Throughout the year, the Carroll Gallery is home to changing exhibits that bring Cape May history to life. Visit scenes from the Victorian era or explore Cape May’s African American heritage; reminisce on years past or become a kid again when the Gallery turns into a holiday wonderland.

The Carroll Gallery is located in the Carriage House, on the grounds of the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. The building is the first one on the left hand side as you come in the driveway. The Carriage House is also home to Vintage restaurant, and our Carriage House Museum Shop.

Admission to the gallery is free.

The Carroll Gallery is fully accessible.

LINE IN THE SAND: SEGREGATED BEACHES
IN CAPE MAY AND ATLANTIC CITY

Selected Hours: January 13, 2024 – March 25, 2024

three black women standing on a beach in bathing suits

Prior to the 1960s civil rights era, Black people were limited to recreation on certain beaches based on the color of their skin. Beaches had been racially segregated at resorts like Cape May and Atlantic City for decades through the 1950s, with boundaries that sometimes moved from season to season, but which were clear, even when they weren’t publicly advertised. See Grant Street Beach in Cape May through historic photos from West Cape May families and original artwork by Cape May County artist Chanelle René, and Chicken Bone Beach in Atlantic City through historic photos from the Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation, and learn how people of color enjoyed their time at these beaches, despite the harsh racial divide.

Free admission.

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WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM:
A HISTORY OF SUMMER’S FAVORITE TREAT

Open Daily: April 12, 2024 – November 3, 2024

black and white horse drawn ice cream cart
Photo Credit: Detroit Publishing Company/Courtesy of Bassett’s of Philadelphia
Shown here, Circa 1908, Delaware Avenue at Market Street. This Bassett’s Ice Cream carriage would have been collecting ingredients to bring back to the Reading Terminal Market.

At the beginning of the 1800s, ice cream was an elite and expensive dish in flavors like Parmigiano and asparagus. By the end of the 1800s, ice cream was adored by everyone in flavors like vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. Some of our favorite dishes, like the ice cream cone, the ice cream sundae and the banana split are Victorian inventions. This exhibit celebrates summer’s favorite treat. See an authentic 1898 ice cream maker and other artifacts, and a reproduction Victorian ice cream wagon. Discover the diverse innovators and pioneers of ice cream, and the development of the ice cream scoop and commercial ice cream freezer, including Augustus Jackson, Nancy Johnson, Bassett’s of Philadelphia, and more.

Free admission.

PAST EXHIBIT:
50 YEARS OF MAC

The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) was born in 1970 when a small band of passionate volunteers committed themselves to save the Emlen Physick Estate from demolition. In the 50 years since, the organization has grown to become a leading interpreter of Cape May history, culture and the arts. This landmark exhibit will highlight the organization’s history and its contribution to the preservation of historic Cape May, telling the story of an organization that has helped Cape May not only survive, but thrive.

Enjoy highlights of this exhibit through video episodes hosted by Cape May MAC President Tom Carroll.