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A Victorian Primer In Cape May, the Nation's First Seashore Resort

Program Number: 1672RJ
Start and End Dates:
5/12/2013 - 5/17/2013; 6/2/2013 - 6/7/2013; 6/9/2013 - 6/14/2013; 8/18/2013 - 8/23/2013; 8/25/2013 - 8/30/2013; 9/29/2013 - 10/4/2013; 10/13/2013 - 10/18/2013; 10/27/2013 - 11/1/2013; 11/3/2013 - 11/8/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Cape May, New Jersey
Price starting at: $898.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: History & Culture
Meals: 15; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

With local experts, delve into all things Victorian: architecture and the secrets that old houses hold, literature, decorative arts, antiques and pastimes. Enjoy visits with living-history characters, expert-led walks of Victorian interiors (including the Frank Furness-designed Emlen Physick Estate) and exteriors, a visit to the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse and a lunch and lively Temperance Debate at one of Cape May's famous restaurants.




Highlights

• Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976, step back in time to the Victorian era of America’s first seashore resort.
• Around every corner, experience Victorian architecture and the secrets held within.
• Discover the social customs and traditions that permeate the parlors with the sea as your backdrop.



Activity Particulars

Walking on varied terrain; standing one hour. Stairs during museum visit.




Date Specific Information

5-12-2013, 10-27-2013

Round-trip transfer from Philadelphia or Atlantic City airports included in program cost. Choose from two lodging options: the Inn of Cape May or upgraded accommodations at Congress Hall Hotel.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



6-2-2013

Choose from two lodging options: the Inn of Cape May or upgraded accommodations at Congress Hall Hotel. Participants in this program may attend concerts during the 24th annual Cape May Music Festival as part of their programming.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



6-9-2013

Choose from two lodging options: the Inn of Cape May or upgraded accommodations at Congress Hall Hotel. Participants during this program may attend concerts of the 24th annual Cape May Music Festival.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



8-18-2013, 8-25-2013, 9-29-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



10-13-2013

Choose from two lodging options: the Inn of Cape May or upgraded accommodations at Congress Hall Hotel. This program occurs during Cape May`s Victorian Week. Participants may attend specially-themed public programs offered as part of Victorian Week.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



11-3-2013

Choose from two lodging options: the Inn of Cape May or upgraded accommodations at Congress Hall Hotel. Since this program occurs when Cape May is celebrating the Halloween season, some programs may be themed to the Victorians` fascination with spiritualism.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts.




Cape May

More than 600 authentically restored Victorian structures make up this National Historic Landmark City on New Jersey's southern shore. Dubbed the nation's "First Seashore Resort," Cape May has been welcoming visitors to its white-sand beaches since the 1800s. Also a birding "hotspot," Cape May attracts more than 400 species of birds a year.
Accommodations
A basic Victorian-era hotel with modestly sized bedrooms. Loaded with character and clean, and for people who value the experience of an authentic turn-of-the century hotel.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Mary Stewart
Mary Stewart is the chief outreach officer for the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities. She has a degree in art, a background in graphic arts and a love of history. Mary is a fiber artist, and fell in love with fabric and yarn early in life. She enjoys researching Victorian holiday celebrations, and conducts workshops to create vintage decorations and cards. Mary is a member of the Cape May Artists Cooperative Gallery, where she exhibits her one-of-a-kind bags, scarves and hats.
 
Robert Heinly
A former college professor, Dr. Robert Heinly is the Museum Education Director for the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities. During his career as an educator, Robert served as a curriculum supervisor, administrator and mentor to student teachers. He is also an experienced living history re-enactor, having played roles at Independence Hall National Park. In Cape May, he has become Dr. Emlen Physick, the eccentric doctor who built the Physick Estate and was a civic gadfly in his era.
 
Rich Chiemingo
Rich Chiemingo is a museum educator for the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities, as well as a lighthouse keeper at the Cape May Lighthouse and an observer at the World War II Lookout Tower. As a living history interpreter, he shares his perspective on American composer and band leader John Philip Sousa. Prior to retiring to the Cape May area, Rich has also held a career in the music industry, including a stint as a military bandsman.
 
