Lighthouse Restoration FAQs

1. Why is the lighthouse leased to the Mid Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC)?
In the 1980's, the Coast Guard began a nationwide program of leasing lighthouses to private organizations, like MAC, which are capable of preserving them. In 1992, ownership of the lighthouse was transferred from the Coast Guard to the State of New Jersey, in order to make the restoration project eligible for state historic preservation funding. The state monitors the historical authenticity of the restoration, and also makes available to lighthouse visitors the parking and restroom facilities of the adjacent state park.

2. What is MAC?
MAC is a non-profit organization with more than 3,500 members that was founded in 1970 to save and restore Cape May's Physick Estate, and operate it as an historic house museum. MAC also promotes Cape May's Victorian heritage through a year round schedule of special events and trolley, walking, and historic house tours. MAC is also one of the area's leading sponsors of the performing arts, with its Cape May Music Festival every May and June. Please call (609)884-5404 for more details on MAC's calendar of events.

3. How much has it cost to restore the lighthouse?
Between 1987 and 2002, close to $2 million was spent in order to allow the public to climb safely to the top and to restore the lighthouse, oil house and grounds.

4. Is the lighthouse open to the public?
Yes. Hours of operation vary throughout the year. The tower is open daily, April through November, and on weekends most of the rest of the year. The grounds, ground floor, tower and watch room gallery are open to the public. All tours of the tower are self-guided.