Residents to Enjoy Free Admission to Cape May Attractions, June 21

CAPE MAY – The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) hosts Community Day June 21. This year, Community Day coincides with Father’s Day, and regardless of residency, all fathers climb free at the Cape May Lighthouse and the World War II Tower and tour the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate June 21, as well.
Community Day is a way of saying an enthusiastic “thank you” to members of the local community by offering free admission to some of the most popular MAC tours and attractions to county residents. It is only through the ongoing and enthusiastic support of local residents this not-for-profit organization’s cultural and historical programs and preservation efforts are made possible.
With only a proof of residency, MAC offers Cape May County residents free admission June 21 to the following: the restored Cape May Lighthouse, the World War II Lookout Tower (Fire Control Tower No. 23), Emlen Physick Estate Tours, Historic District Trolley Tours, and Combination Trolley/Physick Estate Tours. Suggested proofs of residency include a driver’s license, voter registration card, passport or utility bill. Children under the age of 18 do not need to prove residency, but must be accompanied by an eligible adult.
County residents can enjoy the following tours and activities free on Community Day:
The Cape May Lighthouse: Climb this 1859 structure with 199 steps to the watch gallery for a panoramic view of the Jersey Cape and Atlantic Ocean. The Museum Shop offers souvenirs, books, videos and other maritime items for sale. A fully accessible Visitors’ Orientation Center is located in the Oil House on the Lighthouse grounds where visitors who choose not to climb can see a photomural of the view. The Lighthouse is located at Cape May Point State Park in Lower Township (215 Lighthouse Avenue, off of Sunset Boulevard) and is open June 21 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The World War II Lookout Tower (Fire Control Tower No. 23) Museum & Memorial: Fire Control Tower No. 23 is New Jersey’s last freestanding World War II tower, part of the immense Harbor Defense of the Delaware system known as Fort Miles. Visitors can climb to the 6th floor-spotting gallery while reliving the homeland defense efforts during World War II. The ground floor of the tower and boardwalk interpretive panels are fully accessible, as is the All Veterans Memorial that is open all year for quiet contemplation. The Tower is located on Sunset Boulevard in Lower Township near Cape May Point. The Tower is open June 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tours of the Emlen Physick Estate: Enjoy this entertaining and educational guided tour of Cape May’s only Victorian house museum, the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate at 1048 Washington St., and get the sense of what a Victorian dinner party was like when “At Home with Nature,” the new tour theme for 2015. Tours are offered June 21 at 11:45 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:15 p.m.
Historic District Trolley Tours: Get acquainted with Cape May history on a trolley tour as knowledgeable guides present entertaining and educational stories about the nation’s oldest seashore resort. Trolleys depart from the Washington Street Mall Information Booth, Washington Street Mall at Ocean Street. Tours are offered June 21 at 11 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m.
Combination Trolley/Physick Estate Tours: A guided trolley tour of Cape May’ Historic District, followed by a guided tour of Cape May’s only Victorian house museum, the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., with its new theme in 2015: “At Home with Nature” Tours begin at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth, Washington Street Mall at Ocean Street, and are offered June 21 at 11 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Some tours may be subject to availability. 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.