John Alvarez
John Alvarez is a professor of theater history at Atlantic Cape Community College, and a museum educator for the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities. A published playwright, John has worked as a correspondent for the Cape May Star and Wave and Exit Zero magazine. He considers himself a local folklorist, having picked up many of the stories and lore that make up Cape May's history. John is also the author of several plays based on the character of Sherlock Holmes.
 
Elan Zingman-Leith
Elan Zingman-Leith has a background in history, historic preservation and inn keeping. He has served as Deputy Director of Preservation of the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission, chairman of both the Cape May and West Cape May Historic Preservation Commissions, and has worked for the National Register of Historic Places. A Bed and Breakfast innkeeper in Cape May for 20 years, Elan is the president of the CM B&B Association and the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Congress Hall or Inn of Cape May
  Cape May, NJ 5 nights
 Congress Hall
Type: Hotel
  Description: Welcome to Congress Hall, a haven of relaxed elegance, fun, historic charm and luxury at the New Jersey shore. Set amid sweeping, landscaped grounds overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Cape May's broad sandy beaches, Congress Hall is just a few steps from the ocean, in the heart of Cape May's famed historic district, just .4 miles from the Inn of Cape May (an 8 to 10 minute walk). Congress Hall's unique character combines the grandeur and elegance of Cape May's most revered landmark hotel with the appeal and convenience of a modern resort. Congress Hall offers a vibrant atmosphere and modern-day comforts within the grand serenity of this lovingly renovated nineteenth-century hostelry. The guest room accommodations offer state of the art amenities in an environment of timeless calm. Congress Hall's L-shaped design, a tradition among Cape May hotels, affords many guest rooms uninterrupted views of the beach.
  Contact info: 251 Beach Avenue
Cape May, NJ 08204 USA
phone: 609-884-8421
web: www.congresshall.com
  Room amenities: Private bathroom with hairdryer, individual climate control for air conditioning and heating, color television with remote, DVD player , complimentary hi-speed wireless internet access, two telephones, including voicemail and data port, daily housekeeping services, Irons and boards.
  Facility amenities: On-site parking with valet. Dining room serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Room service. Elegant cocktail lounge. Night club. 108 guest rooms. 5 luxurious suites. Elevators. Fitness Room. Blue’s Clubhouse for kids. Full-service spa. Lobby shops. Executive conferencing including multiple meeting rooms. Tented beach-front weddings. Banqueting facilities for up to 250. Banqueting/wedding organization and event management services. Beach cabana with food service - seasonal. Private beach cabanas available - seasonal. Beach towels, chairs and umbrellas - seasonal. Pool with towels, umbrellas and loungers - seasonal. Poolside food and beverage service - seasonal.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Inn of Cape May
Type: Hotel
  Description: When the Inn of Cape May began life in 1894, it boasted what were then state-of-the-art amenities: steam heat, gas lights, an electric system, and a wonderful wrap-around verandah to catch ocean breezes. Today, the Inn’s original Otis elevator from 1900 is still in service, operated by hotel staff as available. Guest rooms are basic and modestly sized, featuring retro-fitted bathrooms with showers, heat and A/C and cable TV. Rooms are furnished as they would have been a century ago with wicker and vintage furniture, and may either have two full-size beds or one queen or king-size bed. The Inn of Cape May also offers a restaurant, bar and in-ground pool, and is conveniently located within walking distance of the main pedestrian area.
  Contact info: 7 Ocean Street
Cape May, NJ 08204 USA
phone: 609-884-5555
web: www.innofcapemay.com
  Room amenities: Guest rooms are located on 2nd through 5th floor, though Road Scholar participants are generally placed on 3rd and above to be removed from street noise. Rooms are furnished with double, queen and/or king-sized beds, cable TV with remote control, heat and air conditioning. Every bathroom is equipped with a shower, though some are stall showers and some are in tubs. Some bathrooms are equipped with grab bars. As the bathrooms are a 20th century retrofit, the guest rooms are modestly-sized and differ in lay-out and configuration. Rooms are not equipped with telephones or alarm clocks. The room assignments are made based on needs of the group and can't be changed from one view to another.
  Facility amenities: The family owned and operated Inn of Cape May features fifty one unique hotel rooms, each furnished with wicker and antiques, many featuring views of the Atlantic Ocean. Although the building is historic, it offers modern day comforts such as a lobby seating area with gas fireplace, WiFi in the public areas of the first floor and the front desk that is staffed 24 hours a day. The hotel does have a vintage elevator, which is not self-service. It must be operated by hotel personnel who are available 24 hours a day. There is a first floor restaurant and bar. Free guest parking is available directly across the street. A 15 minute loading space is directly in front of the main entrance and a bellman is available for convenient check-in. There is an in-ground pool, open seasonally. The hotel is on the oceanfront, just a short walk from the main pedestrian shopping area and within easy walking distance of many fine restaurants.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Bathroom: Some rooms have tubs with showers; some only showers.
  Elevators available: Yes


