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CBS Philadelphia helped us "Say Hello to Summer" and celebrate our Trifecta - 250th National Anniversary - 175th City Anniversary - 50th National Historic Landmark!

Cape May marking 175th anniversary by putting extraordinary history on display - CBS Philadelphia

The City of Cape May revived the Historic Preservation Awards and celebrated its rich architectural heritage and the individuals dedicated to preserving it during the 2026 Historic Preservation Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 13^th at the historic Chalfonte Hotel.

Held during National Historic Preservation Month, this year’s ceremony carried special significance as Cape May commemorates the 50th anniversary of its designation as a National Historic Landmark; a recognition that helped establish the City as one of the nation’s premier examples of Victorian architecture and historic preservation.

The annual awards ceremony honors individuals, organizations, and property owners whose efforts help protect and celebrate Cape May’s historic character for future generations. The following details the awards given and this year’s winners: 

• STEWARDSHIP AWARD - This category recognizes the long-standing maintenance and protection of Contributing and Key Contributing historic properties. Although these nominees may never have needed to appear before the HPC for any significant changes, the owner’s steadfast commitment of time and resources, and the sensitive protection of the historic property, are the foundation of Cape May’s Historic Landmark status and popularity as a unique heritage destination by the sea.
  • THE MAINSTAY INN – Owners John and Ruth Pemberton (1949 – 19770, Tom and Sue Carroll (1977 – 2004), Peter and Esther Scalone (2014 – Present). The 154 year old former Jackson Clubhouse stands as a singularly definitive example of meticulous and respectful attention to authentic architectural detail, through the loving care of a series of committed preservationist owners. A space that has been graciously welcoming to visitors as a time-capsule of Victorian design elegance and gentility.
  • THE PHYSICK ESTATE – CAPE MAY MAC. Dr. Emlen Physick’s 1879 Frank Furness designed Stick Style mansion was scheduled for demolition in the 1960s, but was rescued by concerned citizens, who formed the Cape May MAC and have been carefully maintaining this key-contributing landmark since 1970. The open to the public building now stands as a uniquely stalwart ambassador to the Victorian Period that is the hallmark of our national landmark city.
  • THE JOSEPH LEACH HOUSE - 1011-1013 Lafayette St. stands as a physical memorial to the legacy of abolitionist, newspaper editor, and civic leader, Joseph Leach. He often preached on the evils of slavery from the pulpit of the Cape Island Baptist Church, and was also responsible for bringing the telegraph and railroad into the city, as well as the establishment of the police force. Recently, the building has undergone an adaptive re-use as condominiums, but has retained it’s exterior’s period appropriateness. It stands as a particularly streetscape defining icon for visitor’s entering our community on Lafayette Street
• LEADERSHIP AWARD - This category recognizes individuals, groups, organizations, and government agencies for outstanding leadership that directly contributes to the preservation of historic buildings, structures, stories, and sites in Cape May.
  • CORBIN COGSWELL - Mr. Cogswell has been a longtime bastion of Cape May’s preservation efforts, as a pioneering bed and breakfast owner, volunteer at the Cape May Point Lighthouse, and having an inspirational record of 26 years of dedicated service on the HPC as a Class A Commissioner. His institutional knowledge and expertise as a restoration carpenter has assisted hundreds of applicants realize their dream homes through cooperative adherence to the Historic Preservation Standards. Mr. Cogswell continues his community service through his volunteering at the Episcopal Church of the Advent.
• PRESERVATION/RESTORATION AWARD - This category recognizes significant, sensitive preservation or restoration of a property for its original use or museum use. This is the purest form of preservation, preserving as much original material as possible and removing any compromising changes. This recognizes the ultimate contribution to the property’s cultural and architectural history, context, and surrounding streetscape, as well as to the city’s National Historic Landmark designation.
  • 1005 BEACH AVENUE – JOHN AND JEAN KUHLER
• REHABILITATION/RENOVATION - This category recognizes significant and sensitive maintenance and updates that preserve or make only minor adjustments to the original materials and documented form. This category celebrates respectful work that maintains and enhances the property’s cultural and architectural history, context, and contribution to the surrounding streetscape as well as the city’s National Historic Landmark designation.
  • 821 WASHINGTON ST. – LYNN AND CHERYL MARKS
• ADDITIONS - This category examines the process of enabling a property’s compatible upgrade through repairs, alterations, and additions while preserving those portions or features that convey its historical, cultural, or architectural value.
  • 1125 NEW YORK AVENUE – SANTO, MIKE AND MARYBETH FORMICA
• NEW CONSTRUCTION - This category identifies key review considerations within the historic district: the property's compatibility with the existing fabric, including materials, features, size, scale, proportion, streetscape, and massing.
  • 523 BANK ST. – MEGAN LAMB AND BRYAN ROWLAND
• ADAPTIVE REUSE - This category recognizes the rehabilitation of a building or complex for a new use while preserving its original architectural integrity. Interior changes may be acceptable; the building’s exterior should closely resemble its original appearance.
  • 710 COLUMBIA AVENUE – CHRISTINE GLAZER

