OUR HISTORY IS YOUR HISTORY: DISCOVER THE HISTORY OF THE JERSEY CAPE:
Nestled within the streets of Cape May County lies a collection of museums, each serving as a portal to the past. These hallowed halls beckon visitors to journey through time, revealing the rich tapestry of the area’s history. From the stoic narratives of veterans who bravely defended their homeland to the haunting echoes of the maritime world, where the saltwater spray whispers tales of sailors and shipwrecks, each museum is a treasure trove of stories. The walls adorned with breathtaking art, the remnants of a brutal past of slavery, the marvels of architectural ingenuity, and the chronicles of historical events all converge to create a vivid and poignant exploration of heritage. Here, history is not just preserved but brought to life, inviting every visitor to walk in the footsteps of those who came before.
Historic Cold Spring Village:
Travel back in time to a world without iPhones or TikTok by visiting Historic Cold Spring Village in Cape May County. Nestled on 22 acres between Seashore Road and Route 9 in Lower Township, this early American open-air history museum is the largest in New Jersey. Featuring more than two dozen historic buildings relocated from Cape May and Cumberland counties, the village has been meticulously restored and is open to the public. As you wander the quiet paths, you’ll encounter interpreters in period attire who demonstrate the 1800s way of life, with homespun crafts such as basket weaving, pottery, tin smithing, woodworking, and blacksmithing. The village’s latest addition is the Cold Spring Brewery, housed in an 1804 three-bay English-style barn. Here, parents can enjoy a flight of craft beer named after Cape May County’s founding families while listening to live music. Special event weekends, including Independence Day, Seafarer’s celebrations, Ghost Walks, Revolutionary War and military reenactments, add to the village’s charm. Visitors can enjoy these events and stroll the grounds, while children pet farm animals or take a ride on a horse-drawn wagon. Historic Cold Spring Village is located at 720 Route 9, Lower Township. For more information, call 609-898-2300 or visit www.hcsv.org
Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum:
Aviation enthusiasts, make your way to the Naval Air Station Wildwood (NASW) Aviation Museum and explore the rich history and thrilling exhibits at, housed within Historic Hangar #1 at Cape May Airport. This family-friendly experience offers a captivating journey through aviation history, boasting a collection of over 26 aircraft, a genuine air traffic control tower, military jeeps, exhibit rooms, and more. Step into the awe-inspiring 92,000-square-foot WWII-era double-wide wooden hangar, a testament to the past. Visitors are not just spectators; they become part of the action with interactive elements like climbing a restored control tower from Bader Field, sitting in a military jeep, exploring a Coast Guard boat, and even entering the cockpit of select aircraft to experience the thrill of being a pilot. Delve into the backstory of Historic Hangar #1, constructed at Cape May Airport (formerly Naval Air Station Wildwood) as part of the U.S. Military’s response to the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. Originally known as Naval Air Station Rio Grande, the name was changed to Wildwood due to frequent mail mishaps with Rio Grande, Texas. Operating from 1943 to 1945 as a dive-bombing training base, 42 naval aviators perished at the site during training. The museum stands as a tribute to these brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The aircraft collection at the museum is diverse and includes renowned pieces such as the F-14 Tomcat, made famous by the 1980s hit film Top Gun, and the MiG-15, an iconic jet fighter of the Cold War era. WWII enthusiasts can marvel at the TBM Avenger torpedo bomber, built in Trenton, N.J., by General Motors, and learn about its use in daring naval operations during the war. A recently restored Grumman F6F Hellcat, renowned as the “ace maker” for its impressive 19-to-1 ratio in shooting down Japanese aircraft, is another highlight. Visitors can also check out the museum’s latest addition, a Fresnel Lens Optical Landing System, used to teach naval aviators the precision required for carrier landings. This exhibit provides an incredible opportunity to learn how pilots “catch the wire” and safely land on moving aircraft carriers in the ocean. Plan your visit to the NASW Aviation Museum! Open year-round, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into aviation history with interactive exhibits and engaging displays. Don’t miss special events like AirFest, Wings & Things, and Christmas at the Hangar. For details on hours, upcoming events, or the history of NAS Wildwood, call 609-886-8787 or visit www.usnaw.org
Harriet Tubman Museum:
