Preservation New Jersey Lifetime Achievement Award Presented to Cape May County Couple

This past week, Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum Chairman, Dr. Joseph Salvatore, and his wife, Mrs. Annie Salvatore, received an impressive Lifetime Achievement Award from Preservation New Jersey for their work at the NASW Aviation Museum as well as Historic Cold Spring Village. The Sarah B. Fiske Legacy & Leadership Award is presented to honor leaders, visionaries and professionals who have preserved and restored important landmarks and landscapes throughout the state. Visitors and locals alike agree that the rich history found in Cape May County is an interesting and important part in their decision to visit and/or live in the area.
The barrier islands of Cape May County attract visitors from near and far; miles of beaches, boardwalks and other fun attractions are sure to catch the eye of any vacation planner, however the mainland has hidden treasures all its own. The area has been inhabited for centuries from indigenous Native American tribes to farmers and entrepreneurs; the history that accompanies it is remarkable. Thanks to the Salvatores, for over four decades that history has been on display and available to the public, first through the open-air, early American living museum, Historic Cold Spring Village and later through the powerful & transformative years through the second world war, with the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum.
Historic Cold Spring Village boasts 29 restored buildings in a setting that resembles what a small early American settlement in Southern New Jersey would have looked like. With humble beginnings back in 1973, the village has transformed over the years to include a brewery which helps support the Village as the only nonprofit brewery in the State of New Jersey, and has seen over 2 million visitors come through the gates and experience the history in each of the buildings. In the mid 1990’s the Salvatores “adopted” a severely deteriorated Hangar #1 which was built and used by the United States Navy during World War II and was given to the county following the Allies victory. In its hay day, Hangar #1 was one of only six training facilities; it was used exclusively for training dive-bomber squadrons as the geographical features of the coast, which needed protection from German U-boats, also made a comparable aerial view for landing and taking off from aircraft carriers that would be stationed in the Pacific. The years following the war, Hangar #1 saw much wear and tear from various tenants and took quite a beating from Mother Nature, eventually leaving it virtually useless and slated for demolition. Since its inception, NASW Foundation has restored about 80 percent of the building and transformed it into an interactive, hands on museum featuring the aircraft of World War II as well as equipment and exhibits displaying the evolution of war all the way through modern day.
Both the Historic Cold Spring Village and NASW Aviation Museums have listings on State and National Registers marking certain buildings with national historic significance. Both museums also reside in their own designated historic districts recognized by the state. Despite setbacks like the recession of 2009 cutting deeply into funding, both destinations are continuing to press forward with their restoration and preservation plans to save the history for future generations. Dr. & Mrs. Salvatore have served not only their county but the state as a whole; both have sat or are currently sitting on multiple boards advocating for county and state historical preservation. Their vision, drive and perseverance, paired with help from countless volunteers, employees, contractors, architects, engineers, and granting agencies has made an incomparable difference for millions of people. These two destinations are integral parts of the tourism industry which is a major factor in the local economy. The work of the Salvatore family and those who have lent a helping hand is commendable, memorable and amazing.