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Program registration in hotel 3:00pm. This date has a transfer included in the program price; pick-up locations at Philadelphia and Atlantic City airports TBA. You will be staying at Congress Hall or Inn of Cape May that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends at hotel. Box lunch available for early departures. You will be staying at Congress Hall or Inn of Cape May the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Parking is free for hotel guests in the hotel lot directly across the street from the hotel. Participants will get a permit for their car at check-in. Metered street parking is also available. Meters are in effect May 1 till Oct. 31.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Cape May, NJ
  Nearest city or town:  Atlantic City, NJ
  Nearest highway: Garden State Parkway
  Nearest airport:  Philadelphia International Airport; Atlantic City Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: Cape May, NJ
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Philadelphia

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
MAC
phone: 609-884-5404
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Complimentary
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

2 1/2 hours 
 

Distance:

 

100 miles
   

This program date has a complimentary transfer included in the program price. Pick-up locations for the scheduled transfers are the Philadelphia and Atlantic City airports; specific rendezvous points TBA.
 

Atlantic City

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
MAC
phone: 609-884-5404
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Complimentary
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1 1/2hrs 
 

Distance:

 

50 miles
   

This program date has a complimentary transfer included in the program price. Pick-up locations for the scheduled transfers are the Philadelphia and Atlantic City airports; specific rendezvous points TBA.
 

New York City

 

From Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
NJ Transit
phone: 973-491-9400

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$33.25
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

5 hours 
 

Distance:

 

250 miles
   

The hotel is about 3 blocks from the Cape May bus terminal. Local cab service is available: AArt's Taxi (609-898-7433) and AA Plus Cab, 609-889-9595.
 

Philadelphia

 

From Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
NJ Transit
phone: 973-491-9400

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$18.25
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

4 hours 
   

The hotel is about 3 blocks from the Cape May bus terminal. Local cab service is available: AArt's Taxi (609-898-7433) and AA Plus Cab, 609-889-9595.
 
Driving Directions
  Baltimore, Washington DC I 95 to Delaware Memorial Bridge, to Rte 40 East, to Rte 55 South, to Rte 47 South, to Garden State Parkway South into Cape May. Follow Lafayette St. to Madison Ave.(first traffic light), turn left. Follow Madison Ave. to Beach Dr., turn right. The hotel is directly ahead on your right. or via the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, exit the terminal onto Rte 9, to Rte 109 South into Cape May. Follow Lafayette St. to Madison Ave.(first traffic light), turn left. Follow Madison Ave. to Beach Dr., turn right. The hotel is directly ahead on your right. (Approximately 3 hours from Baltimore and 4 hours from Washington.)
  New York Garden State Parkway South to Cape May. Follow Lafayette St. to Madison Ave.(first traffic light), turn left. Follow Madison Ave. to Beach Dr., turn right. The hotel is directly ahead on your right. (Approximately 3 hour drive.)
  Pennsylvania Walt Whitman or Ben Franklin Bridge to Rte. 42 South, to Atlantic City Expressway, to Garden State Parkway South into Cape May. Follow Lafayette St. to Madison Ave.(first traffic light), turn left. Follow Madison Ave. to Beach Dr., turn right. The hotel is directly ahead on your right. (Approximately 2 hour drive)
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Registration, wine and cheese reception/Orientation
(Sunday, May 12)
   
 Afternoon: Program registration in hotel lobby 3PM to 5PM. Registration for guest rooms begins 4PM. Wine and cheese reception in dining room 5PM to 6PM.
 Dinner: Dinner in hotel dining room. Three course plated dinner with choice of three entrees including a vegetarian option.
 Evening: Introduction of faculty and participants, review of week's programs and menu, orientation to hotel and area.
   
