Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) Director of Media Relations Susan Krysiak talks on the phone during quarantine to a young donor in this short video.
Cape May MAC was the grateful recipient this spring of a $210 donation from Caroline Dupree, 12, daughter of Elizabeth and Tom Dupree, of Chevy Chase, Maryland. Caroline raised the funds to be donated equally to support the preservation of the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate, and the 1942 World War II Lookout Tower, two of her favorite Cape May historic sites, both maintained by Cape May MAC.
“We were so delighted and surprised at Caroline’s contribution, that we decided to make her our Donor Profile for this Summer Newsletter,” said Cape May MAC Director and CEO Jody Alessandrine. “Caroline’s efforts are a great example of how our tours and programs educate and make an impression on people, young and old.”
“Every summer, I love going to the Emlen Physick Estate and the World War Two Lookout Tower,” Caroline said. “I really enjoy hearing all of the stories and talking to the people there. They are so knowledgeable, and I learn something new each time.”
Over several weeks this spring, Caroline collected some of her childhood toys and collection items and posted them on Ebay. In total, she raised $210 to be split evenly between the Physick Estate and the World War Two Lookout Tower.
“Now with the lockdown, I know that a lot of places are struggling this year and I want to be helpful,” she said. “I really want to preserve the memories and help. So, I decided to sell my childhood collection items and stuff, and I used that money to donate. This was my first time selling online - it was really exciting! … Whenever we got a notification, I would package it up and send it out to people. It was fun.”
Caroline’s brother, Andrew, 14, is also a big fan of Cape May MAC, especially the World War II Lookout Tower, where he enjoys spending time talking to the knowledgeable guides about the history of the Tower and Cape May’s role in World War II. Andrew visits the Tower no less than four times a summer, each time spending about 25 minutes conversing with the guides. He has written two papers on the subject - the first a one-page report on the Tower, itself, in seventh grade, and the second a 10-page paper focusing on Cape May's role during World War II.
“His visits to the Tower were the inspiration,” Elizabeth said.
Caroline also was inspired to do research for her own history class. For a seventh-grade research project, Caroline chose to make a PowerPoint about the Physick Estate.
“Our homework over the summer last year was to research one historical place, take pictures of it, and when we got back, we would make a PowerPoint presentation. When I was there, I met with one of the ladies, I think her name was Joyce.”
Joyce Barth is a guide for Cape May MAC.
“We met there, and we talked a little bit beforehand and I took notes. And I remember we saw her later on the mall in Cape May! It was really nice because I got a lot of information from her.”
“Every time I go (to the Physick House Museum) I learn something new!” Caroline said.
Cape May MAC leaders are delighted by Caroline’s passion and efforts. Donations of all sizes are much-needed now. With restrictions in place that severely limit our capacities, which are in place to keep our visitors safe at our three historic sites and for our trolley tours and events, we need donations now more than ever. Please consider making a donation today to Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) and, like Caroline, you will help Cape May MAC continue to preserve Cape May’s history for future generations.
To help out, visit capemaymac.org/support/donate-to-mac/.