Historical Society Founder Honored in Sea Isle City

SEA ISLE CITY – The members of the Sea Isle City Historical Society recently gathered inside their Historical Museum for a special ceremony to honor Harriett Reardon Bailey, a founding member of the society and a driving force who helped create the museum. Bailey, who is currently a resident of nearby Ocean View, was the society’s first president and the museum’s first curator.
During the well-attended ceremony Sept. 17, a plaque inscribed with Bailey’s name was unveiled in the museum’s Family Research Area, effectively dedicating that space in her honor. As the name suggests, the Family Research Area focuses on Sea Isle’s many notable families, each represented by books filled with photographs, news articles and other artifacts.
According to Historical Society President Mike Stafford, who replaced Bailey in 1990, she is “a pioneer among pioneers.”
“Without Harriett’s drive and ambition, we would not have a museum today,” said Stafford. “In 1982, while Sea Isle City was celebrating its centennial, Harriett led the charge to create our historical society and ultimately our museum. She was perfect for the job because she works well with others and she has the ability to get things done efficiently.”
“It was a lovely ceremony and I was really pleased with the number of people who attended,” said the honoree. “In the beginning, there were three of us on the original committee (to create the historical society). It was our aim to have a museum one day, so we got other people to help and we moved our plan forward.”
“We really need to know our history – especially in a seashore town that is constantly changing,” added Bailey, who grew up in Sea Isle City and graduated from Ocean City High School. “Many people remember this town from their childhoods and they appreciate seeing images of the past. It’s nice to be able to look back and see what Sea Isle was like years ago.”
To learn more about the Sea Isle City Historical Society and Museum, phone (609) 263-2992 or visit them on Facebook. The Sea Isle City Historical Museum, which is open twelve months a year, is located on the first level of the Sea Isle City branch of the Cape May County Library, 4800 Central Avenue.