One of the area’s newer museums is the Harriet Tubman Museum in Cape May, dedicated to recognizing the courage, persistence, and legacy of the famed Underground Railroad conductor as well as others who played a role in saving African Americans from slavery, such as William Still, father of the Underground Railroad. Housed in the former Macedonia Baptist Church on Lafayette Street, the museum focuses on Tubman, who lived and worked in Cape May in the 1850s while raising funds and working to free slaves. During the summer, from Juneteenth through Sept. 17, the museum has guided and self-guided tours Wednesdays through Sundays. www.harriettubmanmuseum.org
Doo Wop Museum:
Take a sharp turn from the genteel and quaint Victorian or Civil War eras and step into the vibrant world of the Doo Wop Museum in Wildwood. Housed in a former 1950s diner known as the Surfside, which was carefully disassembled and rebuilt in its current location, this museum celebrates the kitschy charm that defines the Wildwoods. The museum highlights and explains the neon-bright and oddly angled mid-century architecture that still adorns the five-mile-long island. Inside, you’ll find a delightful collection of appliances, vinyl records, furniture, and other artifacts reminiscent of grandmom’s (or even great grandmom’s) era, along with a large collection of neon signs. In addition to the exhibits, the museum offers tours of the island’s Doo Wop motels on Tuesday and Thursday evenings during the summer. For more information, visit www.doowopusa.org
Cape May County Historical Museum:
Explore the rich history at The Cape May County Historical Museum, located in the John Holmes House—one of the county’s oldest structures (circa 1755)—offers a fascinating journey through time. The museum showcases furnishings, costumes, tools, and both decorative and practical objects from the 17th to the 20th centuries. Period rooms include: An 18th-century kitchen, a bedroom with a collection of samplers, a pre-1820 dining room and a Victorian sitting room. In addition, visitors can explore the Doctor’s Room, the Military Room, and the Native American Room, which feature maritime exhibits of swords, guns, uniforms, and other memorabilia from the Revolutionary War through the Gulf War. The vintage 1800s barn houses an assortment of authentic carriages, including a stagecoach. The museum is located at 540 Route 9, Cape May Court House. For more information, call 609-465-3535 or visit www.cmcmuseum.org
Ocean City’s Bayside Center:
Ocean City’s Bayside Center is an activities and education facility managed by the City of Ocean, dedicated to celebrating the environmental and cultural aspects of Ocean City’s bayfront along the Great Egg Harbor Bay. Situated on the grounds of a historic home on the bay, the Bayside Center offers a unique opportunity to learn about the South Jersey seashore environment through various exhibits, displays, and educational information. Visitors can also simply enjoy the bay for its scenic views, diverse wildlife, and opportunities for water recreation. website link
Historic Cold Spring Village:
Travel back in time to a world without iPhones or TikTok by visiting Historic Cold Spring Village in Cape May County. Nestled on 22 acres between Seashore Road and Route 9 in Lower Township, this early American open-air history museum is the largest in New Jersey. Featuring more than two dozen historic buildings relocated from Cape May and Cumberland counties, the village has been meticulously restored and is open to the public. As you wander the quiet paths, you’ll encounter interpreters in period attire who demonstrate the 1800s way of life, with homespun crafts such as basket weaving, pottery, tin smithing, woodworking, and blacksmithing. The village’s latest addition is the Cold Spring Brewery, housed in an 1804 three-bay English-style barn. Here, parents can enjoy a flight of craft beer named after Cape May County’s founding families while listening to live music. Special event weekends, including Independence Day, Seafarer’s celebrations, Ghost Walks, Revolutionary War and military reenactments, add to the village’s charm. Visitors can enjoy these events and stroll the grounds, while children pet farm animals or take a ride on a horse-drawn wagon. Historic Cold Spring Village is located at 720 Route 9, Lower Township. For more information, call 609-898-2300 or visit www.hcsv.org
Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum:
Aviation enthusiasts, make your way to the Naval Air Station Wildwood (NASW) Aviation Museum and explore the rich history and thrilling exhibits at, housed within Historic Hangar #1 at Cape May Airport. This family-friendly experience offers a captivating journey through aviation history, boasting a collection of over 26 aircraft, a genuine air traffic control tower, military jeeps, exhibit rooms, and more. Step into the awe-inspiring 92,000-square-foot WWII-era double-wide wooden hangar, a testament to the past. Visitors are not just spectators; they become part of the action with interactive elements like climbing a restored control tower from Bader Field, sitting in a military jeep, exploring a Coast Guard boat, and even entering the cockpit of select aircraft to experience the thrill of being a pilot. Delve into the backstory of