609) 884-5926
email: 4info@hcsv.org
web: www.hcsv.org
The Village is an Early American, open-air, living history museum portraying the "age of homespun." Visit with the interpreters in period clothing who bring the 1800s to life. Twenty-six antique, restored buildings on 22 wooded acres. Special weekend and weekday programs, and events, including children's activities.
Marie Iaconangelo, Chairman
310 S. Broadway, W. Cape May, NJ 08204 (609) 884-4279
The Committee celebrates the history of the borough by researching its diverse cultural background and informing the public with presentations, publications, walking tours and other events.
3008 Atlantic Ave.
PO Box 2538
Wildwood, NJ 08260
Home of one of the founders of the City of Wildwood. Open to the public on select dates.
Bev Farrell, Chair
1658 Simpson Ave, Ocean City, NJ 08226 (609)398-5854
e-mail: bevkfarrell@hotmail.com
The Jersey Cape Writers are a diverse group of creative writers who meet the last Tuesday of every month except December at the Wetlands Institute, Stone Harbor to read our work and receive positive, constructive feedback. Two anthologies of our work have been published.
Embroiderers Guild of America
Meets the 1st Wednesday of each month from 10 am to 2 pm and from 6 pm to 8 pm at the
Ocean City Library
1735 Simpson Ave
Ocean City, NJ 08226
Embroiderers Guild of America strives to be an acknowledged authority in the preservation and education of needle arts as an art form with significant resources to serve its broad base membership and global community.
Contact: President Kathy Tweed, 401 Route 47 South, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Bill Winter, President
32 Canterbury Way, Cape May, NJ 08204 (609) 898-0589
email: ajcrcc@comcast.net
The band is composed of 20-25 volunteers from three states (Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey), three New Jersey counties (Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland) and thirteen South Jersey Communities. Band members range in age from 14-80 years. The band plays a variety of musical styles including marches, Broadway tunes, classical, pops and jazz. The band seeks new members of all ages and instrumentation. Music will be provided. Just bring your instrument. Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evening from 7-9 p.m. at Court House Elementary School No. 2, 101 West Pacific Ave., Cape May Court House.
100 block east between Andrews and Burke Aves.
Wildwood, NJ 08260
Site of the first school in Holly Beach (Wildwood).
Marcia Shallcross, Executive Director
901 Asbury Ave. Ocean City, NJ 08226 (609) 398-4662
email: mainstreetoceancity@verizon.net
Michael Porch, Executive Director
PO Box 1781 Wildwood, NJ 08260 (609) 729-6818
email: msw@mainstreetwildwood.com
This is a non-profit Downtown revitalization organization that uses Historic Preservation and Community Culture and Heritage as tools to accomplish its mission.
John Bate, Director
P.O. Box 762, Ocean City, NJ 08226 (609) 399-2988
The Choir encourages participation in, and patronage of, the choral arts in southern New Jersey by providing a venue for the preparation and performance of superior vocal music.
B. Michael Zuckerman, Director; Mary Stewart, Chief Outreach Office
1048 Washington St., Cape May, NJ, 08204, (609)884-5404 or fax (609)884-5064.
website: www.capemaymac.org
E-mail: info@capemaymac.org
Cape May's leader in cultural and heritage tourism, MAC offers a year-round schedule of special events and trolley, house, boat and ghost tours. Visit Cape May's only Victorian house museum, the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate, fully restored and operated by MAC. Attributed to the renowned architect Frank Furness, this 18-room mansion is one of the finest examples of "Stick Style" architecture in America. Many original furnishings are on display throughout the house. MAC has also restored the 1876 Carriage House and today it houses the Carriage House Gallery, home to changing exhibits and the Carriage House Café and Tearoom. MAC restored and operates the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse, located in Cape May Point State Park, where visitors can climb the 199 steps for an unparalleled view of the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay and City of Cape May. MAC also restored and operates the World War II Lookout Tower (Fire Control Tower No. 23) on Sunset Boulevard, part of the immense Harbor Defense of the Delaware system known as Fort Miles. Visitors can climb to the sixth floor spotting gallery and learn about defense efforts during World War II. MAC also sponsors Sherlock Holmes Weekends (March and November), Cape May's Spring Festival (late April/early May), the Cape May Music Festival (mid-May-mid-June), Kids Day at the Physick Estate (July), the Cape May Food and Wine Celebration (late September), Victorian Weekend (mid-October), Halloween Happenings (throughout October)
and six weeks of Christmas in Cape May.
