Published in the Cape May County Herald

Our journey began in 1970 with a dilapidated historic gem and a demolition permit. The Emlen Physick Estate was about to be torn down to make way for a housing development. To avert this disaster, a small group

of dedicated neighbors organized what they first called the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC) to fight City Hall and save the Estate from the wrecker’s ball. Through its focus on historic preservation and its sponsorship of cultural, historic and artistic endeavors, MAC saved the Emlen Physick Estate and became a cornerstone of Cape May’s economic revival.

Now, 50 years later, Cape May MAC is Cape May’s leader in heritage tourism, educational outreach, historic preservation and cultural enrichment, and can count among its finest accomplishments the restoration of three key historic sites – the Emlen Physick Estate, the Cape May Lighthouse and the World War II Lookout Tower.

In preparing for this anniversary year, Cape May MAC’s leaders engaged in strategic planning initiatives to ensure the organization’s stability and success for the next 50 years. One of the major goals identified was the need to work on establishing a strong, clear brand to launch itself into the future. Over the course of 2018-19, Cape May MAC’s board and staff, working with the Princeton Strategic Communications Group, have poured time and energy into a re-branding initiative that was revealed this spring to kick off the our 50th birthday celebration. The re-branding process culminated with the creation of a new website.

Now, more than ever, we need supportfrom our community to help keep us going.

Like you, we are concerned about what the future holds. Cape May MAC is a non-profit organization whose operations are supported largely by the income from our various tours and events, which have been suspended

since mid-March. It is not easy to ask for help when the needs of many are great. To ensure Cape May MAC can continue to provide the cultural experiences for our region both soon and in the future, we must maintain essential staff and care for our historic sites. If you can find it in your heart to make a donation, purchase a membership or advance tickets– even as a gift, it could not come at a better time. Please visit, www.capemaymac.org to see all the ways you can help today! Thank you.

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