Rainy Day Guide: More Cape May County Museums

Fall House

When the weather takes a turn for the worse and a beach day is out of the question, you’ll still be able to find a fun activity in Cape May County! Every town has something unique to offer and this is the perfect opportunity to explore places you may not have visited otherwise. This week, take the opportunity to visit a few historical sights and museums in Cape May County!

 

The Colonial House in Cape May

653 ½ Washington St., Cape May

(609) 884-9100, www.capemayhistory.org

The Colonial House Museum, located in the first period Memucan Hughes House, c. 1730, was originally a tavern and the family house of Revolutionary War Patriot Memucan Hughes. The house is an unsung survivor from Cape Island’s very beginning and thought to be one of the oldest surviving houses on Cape Island. The front room features a tavern room. Other rooms depict a colonial era cooking/eating room and bedroom, and a research/exhibit room was added in the 1930s.

 

Dennis Township Museum & History Center

681 Petersburg Rd., Dennisville

(609) 861-1899, www.dennistwpmuseum.org

The Dennis Township Museum & History Center is housed in the old Dennisville School House in the heart of the Dennisville Village. The museum displays a collection of artifacts, historic documents and memorabilia as well as early photographs of Dennis Township’s eight villages: Belleplain, Clermont, Dennisville, Eldora, Northwest Dennis, Ocean View, South Dennis and South Seaville.

 

Endicott Reardon Family Museum

3036 S. Shore Rd., Seaville

(609) 624-0600, www.ermuseum.com

Step back in time and see what it was like to live in Ocean View and Sea Isle City back in the 1920s. Come experience the story of the Endicotts and Reardons through their memorabilia collected over the years. This 1920s farm home houses exhibits relating life, work, education, community and leisure activities of the early 20th century. Some extensive collections include toys and dolls, WWII items and a travel section featuring train and cruise trips.

 

Sam Azeez Museum of Woobine Heritage

610 Washington Ave., Woodbine

(609) 861-5355, www.thesam.org

The Sam Azeez Museum of Woodbine Heritage celebrates the history of the wave of immigration at the end of the 19th century that brought Russian Jewish settlers to the area to be developed as an agricultural colony. Housed in the historical Brotherhood Synagogue, the museum features both permanent and temporary exhibitions. Also included is a community sculpture, the Collective Memory Wall, where the Woodbine community has contributed personal memories of Woodbine. Designated as the Cape May County Teaching Center for the New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education, the museum provides both onsite and in-classroom programming.

 

Wildwood George F. Boyer Historical Museum

3907 Pacific Ave., Wildwood

(609) 523-0277, www.wildwoodhistoricalmuseum.com

The Wildwood George F. Boyer Historical Museum reflects the glory days of Wildwood in the 1950s and early 60s when famous entertainers like Bill Haley, Tony Bennett and Chubby Checker appeared in the Wildwoods’ local nightclubs. The museum is named after George F. Boyer, a Wildwood resident who became the city’s first and only official historian. He eventually became the first president of the Wildwood Historical Society and founded Wildwood’s first historical museum.

 

Cape May County Museum

504 Rt. 9 N., Cape May Court House

(609) 465-3535, www.cmcmuseum.org

Established in 1927, the Cape May County Museum has been our county’s foremost advocate for the acquisition, preservation, and display of local history. Housed in three historic buildings, the museum is a treasure trove of exhibits showcasing county life from Native American times through the 21st century. The 1704 Colonial period home, 1830 Federal period addition, carriage shed and barn offer a fascinating look at how life in the county has evolved. The museum also houses an outstanding genealogical and research library for the serious historian.

 

Just a reminder: before you jump in the car and head out on your adventure, double check the museum websites for openings and hours, as some museums are not open daily.

Even on the gloomiest days, you can still find fun at the Jersey Shore. Next time the sun isn’t shining so bright, check back in with DoTheShore to see what rainy day activities are next on your list!