A historic house museum that showcases the local history and features photos and artifacts relating to the iron mining industry. The story of the house began in 1854 when an Irish immigrant built it. In 1879 he sold it for $300 to Bridget Smith (1835-1907), a young widow with two children who lost her husband, John, in an accident while working in the mines. During the 19th century, when New Jersey’s northwestern part was an iron mining area, the area was called Mine Hill and later Irishtown. In 1912, Jessie and Ida McConnell rented the house, and Ida lived there for 78 years. In 1993, Smith’s great-grandchildren donated the house to Mine Hill to preserve it as the Bridget Smith Homestead. The house was restored and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. The Ferromonte Historical Society manages the museum, holds guided tours, and organizes special events. The museum is part of the New Jersey Women’s Heritage Trail, along with the Women’s Federation Monument. Read more...

Harriet Tubman Museum stands at the heart of the historic African-American community in Cape May. The building was the Howell House and was used to be the Macedonia Baptist Church’s parsonage facility. Several display rooms review the history of abolition in Cape May, the underground railroad stops in the area, and its historic African-American community. It bears the name of Harriet Tubman (1820-1913), a former slave who escaped slavery and became a conductor at the underground railroad, leading hundreds of enslaved people to their freedom. Tubman was one of the many enslaved African-Americans who arrived at Cape May to find their freedom and build a new life. They used to row in a boat across the Delaware Bay and stay in one of the safe houses of the underground railroad in Cape May. Tubman stayed in Cape May for several months (over two summers) in the early 1850s, working in hotels to fund her expeditions to rescue slaves in southern countries. The opening ceremony was held virtually due to Covid 19 pandemic on June 17th, 2020, two days before Juneteenth, a holiday celebrating the emancipation of enslaved people in the US. The ribbon-cutting ceremony with the NJ Governor, Phil Murphy, was held on September 17th, 2020, and the museum was announced as the official Harriet Tubman Museum of New Jersey. Several display rooms in the museum are reviewing the history of slavery and abolition in the NJ area and Cape May. Artifacts of slavery, African art and history are on display. More things to do in the area: Wander Cape May streets, check out the old houses; each is in different colors with a lovely garden at the front. Visit the Washington Street Mall, where you will find lots of shopping and dining options. Go to the beach. Explore more about abolition in Cape May with the underground railroad trolley tour. Read more...

Located at the birthplace of Alice Paul, a suffragist leader, and gender rights activist. The house is a museum and leadership center for women and girls promoting “Ordinary Equality”, a term that Paul determined. Paul lived in this house, known as Paulsdale, from the day she was born till she left for college at the age of 16 in 1901. The house was purchased in 1990 and was renovated by Alice Paul Institute, which was founded in 1984 to preserve Paul’s ideas and legacy. It can be toured individually as well as in guided tours (on specific days). The first floor is the museum area, where the exhibition “Alice Paul: In Pursuit of Ordinary Equality” is presented, showcasing Paul’s life story by family photographs, personal objects, and memorabilia. The third floor houses the Alice Paul Archives and Women’s History Library. Occasional special events are held every season as well as the annual celebration of Alice Paul’s birthday on January 11, which since January 2020, is recognized as “Alice Paul Day” in New Jersey state. Read more...