Accommodations: Congress Hall or Inn of Cape May
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Lectures/Cape May Historic District Walking Tour
(Monday, May 13)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel. Choice of either a hot breakfast, oatmeal or cold cereal. Yogurt, fruit and toast basket available.
 Morning: Lectures on the history of Cape May and general Victorian social history. Cape May has been a seashore resort attracting visitors for more than 200 hundred years. Learn how and why the resort developed and about its founding families and famous visitors. Once you know about Victorian Cape May, learn about Victorian society. Informative hand-outs accompany each lecture.
 Lunch: Lunch in the hotel dining. Two menu options available.
 Afternoon: Lecture and Field Trip Richly illustrated Powerpoint presentation about the elements of Victorian architecture, focusing on Cape May's rich collection of Victorian era buildings. The lecture is followed by 45 minute guided walk through Cape May's primary Historic District to see examples of the various styles..
 Dinner: Dinner in hotel dining room. Three course plated dinner with choice of three entrees including a vegetarian option.
 Evening: Explore Cape May on your own.
   
Accommodations: Congress Hall or Inn of Cape May
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Lecture/Field Trip/Carriage House Tearoom and Cafe/Living History Presentation
(Tuesday, May 14)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel. Choice of either a hot breakfast, oatmeal or cold cereal. Yogurt, fruit and toast basket available.
 Morning: Lecture and Field Trip Victorian Etiquette & Manners: Learn the Ps and Qs about etiquette and manners before traveling to the Emlen Physick Estate so you know how to comport yourself with the Physick Family. Then enjoy a guided field trip through Cape May's Historic District and to the Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May's only Victorian House Museum. Trolley shuttle transportation provided to and from hotel.
 Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Tea Luncheon at Carriage House Cafe and Tearoom on the grounds of Emlen Physick Estate. Lunch includes homemade tea breads, salad, sandwiches and dessert. Following lunch, take part in the temperance debate raging in Cape May in 1899. Listen to Women's Christian Temperance advocate Jennie Wales as she battles with saloonkeeper Patrick Collins and then exercise your right to vote. This living history presentations features costumed characters from the past who welcome you into their world.
 Afternoon: In 1878, Cape May suffered the Great Inferno, a fire which engulfed 30 acres of the city center and changed the face of the city forever. Join Colonel Landis, the Fire Chief of Cape May in 1878, as he leads you through the district and talks about fighting the monstrous blaze. A contemporary guide accompanies the group to provide information about the city that rose from the ashes.
 Dinner: Dinner in hotel dining room. Three course plated dinner with choice of three entrees including a vegetarian option.
 Evening: The Physick Family - Dr. Emlen Physick, his mother Mrs. Frances Ralston and Aunt Emilie Parmetier - come to play a call on you at the hotel. They are prepared to share with you the news of what's happening in the Cape May of the Victorian era, including choice bits of gossip. They welcome questions about their world.
   
Accommodations: Congress Hall or Inn of Cape May
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Cape May Lighthouse/Lunch at hotel/Performance/Lecture
(Wednesday, May 15)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel. Choice of either a hot breakfast, oatmeal or cold cereal. Yogurt, fruit and toast basket available.
 Morning: Lecture and Field Trip The Keeper of the Cape May Lighthouse shares his knowledge and love of the structure in a richly illustrated lecture about lighthouse history, legend and lore. The lecture is followed by guided field trip to Cape May Lighthouse at Cape May Point State Park, where you may climb the 199 steps to the watchroom. If you choose not to climb, a fully accessible visitors center is available. You will also explore Cape May Point State Park and Sunset Beach, where you can look for "Cape May Diamonds." Trolley shuttle transportation provided to and from hotel.
 Lunch: Lunch at hotel. Two menu options available.
 Afternoon: Participants free to explore area on own
 Dinner: Dinner in hotel dining room. Three course plated dinner with choice of three entrees including a vegetarian option.
 Evening: An Evening of Victorian Music: Learn about Victorian music from an expert in this richly illustrated lecture. The program includes audio of the music discussed as well as historys of the most influential musicians of the day.
   
