On June 14, Anne Salvatore, founder and Volunteer Executive Director of Historic Cold Spring Village, was awarded the prestigious John Cotton Dana Award from the New Jersey Association of Museums (NJAM). At their annual meeting held at the Thomas Edison National Historic Park in West Orange, N.J., Mrs. Salvatore was presented this award for advancing the service of museums to the region, demonstrating visionary and innovative leadership, and exemplifying the highest standards of professional commitment as advocated by museum pioneer John Cotton Dana. Founder of the Newark Museum in 1909, Mr. Dana believed that museums should strive to become a stronger and more enriching presence in people’s lives; the first 43 years of Historic Cold Spring Village has indeed reflected these values.
The Village opened to the public in 1981. After eight years of development and four years of operation, the Salvatores donated the museum to Cape May County. The County operated the Village from 1985 until 1992 when it was returned to the Salvatores who then donated it to the newly formed private non-profit corporation, HCSV Foundation.
Historic Cold Spring Village is a non-profit, open-air living history museum that portrays the daily life of a rural South Jersey community of the Early American period. It features 27 restored historic structures on a 30-acre site. Tuesday through Sunday, from late June to early September, historically clothed interpreters and artisans preserve the trades, crafts and heritage of “the age of homespun.” Fun and educational activities for children are featured Tuesday through Sunday, with special events every weekend through the summer season.
The Village is located on Route 9, three miles north of Victorian Cape May and a mile and a half west of the southern terminus of the Garden State Parkway. Admission during the season is $12 for adults and $10 for children ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 are admitted free. Unlimited free admission is available with Village membership. The Village Nature Trail at Bradner’s Run is open to the public for free self-guided tours. Be sure to visit the Country Store, Bakery, Ice Cream Parlor, Cold Spring Brewery and Cold Spring Grange Restaurant. For more information on events, membership, volunteering or booking private affairs, please call (609) 898-2300 ext. 10, or visit the Village website at www.hcsv.org.