THERE’S-MORE TO HISTORY on the Jersey Cape than Victorian ar- ANOTHER RECREATION of IXth Century living in early Cape May chitecture and heritage. A scene like this one in the museum, for in- County is this hearth and home replica. While the full size scene is a stance, depicts a scene from colonial life on the Cape. reproduction, the antiques are authentic: the history real. The County Museum "Visitors are very surprised at our history; they didn't realize it was so extensive

by Shirlianne Gunther COURT HOUSE - For more ‘ than half a century the Cape May County Historical and Genealogical Society has raised the coitsciousness of residents through {^ejsarvation, communication and a deep reverence for history. Founded and incorporated March 12, 1927, the society was formed by a group of pliblic spirited citizens of Cape May County anxious to preserve aVd collect objects and memorials relative to the area’s early history. As tourism moved into the area to take first place in the hearts and minds of many citizens, the society increased its effots to perpetuate the memory of early settlers, to discover and keep for posterity the genealogical^-ecords of its Pilgrim and Revolutionary ancestry, and to preserve for all the part the county held in the advancement and development of our nation. And they’ve succeeded. "WE’VE REALLY COME a long way and it’s wonderful,” beams Ella Kay, curator of the museum. “Visitors are very surprised at our history; they didn't realize it was so extensive,” she explains. “And our museum offers the county a history from the very beginning.” For countless years the historical society’s museum was located in the basement of the new courthoiibe building In the center of the county seat. The curator then, Karl Dickinspn, devoted his life to preserving historical artifacts and keeping alive the complex history of an ever-developing community. Much of the early preservation effort here can be attributed to the hard work and dedication of Dickinson; After more than 45 years in the courthouse basement, the museum celebrated its 50th anniversary by a move to new quarters in the historic John Holmes House located on Route 9, about a mile north of the old location. The house, built around 1755

"This beautiful structure represents the best craftsmanship of the period...'

on the cover — Victorianna is big on the Jersey ('ape, hut there's more — and the Historical & (Genealogical Museum, the sO-calIrd County Museum, has it all. Photos by Bonnie drove and Bob Shiles: cover by drove.

by Robert Cresse, is itself a masterpiece of history. "This beautiful structure represents the best craftmanship of the period and reflects the pride of possession and love of beauty of its building,” noted Dickinson, who is today curator emeritus. “WHEN YOU TAKE PEOPLE through the museum you get a feeling that they are really interested in the museum building itself,” explains Barbara Corson, one of the staff members. According to Mrs. Corson said the move

did a lot for the collection of history, as it afforded more room to exhibit all the artifacts. The museum has not only educated area residents to their historical background, but has brought local history to people from all over the country and the world, “We had a great many schools this year and some were out of the county," Mrs. Corson pointed out. Local schools are admitted free and once a year the museum is open free to everyone. In addition to the museum.

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there is an excellent gift shop managed by volunteers Mrs. Horacg Griffith and Mrs. William VanNess of Stone Harbor. There is also an old barn behind the museum which holds many unique treasures from the past. A huge whalebone, discovered off the Delaware Bay by a commercial fisherman, is part of the exhibit. It’s about 18 feet long. THE .BARS’, a small museum unto itself, -was put in shape by Somers Corson, another museum staff member It holds all sorts of interesting things. A small country store, a stone from King Nummy's Grave, a replica of Philadelphia's Independence Hall, a seal, once common along the South Jersey coast; and a bald eagle, killed by an oar almost 50 years ago — all reminders of a history never to be again. The history of whaling and other interesting artifacts pertaining to the sea are also on exhibit. along with Indian relics. The museum houses Victorian exhibit featuring clothing,Ifans, fur niture and china. Toys, music box. piano and other items of Victorian age are also beautifully displayed. Among prized exhibits are the huge French-made prismed lens from the old Cape May Point lighthouse, and a collection of medical and pharmaceutical artifacts from the colonial era. IN ADDITION, the society also maintains a comprehensive library containing a fine collection of historical and genealogical books and documents. This library, located in the museum, includes the Edward M Post Collection and the H. Clifford Campion Jr. Memorial Collection. Genealogical seekers come from many states to use these excellent records. They are especially interesting to Mayflower researchers as there is a large concentration dl Pilgrim descendants in Cape May County. The museum couldn't operate without it's volunteers. Genevieve Van Bever checked out things in the Victorian Room pausing by an ancient bicycle. "I like to show children the museum." she said, winding up a Swiss music box built in 1885 "They're really interested in history." ' Wendy Moore. Cecil Corson and May Hewitt worked in the gift CAPE MAY COVN1Y MAGAZfNE 3