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Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture

Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture
1048 Washington Street
609-884-5404

Our Mission

Cape May 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, by:

Fostering a greater understanding and appreciation for the Victorian lifestyle and for the architecture, decorative arts, history and livelihoods of the Cape May region.

Preserving and restoring the Emlen Physick Estate, the Cape May Lighthouse, the World War II Lookout Tower (Fire Control Tower No. 23) and other landmark structures in the Cape May region.

Encouraging the performing arts in the Cape May region through presenting performances, conducting educational outreach and providing support services to other arts and cultural organizations.

Providing professional development to teachers and educational outreach to schoolchildren and adults in subject areas corresponding to the organization's public programming.

Supporting the efforts to preserve the greater Cape May region's historic architecture through the sponsorship of cultural and heritage tourism, and through providing support services to other non-profit organizations in the areas of cultural, heritage and ecological tourism.

Acquiring, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting objects pertaining to the Victorian period and to the architecture, decorative arts, and history of the Cape May region.

Our Vision

Preserving Cape May's rich heritage and assuring its vitality through superior cultural programs.

Upcoming Events at Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture

An Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibition

Thursday, Dec 26, 2024 from 10:00am to 8:00pm
Cape May MAC
Cape May, NJ
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Holiday Lights Trolley Ride

Thursday, Dec 26, 2024 at 5:00pm
Cape May MAC
Cape May, NJ
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Evening Yuletide House Tour

Thursday, Dec 26, 2024 at 5:30pm
Cape May MAC
Cape May, NJ
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An Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibition

Friday, Dec 27, 2024 from 10:00am to 8:00pm
Cape May MAC
Cape May, NJ
Read More »

Holiday Lights Trolley Ride

Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00pm
Cape May MAC
Cape May, NJ
Read More »

Lamplighter Christmas Walking Tour

Friday, Dec 27, 2024 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Cape May, NJ
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Spirited Cape May Christmas Trolley Ride

Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 8:30pm
Cape May MAC
Cape May, NJ
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An Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibition

Saturday, Dec 28, 2024 from 10:00am to 5:00pm
Cape May MAC
Cape May, NJ
Read More »

Holiday Lights Trolley Ride

Saturday, Dec 28, 2024 at 5:00pm
Cape May MAC
Cape May, NJ
Read More »

An Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibition

Sunday, Dec 29, 2024 from 10:00am to 5:00pm
Cape May MAC
Cape May, NJ
Read More »

Holiday Lights Trolley Ride

Sunday, Dec 29, 2024 at 5:00pm
Cape May MAC
Cape May, NJ
Read More »

Spirited Cape May Christmas Trolley Ride

Sunday, Dec 29, 2024 at 8:00pm
Cape May MAC
Cape May, NJ
Read More »

An Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibition

Monday, Dec 30, 2024 from 10:00am to 8:00pm
Cape May MAC
Cape May, NJ
Read More »

Holiday Lights Trolley Ride

Monday, Dec 30, 2024 at 5:00pm
Cape May MAC
Cape May, NJ
Read More »

Lamplighter Christmas Walking Tour

Monday, Dec 30, 2024 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Cape May, NJ
Read More »

Recent News

Take a Tour of Thrilling Victorian Tales

These tours are a must for anyone who has insatiable curiosity Spirits and Oddities Trolley Tour Cats in ghostly form purr from the beyond. Beloved family members photographed without their heads. Graves equipped with a torpedo to put off…

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Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture News - Uncover the Influence of the Victorian Era

Take a weekend dive into the charm of the Victorians Cape May's Annual Victorian Weekend Friday, Oct. 11 through Monday, Oct. 14 marks the 2024 Victorian Weekend extravaganza. This is an exciting time of year to visit Victorian Cape May and…

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Plan Ahead for Christmas in Cape May

Six weeks of holiday activities to spread the Christmas cheer! Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Kick off the holiday season with us starting on November 23, 2024. Santa and his elves have decked out the Physick Estate with…

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Experience the Supernatural Part of Cape May

Beat the summer heat by getting chills from these ghostly tours Voices From Beyond Experience an unusual tour in Cape May MAC’s 1879 Emlen Physick House. In the Voices from Beyond Tour, you will hear actual spirit voices captured by Cape…

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Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture News - June 27, 2024

There is a Trolley Tour For Every Niche! Explore Cape May with a Trolley Tour running day and night Historic District Trolley Tour Known as the “Queen of the Seaside Resorts” for its quaint Victorian cottages and pristine beaches, Cape…

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St. Patrick's Day Weekend in Cape May

St. Patrick's Day Weekend in Cape May Cape May Beer Trail! New for 2024! Cape May County is home to a selection of fantastic breweries. Hop on a Cape May MAC trolley for visits to Cape May Brewing Co., Behr Brewing, and Gusto Brewing Co., for…