For more information about the Historic Preservation Awards or the Historic Preservation Commission, visit capemaycity.com.

City of Cape May Historic Preservation Awards Photos

Photo Credit: Aleksey Photography

CAPE MAY, NJ – The City of Cape May honored Curtis Bashaw with the 2025 Citizenship Award at a ceremony Monday, May 11^th evening on the Washington Square Mall. When selecting the recipient for this award, City Council looks for an individual who, among other attributes, continually gives of their time, dedication, and talents to the betterment of the community. City Council also seeks to honor those individuals who lend leadership and vision, organize or assist in achieving organizational goals, and who serve on committees and programs providing their expertise and guidance voluntarily.

City leaders recognized Bashaw, who is a prominent hotelier and developer, for his decades of service that have advanced the quality of life in the Cape May community. Bashaw is the founder and managing partner of Cape Resorts, which has revitalized historic, iconic properties in Cape May, beginning with the restoration of the Virginia Hotel in 1989. Since then, the Cape Resorts portfolio has expanded to include Congress Hall, Beach Plum Farm, Beach Shack and other landmark Cape May properties.

When bestowing the award Council thanked Bashaw for making a tremendous impact on the City of Cape May. Council recognized the developer for his demonstrated love for the city and his continued efforts to preserve what makes Cape May unique, while thoughtfully investing in its future.

In addition, the City proudly honored Carolyn Pitts as the recipient of the 2026 Citizenship Award during the ceremony. Carolyn was selected for her dedication to the Historic Preservation of the City and achieving the Historic Landmark Designation. Pitts was an American architectural historian who passed in 2008. Known by many as one of the driving forces behind Cape May’s historic preservation movement, Pitts devoted years to documenting the City’s Victorian architecture and advocating for its protection. Her efforts ultimately contributed to Cape May becoming the first City in the United States designated as a National Historic Landmark district in 1976.

Working alongside preservationists, historians, and community leaders during the 1960s and 1970s, Pitts conducted extensive architectural surveys throughout Cape May, carefully cataloging historic homes, hotels, and public buildings. Her research became the foundation for landmark nominations and preservation initiatives that transformed the city into one of America’s most celebrated historic destinations.

Pitts later served as an architectural historian with the National Park Service for more than three decades, contributing to the designation and protection of numerous historic sites across the country. However, many preservationists consider her work in Cape May among her most influential achievements.

Today, Cape May’s thriving tourism economy, vibrant historic district, and internationally recognized Victorian character stand as enduring reminders of Pitts’ vision and persistence.

For additional information, visit www.capemaycity.com or call 609-884-9565.  Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/capemaycity and follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/capemaycity/.

CAPE MAY, NJ – Deputy City Manager Justin Riggs has been officially selected as one of America’s 250 Public Service Champions by the National Academy of Public Administration through the Local Gov 250 initiative.

Deputy City Manager Riggs is one of only eight individuals in the State of New Jersey to receive this prestigious national recognition, which honors outstanding public servants from across the United States. Local Gov 250 is a nationwide effort led by a coalition of local governments and associations to elevate the role of public service as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. Through storytelling, recognition, and innovation, the initiative highlights how public servants have shaped—and continue to shape—American democracy from the ground up.

“Public service is about making a meaningful difference in the lives of the residents and visitors of your community,” said Riggs. “I am proud to be part of the Cape May City team that works every day to make that difference, and I am honored to be recognized alongside so many dedicated professionals from across the country.” 

