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10 History Museums in Jersey Shore That You Shouldn't Miss
The Atlantic coast of New Jersey, with its beaches and boardwalks, stretches from Sandy Hook in the north to Cape May in the south. Fresh ocean breezes fan 127 miles of sandy beaches. Drive between cities or catch a NJ Transit bus or Atlantic City jitney bus. Atlantic City packs people in to nightlife venues and casinos. Wildwood's boardwalk is well-trod. Asbury Park is once again popular, particularly with gays and lesbians. Cape May's restaurants and Victorian inns lure tourists to the historic town.
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1. Avalon History Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
2. Museum of NJ Maritime History
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By R4960NKjustinw - Hasbrouck Heights, United States
I have to say that for a small museum I was very impressed by the amount of information that this museum covers. It is really an interesting and amazing place for a small museum at the shore. There are rooms that cover shark attacks, luxury liner disasters, ship wrecks, shore erosion issues, Coast Guard information, local history dealing with the sea and shore and lots of artifacts from wrecks over the last three hundred years. I was impressed by the information on the 1916 Shark Attacks that inspired the movie "Jaws" and the disaster of many of the luxury liners even after what we learned from the Titanic ten years earlier. There are all sorts of eye witness accounts recorded and all sorts of artifacts. There is a lot of information on Maritime history of the Jersey Shore and a lot about the resort history of the area. There is a lot on the resorts of not just Beach Haven but the surrounding shore towns. Each room is packed with information and can be somewhat overwhelming unless you have a few hours to spend here like I did. I found myself leaving after over two hours. Do not miss this little gem of a museum that is well worth the visit and has free admission. They ask for a small donation which is fair. The people who work here are very friendly and welcoming and will answer any questions.
3. Sea Isle City Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
The Sea Isle Historical Museum is located within the local library building (shown in photo), and is the repository of Sea Isle's 136-year history from its founding in 1880 as an envisioned "Venice of America" to the present. The museum welcomes all ages to explore an eclectic array of artifacts ranging from a hundred-year old trolley bell to a 1970s flight suit. Visual material includes thousands of photographs, maps, books, and monographs. Visitors are invited to browse through the many displays and collections, or to sit and research any desired subject at leisure. It's free - and there's no time limit.
Reviewed By NewJerseyGirl123
This is a must do in Sea Isle. The new Library is beautiful with scenic views of the bay and the Historic Museum is so cute and an interesting time.
4. Stone Harbor Museum
5. Tatham Life Saving Station and Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By davidwgoodland
Tatham Life Saving Station is one of the sites featured in the New Jersey Lighthouse Challenge. I'm unsure about regular open house hours. However, this is a good place to stop and learn about the history of the Jersey shore and take in a great view of the ocean and bird sanctuary in Stone Harbor.
6. The Paranormal Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
The Paranormal Museum® is now a fully guided experience. Your 60 minutes in The Paranormal Museum will include a docent led tour to provide background and context for our collection. However, you will not also be able to get a little more up close and personal with many of our artifacts. We understand that your interest in the paranormal is more than academic. We, like you, crave experience.
7. Historic Cold Spring Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 314 reviews
Historic Cold Spring Village (HCSV) is a open-air living history museum that invites all visitors to find meaning, pleasure, relevance, and inspiration in the exploration of southern New Jersey's past. It is a nonprofit, educational museum that is open during the spring-summer season. The centerpiece of the museum is a re-created rural Southern New Jersey town of the "homespun era" set on more than 30 acres. *(Covid regulations: PLEASE ENTER VIA SEASHORE ROAD/RT. 626 ENTRANCE. 735 Seashore Road, Cape May NJ 08204
Reviewed By sarahnG5322AF
We did the ghost walk at night and it was actually our second time doing it. This is such an amazing ghost tour especially for those who have spiritual gifts. Lots of activity goes on here at night and is one of the best cape may ghost tours around.
8. The Museum of Cape May County
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
9. Emlen Physick Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 684 reviews
The 1879 Emlen Physick Estate is Cape May's only Victorian house museum. Designed by renowned American architect Frank Furness, the home has been fully restored. Its 15 rooms open a window into Victorian times in Cape May. Guided and self-guided tours are offered. Each year, a new theme is interpreted in the museum, which has been restored and is operated by the non-profit Cape May MAC (Museums + Arts + Culture). The organization also offers guided daytime and evening trolley tours of Cape May, as well as the Cape May Lighthouse and the World War II Lookout Tower. Check website for more information.
Reviewed By CaravelEF - Greenwood Lake, United States
The mansion, outer buildings and grounds are beautifully restored. My family and I enjoyed exploring the mansion and learning about its history, architecture and restoration from our tour guide. The gift shop had a nice selection of gifts, books and collectibles as well as a expertly curated exhibit about the Cape May Lighthouse. A very nice way to spend an afternoon.
10. Wildwood Historical Society - George F. Boyer Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
The goal of the Wildwood Historical Society is to preserve the colorful history of the Wildwoods, NJ, and to educate the public through exhibits at the George Boyer Museum. WE ARE CLOSED NOVEMBER THROUGH APRIL. Our hours are in effect from May-October.