Historic Hangar #1, constructed at Cape May Airport (formerly Naval Air Station Wildwood) as part of the U.S. Military’s response to the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. Originally known as Naval Air Station Rio Grande, the name was changed to Wildwood due to frequent mail mishaps with Rio Grande, Texas. Operating from 1943 to 1945 as a dive-bombing training base, 42 naval aviators perished at the site during training. The museum stands as a tribute to these brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The aircraft collection at the museum is diverse and includes renowned pieces such as the F-14 Tomcat, made famous by the 1980s hit film Top Gun, and the MiG-15, an iconic jet fighter of the Cold War era. WWII enthusiasts can marvel at the TBM Avenger torpedo bomber, built in Trenton, N.J., by General Motors, and learn about its use in daring naval operations during the war. A recently restored Grumman F6F Hellcat, renowned as the “ace maker” for its impressive 19-to-1 ratio in shooting down Japanese aircraft, is another highlight. Visitors can also check out the museum’s latest addition, a Fresnel Lens Optical Landing System, used to teach naval aviators the precision required for carrier landings. This exhibit provides an incredible opportunity to learn how pilots “catch the wire” and safely land on moving aircraft carriers in the ocean. Plan your visit to the NASW Aviation Museum! Open year-round, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into aviation history with interactive exhibits and engaging displays. Don’t miss special events like AirFest, Wings & Things, and Christmas at the Hangar. For details on hours, upcoming events, or the history of NAS Wildwood, call 609-886-8787 or visit www.usnaw.org
Harriet Tubman Museum:
One of the area’s newer museums is the Harriet Tubman Museum in Cape May, dedicated to recognizing the courage, persistence, and legacy of the famed Underground Railroad conductor as well as others who played a role in saving African Americans from slavery, such as William Still, father of the Underground Railroad. Housed in the former Macedonia Baptist Church on Lafayette Street, the museum focuses on Tubman, who lived and worked in Cape May in the 1850s while raising funds and working to free slaves. During the summer, from Juneteenth through Sept. 17, the museum has guided and self-guided tours Wednesdays through Sundays. www.harriettubmanmuseum.org
Doo Wop Museum:
Take a sharp turn from the genteel and quaint Victorian or Civil War eras and step into the vibrant world of the Doo Wop Museum in Wildwood. Housed in a former 1950s diner known as the Surfside, which was carefully disassembled and rebuilt in its current location, this museum celebrates the kitschy charm that defines the Wildwoods. The museum highlights and explains the neon-bright and oddly angled mid-century architecture that still adorns the five-mile-long island. Inside, you’ll find a delightful collection of appliances, vinyl records, furniture, and other artifacts reminiscent of grandmom’s (or even great grandmom’s) era, along with a large collection of neon signs. In addition to the exhibits, the museum offers tours of the island’s Doo Wop motels on Tuesday and Thursday evenings during the summer. For more information, visit www.doowopusa.org
Cape May County Historical Museum:
Explore the rich history at The Cape May County Historical Museum, located in the John Holmes House—one of the county’s oldest structures (circa 1755)—offers a fascinating journey through time. The museum showcases furnishings, costumes, tools, and both decorative and practical objects from the 17th to the 20th centuries. Period rooms include: An 18th-century kitchen, a bedroom with a collection of samplers, a pre-1820 dining room and a Victorian sitting room. In addition, visitors can explore the Doctor’s Room, the Military Room, and the Native American Room, which feature maritime exhibits of swords, guns, uniforms, and other memorabilia from the Revolutionary War through the Gulf War. The vintage 1800s barn houses an assortment of authentic carriages, including a stagecoach. The museum is located at 540 Route 9, Cape May Court House. For more information, call 609-465-3535 or visit www.cmcmuseum.org
Ocean City’s Bayside Center:
Ocean City’s Bayside Center is an activities and education facility managed by the City of Ocean, dedicated to celebrating the environmental and cultural aspects of Ocean City’s bayfront along the Great Egg Harbor Bay. Situated on the grounds of a historic home on the bay, the Bayside Center offers a unique opportunity to learn about the South Jersey seashore environment through various exhibits, displays, and educational information. Visitors can also simply enjoy the bay for its scenic views, diverse wildlife, and opportunities for water recreation. website link
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Cape May County
800-227-2297
Interested in advertising with us?
Find out why advertising in the Vacationer is so different from your other choices.
Rate Card here
Contact our sales staff here