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 Memucan Hughes Colonial House welcomes visitors with free admission during the season, from June 15 through September 15. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Although the Colonial House is closed during the off-season, the Greater Cape May Historical Society is pleased to assist with historical and research inquiries throughout the year. Questions may be directed to 1730colonialhouse@gmail.com.
We look forward to welcoming you when we reopen in the spring.
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.
Donations are greatly appreciated and help preserve Cape May's rich history while supporting the ongoing maintenance of the Memucan Hughes Colonial House. Contributions may be mailed to:
Greater Cape May Historical Society
P.O. Box 495
Cape May, NJ 08204
Operated entirely by dedicated volunteers since 1975, the Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to preserving and sharing Cape May's historic heritage.
The Museum of Cape May County in collaboration with members of Cape May History Coalition present this 250th anniversary magazine dedicated to the incredible story Cape May County during the Revolutionary War.
Colonial Times in Cape May County. Written and illustrated by Inga E. Buccella
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.
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.
© 2026 Greater Cape May Historical Society. All rights reserved. | Site: Cape Publishing, Inc.