Bill Sprouse is Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) Volunteer of the Month for January

Bill Sprouse of Ventnor is the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) Volunteer of the Month for January 2018. Author of “The Domestic Life of the Jersey Devil,” published by Oyster Eye Publishing, ©2013, he graciously presented a lecture with his book as a guide about the mystery and lore of the Jersey Devil, one of New Jersey’s most mysterious figures, over afternoon tea Oct. 20 at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., Cape May. Sprouse, who grew up in Atlantic City, was about nine years old when his grandmother, his “BeBop,” told him he was related to the Jersey Devil. He told a fascinating tale of his journey exploring the roots of this folk lore, which is inextricably tied to New Jersey history. The program helped raise funds in part for projects of the Friends of the Physick Estate, who are devoted to enhancing the collections of the 1879 Physick Estate, Cape May’s Victorian House Museum.
“The program was extremely well-attended,” said Mary Stewart, MAC’s Chief Outreach Strategist and coordinator of the Friends of the Physick Estate. “We had so much interest in this program from the start. Bill took us on a captivating journey as he delved into this Pine Barrens legend, explaining the lore-and lure-of the Jersey Devil in South Jersey. We are so grateful to Bill for his support of our historic preservation mission, and for sharing his fascinating insights with us.”
For information on the variety of MAC volunteer opportunities available, please contact Barbara Hubmaster at (609) 884-5404 ext. 109 or email bhubmaster@capemaymac.org.