Routes to Roots Heritage Trail
Community Cultural Center: Franklin Street School Project
Franklin Street School opened in September 1928 as an elementary school for Cape May's African American children. Today, the Franklin Street School is a contributing building to the Cape May National Register Historic District. It also is designated by the State of New Jersey a Historic Site. In 2002, the Center for Community Arts (CCA) acquired a 25-year lease on Franklin Street School from the City of Cape May. Since then, CCA has been restoring the historic building for its unveiling in late 2008 as the Franklin Street School Community Cultural Center.
Community History Program & African American Walking Tour
CCA's Community History Program is dedicated to discovering, preserving and presenting the African American history of Cape May County. The Program creates annual exhibits and panel discussions in partnership with the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts, presents African American Heritage Walking Tours during Cape May's tourist season by appointment, and administers the growing John T. and Janet D. Nash Archives of African American History. The John and Janet Nash African American History Archives now preserves over 5,000 artifacts, oral histories and photographs of African American life in Cape May County. In collaboration with CCA's Youth Arts Program, the Community History Program presents an annual community-building event, "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday Party," which combines a potluck supper with a youth-led black history presentation.
Center for Community Arts
712 Lafayette Street
Cape May, New Jersey 08204
(609) 884-7525
http://www.centerforcommunityarts.org
____________________________________________________________________________
The Emlen Physick Estate
The Emlen Physick Estate of 1879, is Cape May's only Victorian house museum. Throughout the year, the Carriage House Gallery of this estate is home to changing exhibits that bring history to life from scenes of the Victorian era to exhibitions that explore African American heritage. For additional information regarding tours, special events and exhibits please access the Emlen Physick Estate website at http://capemaymac.org or call 800-275-4278, ext. 139 for group tour information.
The Emlen Physick Estate
1048 Washington St, Cape May, NJ
(609) 884-5404
http://capemaymac.org
____________________________________________________________________________
Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church
Established around 1870 as a part of the New Jersey Conference of the A. M. E. Church. Rich in history and service, the congregation continues to thrive to this day.
Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church
Cape May, Cape May County
717 Franklin Street
Cape May , NJ 08204
609-884-2626
____________________________________________________________________________
COUNTENANCE: Notable County Facts & Faces
Mrs. Jarena Lee was the first black woman preacher in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Born in Cape May in 1783, Lee began preaching in 1820 travelling throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Canda. (more) http://www.usgennet.org/usa/nj/county/capemay/Jarena.htm.
__________________________________________________
County History and Resource Organizations
Ocean City Historical Society
1735 Simpson Avenue
Ocean City, NJ 08226
Work: 609-399-1801
E-Mail: fireanalys@aol.com
Cape May County Division of Culture & Heritage
c/o Cape May County Library
30 West Mechanic Street
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
(609) 463-6370; (609) 463-6335 FAX
culture@cmclibrary.org
Cape May Historical and Genealogical Society
DN 707 - 504 Route 9 North
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
(609) 465-3535
http://www.cmcmuseum.org/
Whitesboro Historical Foundation
2215 Us Highway 9
Whitesboro, NJ
(609) 465-5655
____________________________________________________________________________
got Info?
Send us your questions, comments and listings
