What We Do

About

The Cape May Point Arts and Science Center (The Center) stands nestled among the dune grasses at New Jersey’s southernmost point, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Delaware Bay, creating one of the country’s most vital and biodiverse ecosystems.

In the middle of the Atlantic flyway, Cape May Point is a renowned ecological intersection of marine, insect, and avian species. Within a few square miles, you can experience the beauty and wonder of the world’s biggest butterfly migration, the largest concentration of one of the world’s oldest creatures, horseshoe crabs, and critical habitat of migratory birds, including raptors like hawks, owls, and eagles. Devoted to environmental protection, restoration, and conservation throughout the region, The Center advances its mission by providing unique opportunities and funding for advocacy, education, and research.

The Center has found its home in the 38,000 square-foot Victorian structure that debuted as the Shoreham Hotel in 1889. In 1909, It became Saint Mary by-the-Sea, the summer retreat house for the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia. Lovingly maintained by the Sisters for more than 100 years, The Center would not be possible without their preservation of the building and dedicated stewardship of nature. With widespread community support, and under the leadership of top researchers and scientists, The Center builds on Cape May Point’s century-and-a-half-long legacy of providing a restorative backdrop for recreational, spiritual, and educational retreats. 

The Cape May Point Arts and Science Center is a New Jersey 501(c)(3) non-profit.

Mission

At the Cape May Point Arts and Science Center, we believe in the transformative power of art, science, and nature to inspire, educate, and connect. Located at the crossroads of creativity and conservation, our mission is to foster a dynamic and inclusive environment where individuals can engage in immersive cultural and educational experiences that celebrate the arts, sciences, and the natural world.

The Center is dedicated to advancing artistic expression, scientific discovery, and environmental stewardship, providing opportunities for exploration and learning that inspire both personal growth and collective action. We offer a diverse range of educational programs, workshops, and exhibits that encourage artistic creativity, scientific inquiry, and cultural appreciation. Through these initiatives, we aim to cultivate an informed and empowered community capable of tackling the challenges of the future while embracing the beauty of our environment.

Core to the Center’s mission is to share the historical and ecological significance of our location. Situated along the Atlantic Flyway and marine migration corridor, in a building that holds a significant heritage in the Underground Railroad, we take seriously our position at the crossroads of culture and conservation. 

By blending the arts and sciences, we enrich the lives of individuals of all ages, promoting a deeper understanding of the world around us and the role we each play in preserving it. Through collaboration and innovation, we strive to elevate the cultural and intellectual fabric of our community, our state, and beyond, ensuring that the transformative power of the arts and sciences continues to inspire generations to come.