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Some Tours and Activities Resume Their 7-Days Schedules March 1, 2024

Think Cape May When You Think Spring Plan spring break confidently with our daily offerings to look forward to Physick Estate House Open Daily Take a guided tour of the first and second floors of the 1879 Physick House Museum, for an in-depth…

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Check out Cape May MAC's Online Auction

Cape May MAC's Online Auction is LIVE! Browse dozens of items that add up to over $20,000 in value. Available items to bid on include hard-to-come-by experiences that are quintessential to Cape May, such as a private ghost tour, a stay in a…

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Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture News - January 12, 2024

President's Day Weekend in Cape May Spending the holiday in Cape May? Check out all that's coming up on Cape May MAC's calendar: from wine trails to a crafts & collectibles show! Feb. 17: Cape May Wine Trail Board the trolley at the Emlen…

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Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture News - December 28, 2023

Winter with Cape May MAC Visit the Lighthouse in winter! Plus, wintertime trolley and Physick Estate tours are running through the new year. The Cape May Lighthouse Climb the 199 steps up the original, cast iron spiral stairway to the top of the…

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New Cape May Property Added For Final Lamplighter Tours

Last Lamplighter Tours of the Season Dec. 26 and 28 are the final two opportunities to tour Cape May at its festive best with a first-time, new property participating! The Lamplighter Christmas Tour See inside a selection of Cape May bed…

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Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture News - November 16, 2023

'Tis the Season: Missing the Mistletoe Interactive theater at the Physick Estate: The townsfolk of Cape May are buzzing with excitement, especially after a fresh blanket of snow brings them closer to the big day. All except for Adeline Baker, the…

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Cape May MAC - Stroll Through Festive Cape May

Lamplighter Christmas Tour A beloved holiday tour! See inside a selection of Cape May bed & breakfast inns and private homes, specially decorated for the holidays on this self-guided evening walking tour that includes a visit to An…

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Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture News - October 19, 2023

Holiday spirit is right around the corner Breakfast with Santa, holiday lights and much more! Plan ahead to make the most of the magical winter season in Cape May. The weekend before Thanksgiving kicks off our holiday tours! Join us for a cheery…

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Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture News - October 5, 2023

Are you scared of ghosts? Celebrate spooky season with a month full of ghostly tours, scarecrows aplenty, interactive theater, and much more Halloween Happenings with Cape May MAC Phantoms of the Physick Estate: "The Dearly Departed" You have…

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Cape May MAC - The Annual Lighthouse Challenge is Nearly Here

The 2023 Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey: Oct. 21 & 22 The Cape May Lighthouse is participating in the the Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey! This two-day event is held every year on the third weekend in October to encourage participants to…

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Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture News - September 28, 2023

Cape May's Annual Victorian Weekend Celebrate Cape May's unique heritage with a weekend of Victorian-themed events, tours, exhibits, shows, and more Friday, Oct 6 to Monday, Oct 9 Cape May's Annual Victorian Weekend is one of the best times of…

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Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture See More of Cape May on Combo Tours

From an immersive trip through maritime history to haunts of the Physick Estate, save on cost and experience more on these tours Spirits, Oddities, and Obsessions Combo Tour Victorians of the late 19th century had wild notions about the passage…

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Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture News - September 1, 2023

Uncover the secrets of the Physick Estate Whether you're after a fascinating look into the Victorian era or the eerie phantoms that haunt the halls, there's a Physick Estate tour for everyone Physick Estate House Tour Built in 1879, the…

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Explore lesser-known Cape May locales

From a remarkable maritime history to the perils of the Underground Railroad to the spectacle of the monarch migration, there's more to learn in Cape May! Maritime Combo Tour Whaling, wartime and wild weather. The remarkable maritime history of…

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Family-Friendly Activities For The Last Few Weeks Of Summer

Take advantage of the last weeks of summer! The school year is right around the corner—but there's still family fun to be had in Cape May! Check out upcoming children's tours and more. For a full line-up of Cape May MAC's tours and events:…

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Cape May MAC Announcing the 2023 Harvest Brew Fest!

Good food, good drinks, good times! You're invited to the 2023 Harvest Brew Fest, Cape May Wine Trails, and more September 16: The 2023 Harvest Brew Fest Join us on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate from 10am to 5pm for the annual…

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Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture News - Celebrate National Lighthouse Day!