Deborah Dunbracco, Secretary
33 Mechanic Street, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 (609) 465-8712
E-mail: ddunbracco@middletownship.com
The Council plans year-round arts programming for all Middle Township residents.
Dr. Joseph Salvatore, Chair.
500 Forrestal Road, Cape May County Airport, Rio Grande, NJ 08242, (609)886-8787
website: www.usnasw.org e-mail: aviationmuseum@comcast.net
Naval Air Station Wildwood was a World War II dive-bomber training site. The Museum is dedicated to the 42 airmen who perished while training here between 1943 and 1945. NASW Aviation Museum now boasts over 20 aircraft displays as well as exhibits of military memorabilia, engines, photographs and interactive displays for the young and young-at-heart. We are open year-round rain or shine! Please call or visit us on the web for specific hours and current event listings.
Roz Lifshin, Executive Director
1735 Simpson Ave, Ocean City, NJ, 08226, (609) 399-7628
website: www.oceancityartscenter.org e-mail: info@oceancityartscenter.org
The Center sponsors monthly gallery exhibits, over 35 weekly classes for adults and children, an annual Summer Art Camp, TV/Film Camp, Guitar Camp and Performing Arts Camp for children, workshops, lectures, bus trips and concerts. OCAC hosts special one-time events like poetry readings by noted individuals and interactive literacy or performing events throughout the year. Annual shows include the Boardwalk Art Show, Holiday Art Sale, Senior Citizens Craft Show, Juried Art Exhibition, and Photography Show. There is ample parking, and the Center is accessible to persons with disabilities. Both young and old are welcome, rain or shine.
608 Asbury Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08226 (609) 814-0308 or (609) 814-9988
website: www.oceancityfineartsleague.org
e-mail: art@oceancityfineartsleague.org
The League is dedicated to promoting the visual and performing arts in South Jersey as well as expanding opportunities for individual artists and performers. We honor the cultural history of Ocean City and strive to trailblaze toward an exciting future in the community through exhibits, events, classes, workshops and demonstrations.
Jeff McGranahan, Executive Director
1735 Simpson Ave. Ocean City, NJ 08226 (609)399-1801
website: www.ocnjmuseum.org e-mail: kencooper@ocnjmuseum.org; rachel@ocnjmuseum.org
The Museum's permanent exhibit is "Sea View and Salt Air: A History of Ocean City." This exhibit features a historically correct timeline of Ocean City history that integrates artifacts and photographs from the Museum's collection along with large print storyboards to introduce the visitor to the history of Ocean City. Another permanent exhibit featured in the Museum is dedicated to the Sindia, a four-massed barque that grounded itself on Ocean City's beach in 1901. The Sindia exhibit includes an 8' x 8' stained-glass window showing the ship under said, the ship's original figurehead, and other artifacts and photographs from the ship. Ocean City Historical Museum also offers a fully-stocked gift shop and a modern research library that includes genealogy research tools. Admission is always free; donations are always appreciated.
Jack Brooks, President
P.O. Box 880, Ocean City, NJ 08226
(609)398-5811 or fax: (609)398-2157
website: www.ocraa.com E-mail: alum@ocraa.com
The Museum captures the history of lifesaving on Ocean City's beaches through its display of photographs and memorabilia.
William Scheible, Artistic Director
P.O. Box 931, Ocean City, NJ 08226
Phone: (609)525-9248 ext. 13
website: www.oceancitypops.org e-mail: oceancitypops@aol.com
South Jersey's oldest professional orchestra continues to offer a variety of concerts, Broadway shows and an array of leading guest artist appealing to many thousands of residents and visitors throughout the summer season.
1501 West Ave, Ocean City NJ 08226 (609)398-1118
website: www.oceancitytheatrecompany.com
Professional theater, children's theatre series, music and dance camps
Jane Stark, Executive Director
610 Washington Ave., P.O. Box 517, Woodbine, NJ 08270 (609)861-5355 or
fax: (609)861-5526
website: www.thesam.org
The rich history and heritage that belongs to Woodbine is truly a slice of Americana. Once the center of Jewish life in Woodbine, the antique brick Brotherhood Synagogue building now houses a wealth of history, personal accounts, historical photographs, documents and artifacts that detail the story of the town's original settlers. Through a self-guided tour, you can experience the unique history of Woodbine and the development of an American community. The Museum is open to the public and there is no admission fee. It is available for bus tours, school groups and more. For specific hours, please call, or visit us on the Web.
email: OperaFestInternational@gmail.com
website: www.operafestinternationalinc.com
OperaFest is a professional company based in Ocean City, NJ, dedicated to bringing the beauty of opera to residents and visitors to Cape May County. They perform works that reach both the opera enthusiast as well as audiences that are new to the art form. .
