Maritime

Since its earliest days the area we now call Cape May County has been linked to the water.  With the tumultuous Atlantic Ocean on one side, the Delaware Bay on the other and lush forest and field between it served its residents well.  Early Native Americans thrived, whalers found whales in the ocean and refuge in the bay. All worked the shores and tributaries for birds and shellfish.  As the population grew, shipbuilding and coastal trade took on greater importance.  Come visit us and explore this aspect of our museum.

Many of the artifacts, photographs and manuscripts associated with maritime activities have found their way our museum collection.  From the original first-order Fresnel lens that sat atop the Cape May light to whaling implements, marine skeletons, ship parts and Native American exhibits there is something for everyone.  Of special interest is our recently acquired Cresse Journal, an original manuscript by Lewis Cresse detailing the life of a whaler in the mid-eighteenth century.