It's almost National Lighthouse Day! Join us on the grounds of the Cape May Lighthouse on August 7 for a day of celebration with local vendors, lawn games, and more. Plus, there are more ways to celebrate our lighthouse all month long. August 7:…

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Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture News - July 28, 2023

Can you crack the case? Grab some friends, parse through clues, and solve a Cape May mystery! Murder Mysteries and Sherlock Holmes Weekends are coming soon. These immersive experiences sell quickly—book early to secure your spot! Murder…

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Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture News - July 20, 2023

Looking for an alternative to the beach? Cool off with open air trolley rides, new spooky tours of the Emlen Physick Estate, or a breezy summit to the Cape May Lighthouse! Emlen Physick Estate Tours Tour the 1879 Physick Estate House…

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Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture News - July 13, 2023

Comedies, Mysteries, and Dramas, oh my! Stages across town are raising the curtain on new performances—check out what's happening in the Cape May theater scene Clueless at the Physick Estate: Racing the Clock In this immersive…

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Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture News - July 8, 2023

Good day! Cape May MAC is being featured this week during two nationally televised programs! CBS Sports has been in Cape May this week for a Sport Fishing Championship Tournament - the South Jersey Yacht Sales Offshore Showdown - and will be…

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Poetry In The Garden: A Perfect Cape May Afternoon

Learn something new this summer! From literary programming to lesser-known Cape May history, see what's coming up on the Cape May MAC calendar Poetry Workshops with Cape May's Poet Laureate This July, learn, write, chat and laugh with Cape…

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The First Sunset Solo Concert is July 20!

Eliot Lewis plays the Emlen Physick Estate Outdoor Stage on July 20 Don't miss the the kick off to the Sunset Solo Series! The Thursday Sunset Solo Series is an annual concert series co-sponsored by Cape May MAC and Flight Entertainment. Bring…

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Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture Newsletter - Summer 2023

Click here to View More Information About Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture Newsletter - Summer 2023

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Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture News - Winter Preview: The 50th Annual Christmas Candlelight Tour

Plan ahead to score tickets to the 50th Annual Christmas Candlelight House Tour! Join in on one of the longest running Cape May Christmastime traditions December 2, 9, and 16: The Christmas Candlelight House Tour Cape May MAC launched its…

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Looking for Family Activities in Cape May

Fun for the whole family: Special events at the Lighthouse and kid-friendly tours! Lighthouse Full Moon Climb On July 2, follow the light of the full moon on this rare nighttime climb up the 199 cast iron spiral staircase steps to the top of…

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Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture News - June 22, 2023

Summertime Spirits & Spookiness! Explore the rooms of the Physick Estate or take a trolley through town to discover Cape May's extensive ghostly history… New! Voices from Beyond House Tour Experience an unusual tour in the 1879 Emlen…

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Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture News - June 21, 2023

June news for Cape May MAC Group Tours Create your own personal group tour! Did you know that Cape May MAC welcomes private group reservations of all sizes? Whether you are traveling with family friends, or co-workers, a private group tour is a…

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Prepare For A Summer Of Literary Events

Click here to View More Information About Prepare For A Summer Of Literary Events

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Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture News - June 13, 2023

Explore Cape May's private gardens! Plus: Stretch your legs and enjoy the springtime weather on upcoming walking tours The Gardens of Cape May Tour: June 17 Here is your invitation to explore the private plants, blooms, and landscape designs…

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Enrich Your Knowledge Of Cape May On These Insightful Historic Tours

Enrich your knowledge of Cape May on these insightful historic tours Visit the Harriet Tubman Museum, the Mt. Zion Cemetery, & more! Combo Tour: Underground Railroad Trolley Tour & The Harriet Tubman Museum In the 1850s, Cape May was…

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This Week in Cape May - June 1, 2023

Coming up: Jazz Brunch, Bach Lunches, and Murder Mystery Dinners Special events at three premier Cape May restaurants! June 4: Jazz Brunch at the Inn of Cape May The great tradition of jazz brunch is alive in Cape May! Enjoy selections from…

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The Cape May Music Festival Continues!

The 34th Annual Cape May Music Festival continues! The 34th Cape May Music Festival, continues this week with five concerts and events. Tonight, enjoy a free concert by the Atlantic Brass band in the bandstand at Rotary Park. Tuesday, May 30th,…

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The 2023 Emlen Physick Estate House Tour

The Doctor is in! Victorian medicine & more on the 2023 Physick Estate House Tour The Doctor is In! Emlen Physick Estate Tour This year's Emlen Physick Estate House Tour is "The Doctor is In!" Despite never practicing medicine, Dr. Emlen…

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Cape May MAC's Celebrate Spring With Cape May Gardens, Walking Tours

Celebrate spring with Cape May gardens, walking tours, and more! Take advantage of beautiful Cape May weather on these upcoming walking and nature tours. Painted Ladies, Porches & More! Walking Tour: May 23 & 30 Take a walk from the…

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Cape May MAC News: Upcoming Culinary Events for Food Lovers!