City Manager Paul Dietrich praised Riggs for his leadership and dedication to public service. “Justin’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and service to our community is evident in everything he does,” said Dietrich. “This recognition is well deserved, and we are proud to see his work acknowledged on a national level.” 

Mayor Zack Mullock also commended Riggs, saying, “Justin’s dedication and leadership are vital to the success of our city and the many ongoing projects and initiatives. His recognition as a Public Service Champion reflects not only his personal commitment but also the excellence of Cape May’s municipal team.”
This recognition underscores the critical role local government leaders play in delivering essential services, fostering community engagement, and driving innovation at the local level.

For more information on the Local Gov 250 initiative, please visit: https://www.localgov250.org/

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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, the State Planning Commission shall conduct six public hearings for the purpose of receiving testimony on the draft Final New Jersey’s State Development and Redevelopment Plan and the draft Infrastructure Needs Assessment pursuant to the State Planning Act at N.J.S.A. 52:18A-202(c) as set forth in the State Planning Rules at N.J.A.C. 15:30-5.2.   

The six public hearings will be convened as follows: CLICK HERE 

Do you have a love for Cape May and a passion for volunteering? We have just the opportunity for you! The City of Cape May's Recreation Department is looking for volunteers for our new Community Center! If you wish to apply or find out more information, please contact Kacie at 609-884-9567 or krattigan@capemaycity.com

Following extensive public comment and design enhancements, a monument to honor U.S. Navy sailors who gave their lives during the Second World War’s “Battle of the Atlantic,” was (unanimously) approved Tuesday (5/19) by Cape May City Council.

Cape May is the chosen location of the memorial because the destroyer the USS Jacob Jones, the first US warship to be attacked by a German U-Boat following Germany’s declaration of war against the United States, was sunk just miles off Cape May’s shoreline. A total of 138 Jacob Jones officers and crew perished.

                At a meeting on Tuesday (5/19), City Council approved the design and location of the monument, which has been under discussion over the past year.  A group of local leaders has been working on a project plan and preliminary design of the memorial since 2024.

                “We are very grateful to Mayor Mullock and members of Council for their support of this project, which will honor the countless brave Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice during the battle for control of the Atlantic,” said Myles Martel, founding member of the Jacob Jones Memorial Committee. “The location here Cape May will be a vivid reminder of how frighteningly close World War II came to the American coast.”

The monument, “The USS Jacob Jones Memorial: Portal to Freedom,” will be located on the Cape May promenade near Philadelphia Avenue.

“We thank the committed and enthusiastic group of local leaders who are pursuing this project, which will dramatically further Cape May’s reputation for heritage and patriotism,” said Cape May Mayor Zachary Mullock. “We also appreciate the active participation of many of our residents in discussions about the design and location of this important memorial.”

                Now that City Council has given its approval, Martel said donations to fund the project will be raised through a nationwide campaign through a 501(c)(3), which the committee has established. No public funds will be used in constructing the memorial, Martel said.

               The Jacob Jones was the first U.S. destroyer deployed in the “Battle of the Atlantic” to patrol for German U-Boats off America’s East Coast. On Feb. 18, 1942, it was attacked off the Cape May coast just days after it began its mission and less than three months after the declaration of war with Germany. At the time of the Jacob Jones sinking, the East Coast of the U.S. was particularly vulnerable as Germany significantly disrupted supply routes between North American and Europe.

                Martel said that the Jacob Jones attack had a major impact on U.S. military strategy. He noted that headlines across the nation carried the news of the tragic deaths of the crew and resulted in an understanding the of the urgent need for improved coastal defense and military preparedness.

                “This striking and poignant monument can help ensure that future generations understand the price of freedom, the risk of our nation being exposed to a foreign adversary and the enduring strength of the American spirit. In reverently telling the story of the brave sailors of the Jacob Jones, we will honor and elevate the national recognition of all those who gave their lives in the ‘Battle of the Atlantic’ to preserve our precious freedom,” said Martel.

               Leading the design of the monument is John Boecker, a Yale University-trained architect who is a Cape May resident.  

For more details on the project visit www.ussjacobjonesmemorial.org.