Arts, Culture & History, Southern Shore StyleAfter a leisurely day at the beach or a busy day on the go, take time to enjoy the arts and historical sites at NJ’s Southern Shore. NJ’s Southern Shore offers a myriad of diversions from stage to museum at first-class venues with outstanding cultural resources, recreation and entertainment.
In July and August, resorts in Cape May and Cumberland counties sponsor an abundance of summer concerts, most of them free, outside and with the ocean and sunset as a backdrop. Sit on the sand, spread out a blanket or relax in your beach chair and hum along. Outdoor art shows along the boardwalk, promenades and tree-lined paths at historic sites showcase talent that often gets inspiration from local sunsets, beach scenes and maritime vistas. So, get your ticket and take your seat – the curtain is going up on diverse, eclectic and exciting artistic offerings and cultural pursuits in Cape May and Cumberland counties, with seasoned professional performers, musicians and artists, who are sure to prompt long applause and a standing ovation!
History at NJ’s Southern Shore spans more than three centuries including Colonial, Federalist, Victorian, Edwardian, Moderne, Doo Wop and more, the buildings, historic sites, villages and even antique shops document the role that this area has played from the earliest days of our country. Area museums provide a wealth of information about local history and are sometimes staffed by "locals" who trace their family tree for generations. The rich maritime history of NJ’s Southern Shore comes to life with renovated and restored attractions at NJ’s Southern Shore. Lighthouses that once guided mariners welcome visitors in Cape May, North Wildwood and East Point. The A.J. Meerwald a schooner from the glory days of oystering in Cumberland County, now sails the bay and oceanfront as New Jersey's official Tall Ship with a story to tell and a history to preserve. Trolley tours, walking tours and a host of special events give voice to the Victorian era of excess in architecture, dress and social customs. Historic cemeteries bear silent witness to the perils of war, the sea and pestilence. Airports and vintage planes speak to military heroism and history; Doo Wop to a post World War II world filled with peace and prosperity that gave rise to rock and roll, neon, tail fins and family vacations at NJ’s Southern Shore.
Bridgeton Antiquarian League and Historical Society
Bridgeton is a history-laden city with homes, taverns and churches that were in existence over 300 years ago and still in use today. Bridgeton includes New Jersey's largest historic district, with over 2,200 homes and buildings on the National Historic Register... Read more...
Cape May County Division of Cultural and Heritage
Promotes public interest and participation in both local and County history, as well as in the arts and in the cultural traditions of the community... Read more...
Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture)
No trip to Cape May is complete without a stop at the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC). Formed in 1970 to save the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate from the wrecking ball, MAC now operates the 18-room restored mansion as Cape May's only Victorian house museum. MAC also restored and operates the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse where visitors can climb the 199 steps to the top for a breathtaking... Read more...
Cape May Stage
Cape May Stage is a professional Equity theatre company, featuring traditional, contemporary and new works in an intimate setting. Since 1987, actors, directors, and playwrights from around the country have set the standard for excellence by providing world-class theatre in a unique and historic venue... Read more...
Cumberland County Culture & Heritage
promotes the arts and history of local and county cultural traditions… Read more...
Cumberland County Historical Society
The Cumberland County Historical Society promotes the history of Cumberland County and is located at 981 Ye Greate Street in Greenwich… Read more...
East Lynne Theater Company
Cape May's Home of American Stage Classics was founded in 1980 to produce provocative classics and history-based contemporary entertainment that deal with the uniquely American experience. The Equity professional actors, directors, musicians, and designers work together throughout the year to create quality productions not seen anywhere else.... Read more...
Glasstown Arts District
Experience a southern New Jersey town steeped in the history of American glass making while strolling through its downtown Arts District. 20th and 19th century buildings and homes filled with rich architectural history. Private galleries dot the streetscape along with speciality shops filled with unique gifts, antiques, books, hand-crafted fashions, and candy. Excellent selection of restaurants, cafes and pubs for breakfast, lunch and dinner... Read more...
Historic Cold Spring Village
An Early American open-air living history museum. The Village brings to life the day-to-day activities of villagers living in South Jersey during the “age of homespun” (1790-1840). Visitors can make a personal connection between the past and present through the interactive, educational, and hands-on family activities... Read more...
Millville Army Airfield Museum
The Millville Army Air Field Museum preserves U.S. military aviation history, including the recent Middle East conflict. Museum programs and tours focus on education about Millville's vital role in aviation history and the history of the P-47 Thunderbolt. The museum is a federal nonprofit organization, which was founded in 1983, and incorporated by the State of New Jersey in 1988... Read more...
Naval Air Station Aviation Museum
Naval Air Station Wildwood (NASW) Aviation Museum is a non-profit museum located at the Cape May Airport inside historic Hangar #1. Commissioned in April 1943, NASW served as an active dive-bomber squadron training facility during World War II. Today, Hangar #1 has been restored and transformed into an Aviation Museum that houses a number of aircraft, engines, special exhibits, and educational interactive displays inviting visitors to explore aviation, New Jersey, military and WWII history through “hands-on,” fun and educational activities for the entire family! Open rain or shine! Read more...
Red Door Gallery
The Red Door Gallery is one of the 15 charming shops at Woodland Village, represents the work of 20 Cape May County artists and fine craftspeople. Read more...
Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts
The Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts (RRCA) has been a non-profit community arts and cultural center in the heart of Millville. Read more...
WheatonArts & Cultural Center
Non-profit 501(c)(3) arts organization with a mission to “engage artists and audiences in an evolving exploration of creativity”. Home to the Museum of American Glass, Down Jersey Folklife Center, amphitheater-style hot glass studio, pottery and flame working studios, four award-winning museum stores, and the “Festival of Fine Craft”... Read more...