For the foodie in your life: Chocolate Buffets, Murder Mystery Dinners & more And for dessert, upcoming specialty trolley tours! Chocolate by the Bay: May 13 It’s a genuine bounty for chocolate lovers! Enjoy a buffet of delicious…

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Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture News - All Aboard the Cape May Trolley

From ghosts and phantoms to the history behind notable architecture, there's something for everyone aboard the trolley! Historic Haunts Combo Tour Take an evening trolley ride through the Historic District and hear stories of haunted Cape May.…

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Cape May MAC's Newsletter - April 13, 2023

Wine, Chocolate, Brunch, and more! Spring means plenty of Food & Wine events with Cape May MAC Cape May Wine Trail Visit Cape May County wineries and sample the unique vintages of each. Begin with a trolley ride from the Physick Estate to…

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Cape May MAC's Spring Newsletter - April 10, 2023

Click Here to view the Cape May MAC's Spring Newsletter -  April 10, 2023

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Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture : Experience the Full Moon Lighthouse Climb!

Lighthouse Full Moon Climb Follow the light of the full moon on this rare nighttime climb up the 199 cast iron spiral staircase steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse. Enjoy a nighttime view nearly 156 feet above the Delaware Bay and Atlantic…

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Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture : Spring has sprung!

Shop Online Visit Our Museum Shops Click Here to View the More Information About Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture : Spring has…

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Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture : New And Updated Tours Start this Spring!

Starting April 1: Spring into the Cherry House Tour Step inside and explore at your own pace more than a dozen rooms decorated for Easter during the Spring Into the Cherry House Tour. See stuffed rabbits large and small and recall Easter mornings…

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Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture: Don't Miss Out: A Fun, Twisty Sherlock Holmes Mystery For The Whole Family

Can you solve a weekend-long mystery? The beloved, Sherlock Holmes Weekend is returning! Join us April 14-16, for a weekend of immersive sleuthing. When Sherlock and Watson find themselves under the big top, a simple favor for a friend turns…

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Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture - March Means Something to Do Every Day in Cape May!

Spring is almost here: March in Cape May With each passing day, there's more to do in Cape May! See what's on the March Cape May MAC calendar. There's a trolley tour for everyone: From the historic district to the ghosts and phantoms that…

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Cape May MAC - Our 2023 Fundraising Auction Closes Next Week

Bidding Ends March 1 at 10am! Cape May MAC's online fundraising auction is closing soon. There are over 80 unique items to bid on and there is still time to place your winning bid! Proceeds from the auction are earmarked for continued restoration…

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Celebrate Black History Month With This Historic Account Of Capemay

Black Voices of Cape May: A Feeling of Community A new publication by the Center for Community Arts compiles the stories and history of the Cape May Black community A display of books Highlight on Black history in Cape May Many think of Cape May…

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Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture : If you're Looking For a Sign To Elope at The Cape May Lighthouse,This is it!

Considering Cape May to tie the knot, or pop the question? Cape May MAC is here to help! With the best views of the Delaware Bay—and three on-site officiants!—the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse is a one-of-a-kind destination for intimate…

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Cape May MAC - Still time to bid on these great experiences

The Bidding Continues! Cape May MAC's online fundraising auction features a variety of wonderful and unique South Jersey experiences. There is still time to bid through the month of February. The South Jersey Maritime Package includes two tickets…

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Cape May MAC's Winter Newsletter - February 13, 2023

Cape May MAC's Winter Newsletter is here Your Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) Winter Newsletter is here! It's packed with information about what's happening in Cape May right now and what's to come. It might be quiet now but it's certainly not…

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What's On The Cape May MAC Calendar This Weekend

All Aboard the Cape May Trolley This coming weekend, join us for scenic tours through Cape May With Super Bowl Sunday a whole week away, the weekend prior is chockfull of fun tours to pass the time. Enjoy scenic views of Cape May’s…

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Cape May MAC - Presidents' Day Weekend Festivities: Craft Show, Wine Tour, and More!

Plan ahead for a fun holiday weekend! This action-packed Presidents' Day Weekend, join us for a Craft & Collectibles Show, a Cape May Wine Trail, and more Crafts & Collectibles In Winter On Feb. 18 and 19, Cape May MAC is excited to…

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Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture -Historic tours And more this holiday weekend

Upcoming holiday weekend events This Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, join us for a celebration of history with these fascinating tours. Roots of Cape Island Trolley Tour On this fascinating, historic tour, hear how whalers centuries ago eked…

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Cape May Museums, Arts, Culture - Happy 2023! Here's what's coming up at Cape May MAC

New Year, New Exhibit We're ringing in 2023 with a brand new exhibit, the seasonal reopening of the Cape May Lighthouse, upcoming tours, and more. Cape May might be best known for its summertime beaches—but there's fun to be had in every…

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