Above: CCA Chairperson Shirley "Becki" Wilson, Vice Chair Hilary Pritchard and Artist-in-Residence Susan Ross at the first of five Community Open Houses at Franklin Street School

FRANKLIN STREET SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES

The public will finally get that much desired "sneak peek" into the inner workings of the Franklin Street School renovations. Beginning Thursday, August 2 and every Thursday in August, the Center for Community Arts will open the doors to the Franklin Street School from noon to 1 p.m. for a free Community Open House. Light refreshments will be served while hosts Judy Austermiller, the Center’s Development Director, and Hilary Pritchard, Whale’s Tale Owner and Board Trustee, give visitors a taste of the rich history of the school as well as that much desired “peek” into the future of Cape May’s cultural community center. These open houses are supported by a special grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s William Short Preservation Fund for New Jersey.

The Franklin Street School is located on Franklin Street between Lafayette and Washington Streets in Cape May City. Reservations are not necessary and the events are free. For more information call Judy at 884-7525.

To learn more about the history of Cape May’s African American community, take the Center for Community Arts African American Heritage Walking Tour of Cape May, offered Thursdays and Saturdays at 11:00 a.m., departing from 712 Lafayette Street for only $10.

Phase II of the restoration was made possible by a capital grant from the New Jersey Historic Trust and the Garden State Historic Preservation Trust Fund, the State of New Jersey, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Sturdy Savings Bank, Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Swain's Ace Hardware, the Whale's Tale Jewelry and Gifts, the Delaware River and Bay Authority and many other local businesses, individuals and families. The Walking Tour is supported by an operating grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.