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Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) announces three new interpretive panels at the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse that tell newly memorialized stories about this magnificent beacon and its history. The public is welcome to a ceremony celebrating the 164th birthday of the lighthouse to unveil these panels on the grounds on Tuesday, Oct. 31 at 11 a.m. at the Cape May Lighthouse, 215 Lighthouse Ave., Cape May Point State Park. Light refreshments will be available. There is no rain date.
The three panels are being installed on the grounds as part of the historic site’s interpretive material available for free during hours when the lighthouse is open to the public. These new panels arise from Cape May MAC’s ongoing efforts to make history come alive for all audiences, and from its mission: a commitment to promoting the preservation, interpretation and cultural enrichment of the Cape May region for its residents and visitors. The panels are titled: A Beacon to Freedom, A Woman Leads the Lighthouse and Past Keepers.
A Beacon to Freedom tells the story of “Crossing the Bay in a Bateau” from William Still’s famous book, “The Underground Railroad.” It is the story of six enslaved persons who fled from Maryland through Delaware and across the Delaware Bay to the coast of New Jersey in 1860, landing in their small boat not far from the Cape May Lighthouse after their harrowing journey. Cape May County artist Chanelle René will be present for the unveiling as the panel features her original artwork that interprets the story. This amazing story is also told during the Underground Railroad Trolley Tour, part of the National Park Service’s Network to Freedom. Cape May MAC and Center for Community Arts have offered that tour in partnership since 2017.
A Woman Leads the Lighthouse tells the little-known story of Florence Arabelle (Belle) Palmer, the first woman to take on the role of a traditional lighthouse keeper at Cape May Lighthouse, a job that was held by her husband Harry Palmer until his health failed. Belle Palmer was given the title of Custodian of the Lighthouse in 1933. Descendants of Belle Palmer will be present for the unveiling.
Past Keepers details the list of Lighthouse Keepers who served at Cape May Lighthouse from 1823 to 1935. The first Cape May Lighthouse on this site was built in 1823 and the second in 1847. Both are no longer standing. The third lighthouse that stands today was built in 1859.
Since Cape May MAC restored the lighthouse and opened it to the public in 1988, more than 2.5 million people have climbed to the top of the beacon and as many or more have visited the grounds. Climb the 199 steps up the original, cast-iron spiral stairway to the top of the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse and see a staggering view of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean, the surrounding nature trails of Cape May Point State Park, and Cape May Point Borough. Interpretive panels on the grounds, at the base and on the climb tell stories of Lighthouse Keepers, the surrounding area, and how the lighthouse functioned historically and today. Still an active aid to navigation, the lighthouse was restored and is maintained by Cape May MAC. The U.S. Coast Guard maintains the light, itself. The Cape May Lighthouse is listed in the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
Admission to the grounds is free. There is an admission to climb: adults $12, children (ages 3-12) $8. Cape May MAC members climb free.
Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) 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. Cape May MAC membership is open to all. For information on becoming a member or about year-round tours, activities and events visit capemaymac.org.