653 ½ Washington Street, Cape May, NJ| 1730colonialhouse@gmail.com | Find us on Facebook
The Colonial House, known as the Memucan Hughes House, began as both a tavern and the home of Revolutionary War patriot Memucan Hughes. As a significant landmark, it stands as an unheralded survivor dating back to Cape Island’s earliest days and is believed to be one of the oldest remaining houses on Cape Island. The house is recognized for its historic value and is listed on both Federal and State Historic Registers. Today, it serves as the headquarters for the Greater Cape May Historical Society.
The Colonial House is located at 653 ½ Washington Street, adjacent to the City Parking lot. The building is situated behind the large Victorian house on Washington Street. If you find the Cape May Fire House, look for the small white clapboard house to find us. You can also find parking in the Acme Market lot (free in the winter).
The Greater Cape May Historical Society has cared for the Colonial House since 1974. The Society preserves Cape May’s history through its archival collection, which includes materials generously donated by families connected to Cape May—whether through summers spent with loved ones, happy day trips with lunch or dinner, or generations of cherished memories. The Society assists with research into both family and house history.
The Colonial House welcomes visitors free of charge from June 15 to September 15, and open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 1 PM to 4 PM. After September 15, visits are available by appointment; please provide at least 24 hours’ notice by emailing 1730colonialhouse@gmail.com. Donations are appreciated to support the preservation of Cape May’s history and the maintenance of the Memucan Hughes Colonial House. The Greater Cape May Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, operated entirely by volunteers since 1975.
The Greater Cape May Historical Society’s (GCMHS) mission is to collect, preserve, document, interpret and share the history of the greater Cape May area. Since our founding in 1974, the Society's mission has been maintained by an ethical, open, and friendly group of volunteers. We are a community-based organization that recognizes the fundamental principles of diversity, inclusion, and equal access. Therefore, our stewardship of the Memucan Hughes Colonial House, and our virtual collections, are free and open to the public. We welcome people from all backgrounds to attend, question, and contribute to the Society for the future historians who will succeed us and adopt these principles.
The Greater Cape May Historical Society saved the Colonial House from demolition in 1974. The Society, a 501c (3) nonprofit organization, receives funds from donors and sponsors, gifts to the Society and grant funding. The Society is a qualified organization of the New Jersey Cultural Trust meeting specific requirements set forth by the Trust.
Funding has been made possible in part by the New Jersey Historical Commission / Department of State, and the Cape May County Board of County Commissioners through the Division of Culture & Heritage.
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