Accommodations: Congress Hall or Inn of Cape May
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Seminar on Victorian Women/Living History Performance
(Thursday, May 16)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel. Choice of either a hot breakfast, oatmeal or cold cereal. Yogurt, fruit and toast basket available.
 Morning: What were Victorian women like? Find out if they were frail, fragile hothouse creatures swaddled in the cocoon of their society, their home and their clothing or independent thinkers ready to fly the cocoon in this afternoon seminar on Victorian women. Richly illustrated Powerpoint presentation, supplemented by artifacts and objects from the past.
 Lunch: Lunch at hotel
 Afternoon: Victorian Spiritualism: The Victorian era was marked by a fascination with all things spiritual. Man had conquered the physical world and the spiritual world was a new frontier. Learn about seances, mediums, ectoplasm and more in this fscinating lecture. The Ghosts of Cape May: Cape MAy has long been know for its psychic activity. Learn about the ghosts and spirits who inhabit this seaside town.
 Dinner: Dinner at local restaurant. Choice of menu options.
 Evening: Victorian Recreations: participants will enjoy a richly illustrated lecture about how the Victorians re-created themselves in their leisure time. Using artifacts from the era, the presenters will demonstrate some of the past-times enjoyed by our ancestors.
   
Accommodations: Congress Hall or Inn of Cape May
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Performance/Graduation
(Friday, May 17)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel. Choice of either a hot breakfast, oatmeal or cold cereal. Yogurt, fruit and toast basket available.
 Morning: John Philip Sousa is the graduation speaker and will talk about his fascinating life and his times. The presentation is richly illustrated and full of interesting information about America's March King. John Philip Sousa is a living history reenactor and life long musician, who even plays the helicon, the forerunner of the Sousaphone and today's tuba. Afterwards, review final exam questions, collect evaluations and distribute diplomas. Open forum with participants to discuss program, review additional offerings.
 Lunch: Lunch at hotel. Box lunch available for early departures.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Cape May, NJ Cape May County Historical Museum
(609) 465-3535 For additional information, visit www.cmcmuseum.org
  Leaming's Run Gardens
(609) 465-5871 For additional information, visit www.leamingsrungardens.com/
  Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts
(609) 884-5404 or (800) 275-4278 For additional information, visit www.capemaymac.org
  Naval Air Station Wildwood
Aviation Museum Phone (609) 886-8787 For additional information, visit www.usnasw.org
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


American Home Life: 1880-1930


Author: Foy, Jessica and Schlerth, Thomas


Cape May: Queen of the Seaside Resorts


Author: George Thomas and Carl Doebley


Description: This is a wonderful reference and souvenir of your stay in Cape May with an introductory historical essay and an extensive section of photographs of the most historic buildings of Cape May. This fine book is available at the Museum Shop of the Emlen Physick Estate and can be ordered online from the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts or call 609-884-5404 ext. 117 for mail order.



Sentinel of the Jersey Cape


Author: John Bailey


Description: John Bailey's best selling book tells the complete story of the 141-year old Cape May lighthouse. A remarkable mix of technical exposition, historical observation and personal sentiment. Available from the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts' Museum Shop, 609-884-5404, extension 142



Summer City by the Sea


Author: Emil Salvini


Description: This is the story of the rise and the fall and rise again of the country's first seaside resort - a fantasy city created by whalers, river pilots and speculators and molded by fires and storms. Its two-hundred year roller coaster ride resulted in Cape May regaining the title of Queen of the Seaside Resorts. Available through the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts' Museum Shop, 609-884-5404, extension 142



The Confident Years


Author: American Heritage


The First Resort


Author: Ben Miller


Description: Coffee table book with great, rare archival photos and articles about Cape May's past.



Victorian America: Transformations in Everyday Life


Author: Schlerth, Thomas




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