New Jersey Historic Trust Affiliated with the Department of Community Affairs

Cape May Lighthouse

New Jersey Historic Preservation Bond Program
Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund
Grant Award: $20,142 (1992); $248,805 (1993); $622,158 (1995); $29,090 (2019); $ 23,166 (2024)
Grant Recipient: Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts
County: Cape May
Municipality: Cape May

The Cape May Lighthouse is listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places for its associations with New Jersey’s maritime history.  It has operated as an active lighthouse since its construction in 1859.  The Lighthouse has been open to the public under Cap May MAC’s stewardship since 1988. The former oil house now functions as the museum shop.   

The 2024 Trust grant will help fund the in-kind replacement of the stained wood shingles on the oil house roof and the replacement of the interior sealant of each Lighthouse lantern window.  

A 1992 Trust grant funded the rehabilitation of the small Oil Storage House on the grounds for use as a visitor's center. A 1993 matching grant assisted the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities with the restoration of the tower, including the lantern and watch levels at the top of the lighthouse. The 1995 grant assisted in the final phase of the project, which included restoration of the tower's interior masonry, the 199-step spiral staircase, and the interior of both the Vestibule House and the Watch Room. The 2019 grant helped fund the cleaning, surveying, repair, and painting of the interior stairs and railings.  

For more information, visit: https://capemaymac.org/experience/cape-may-lighthouse/