321 N Delsea Dr, Cape May Court House NJ 08210
website: www.St.Babs.org e-mail: will@StBabs.org
St. Babs, housed on the historic property of the Goshen Methodist Church, provides arts programs and arts education to the Cape May County Community. In addition to spiritual, recovery and other community based programs, St. Babs hosts music performances and multiple art related events.
Martie Fidler, Director
3702 Bayshore Road, North Cape May, NJ 08204
Founded by the late Father William Shelton. The group's members paint in the Traditional Realism style.
Abby Powell, President
300-48th Street, Sea Isle City, NJ 08243
(new location is combined with the Sea Isle City Branch of the Cape May County Library - the Museum has its own wing)
Website: seaislehistoricalsociety.org
(609) 263-2992
The collection includes memorabilia of wide interest and time periods, as well as a featured photograph collection of over three thousand prints. Step back in time and savor your memories of days gone by.
Roberta McCaughey
P.O. Box 1103, Marmora, NJ 08223
website: www.southshorestitchers.com
Linda Johnston
503 Beachwood Drive, Villas, NJ 08251 (609) 889-9421
An authentic, historically-accurate, Vaudeville show (songs, dances and comedy from 1870 to 1920) which reflects the emergence of modern America.
11615 2nd Ave., Stone Harbor, NJ 08247 (609)368-2294
Members are working to restore the 1895 Tatham Lifesaving Station that is now the Legion Post's home. Numerous military artifacts from WWII to the present day are displayed. Murals and descriptive panels provide a historical perspective on the heroes of the Life Saving Service in the early 1900s.
Terrie Cwik, President
Bruce Tell, Director
9410 Second Avenue, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247 (609) 368-7500
E Mail: info@stoneharbormuseum.org
website: www.stoneharbormuseum.org
The museum contains artifacts and memorabilia relating to Stone Harbor.
7900 New Jersey Ave
Wildwood Crest, NJ 08260
Site of the only Revolutionary War battle fought in Cape May County.
Charlie and Karen Buckley
785 Stone Harbor Blvd., Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 (609)463-0685
e-mail: turtlesinger@hotmail.com
website: www.turtlesinger.org
Turtlesinger, Inc. is a Federal 501c3 Public Charity. Winner of the Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Education (ANJEE) Outstanding Environmental Educator Award. Now in its 18th year, having reached over 206,000 turtle lovers of all ages at over 888 events. This year-round, award-winning, traveling musical, environmental education program teaches and entertains the public about turtles with original turtle songs and/or 4 different kinds of live turtles in turtle shows and turtle events, along with award-winning turtle photography, DVDs and video, CDs, pet therapy, and the Turtlesinger T.A.L.E.S. (Turtles are Listening to Every Story) "Read and Feed" Reading Program. Themed presentations include: A Turtlesinger Rainforest program; Turtlesinger Turtle Myths and Legends programs; Turtlesinger Trick or Treat; Turtlesinger Tea Parties; and a special Turtlesinger Christmas Program.
1075 Stone Harbor Blvd, Stone Harbor, NJ, 08246, (609) 368-1211
website: www.wetlandsinstitute.org
The Institute is dedicated to salt marsh education and research. Visitors can enjoy the Observation Tower, museum, aquariums, children's exhibits, live animal programs, and a guided marsh walk. Guided tours are available for school groups and other groups by reservation.
Shirley Green, Director
2215 Route 9 South, Whitesboro, NJ 08252 (609)465-3960
The Foundation preserves the history of the community named for North Carolina Congressman George H. White, the last post-Reconstruction era African-American to hold a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Al Brannen, Curator
3907 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260 (609) 523-0277
website: www.wildwoodhistoricalmuseum.org
The Society gathers, preserves and presents the history of the Wildwoods in the George F. Boyer Historical Museum.