Additional ‘Lunch and Learn’ Series Programs Added in March

CAPE MAY – Due to popular demand, additional programs on Wednesdays in March will be offered as part of the new Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) Lunch and Learn series.
Bring a bag lunch for this series of informative talks on popular topics of history, culture, science and the arts, at the Carriage House on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. Admission is free for MAC members and $5 for non-members, and beverages are included.
Topics during March will be:
• “Beyond Downton Abbey – Part I” with Robert Heinly, Ed.D.
March 5 at 12 p.m.
Join this two-part discussion, “seminar-style,” of events in England and the rest of Europe between World War I and World War II. The first half on March 5 will focus on how the Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I — which was supposed to be “the war to end all wars” — actually created the conditions leading to World War II. Discussion will include how many of the current tensions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East were created by this treaty; the failed efforts to create the League of Nations, outlaw War and create an International Court; and the world-wide Great Depression that happened during this era. Heinly is MAC’s Director of Museum Education.
• “Beyond Downton Abbey – Part II” with Robert Heinly, Ed.D.
March 12 at 12 p.m.
Join the second in this two-part discussion, “seminar-style,” of events in England and the rest of Europe between World War I and World War II. The March 12 discussion will focus on the rise of dictatorships in Germany, Italy and Russia; on the unsuccessful English efforts to appease these dictators; and on the beginning of World War II. Heinly is MAC’s Director of Museum Education.
• “Fashions of Downton Abbey (Or, How Women’s World Changed in 12 Short Years)” with Mary Stewart
March 19 at 12 p.m.
Between 1912 and 1924 there was a sea change in women’s fashions. Women moved out of the grip of the Victorian era and into the exciting world of the “Jazz Baby,” shedding their corsets as they went. Styles changed and so did technology, making possible the clingy, swingy look of the fashions of the 1920s. This richly illustrated presentation looks at how women’s lives changed dramatically during this time and the fashions, designers and fabrics that made it all possible. MAC’s Chief Outreach Officer, Stewart has played an integral role at MAC for over 25 years. She has degrees in art and business; holds offices on boards of local arts and cultural organizations and is an accomplished seamstress.
• “Victorian Vices – A Walk on the Victorian Wild Side”
By Elan Zingman-Leith with Robert Heinly, Ed.D.
March 26 at 12 p.m.
This presentation will deal with topics like sex, drugs and other Victorian debaucheries. Hear about Victorian drinking, marriage, prostitution, the changing Victorian views of women, psychological theories that developed during this time to explain Victorian depravities, legal efforts to suppress vice and Cape May “hot spots” for nefarious activities. Zingman-Leith has a background in history, historic preservation and inn-keeping and is a former curator for MAC. He has served as Deputy Director of Preservation of the New York City Landmark Preservation Commission, chairman of both the Cape May and West Cape May Historic Preservation Commissions, and has worked for the National Register of Historic Places. He has been a bed and breakfast innkeeper in Cape May for over 20 years.
No preregistration is required for these programs. For more information, call 609-884-5404 ext. 1-134 or visit MAC’s Web site at www.capemaymac.org.
The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) 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. MAC membership is open to all. For information about MAC’s year-round schedule of tours, festivals, and special events call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278, or visit MAC’s Web site at www.capemaymac.org. For information about restaurants, accommodations and shopping, call the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May at 609-884-5508. For information about historic accommodations, contact Cape May Historic Accommodations at www.capemaylodging.com.