CAPE MAY – Bring a bag lunch and learn during this winter’s Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) Lunch and Learn series — 11 informative talks on popular topics of history, culture, science and the arts at noon on Wednesdays, from Jan. 18 through March 30. Come to the Carriage House on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. for these informative talks that are free for MAC members and $5 for non-members. Admission includes beverages.
Topics are:
Jan. 18: Music of the Big Band Era (Rich Chiemingo)
The overture to this year’s series is a sight and sound presentation of such sentimental favorites as Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Kay Kyser and Jimmy Dorsey. Hear and learn about the men, their bands and their music.
Jan. 25: Victorian Inventions and Innovations (Alex Breve)
The Victorian Era was, in part, shaped by a dazzling array of new inventions, innovations, and technology. This lecture highlights many of them and how they changed Victorian life. We’ll also see how all these rapid changes modernized Victorian life but also gave them “future shock.”
Feb. 1: The History and Evolution of our Political Parties (Dr. Robert Heinly)
From the creation of “factions” in the Federal Era through Whigs, Know-Nothings, Populists, Progressives to today’s Democrats and Republicans, we’ll examine how political parties were created. We’ll also see how the beliefs of the Democrats and Republicans have shifted over the decades. You’ll also be introduced to Bull Mooses, Mugwamps, Stalwarts, Free Soilers, and Greenbacks.
Feb. 8: From Captain Mey to Today (Dottie and Mal Knapp)
Hear a review of Cape May’s rich maritime history including whaling, commercial and recreational fishing, the role of steamboats and sailing ships in its early prosperity, and its role in the World Wars.
Feb. 15: Cape May Oddities – (Dr. Robert Heinly)
From its founding to today, part of the charm of Cape May are the many unique, curious and bizarre people, places and events that are part of its history and culture. You’ll meet the Pearl Diver, Old Jumbo, the Fun Factory, the Windmill and exotic houses — all among the oddities that give Cape May its character.
Feb. 22: An Afternoon With Gershwin (Rich Chiemingo)
Hear and see a sight and sound presentation of the uniquely beautiful music of great American composer George Gershwin.
March 1: The Victorian Woman: Life in a Cocoon (Mary Stewart)
While idealized, many Victorian women led sheltered lives. Their societal roles were both sheltered and stifling, like life in a cocoon. This presentation describes their lives as wives, mothers and social directors and its advantages and disadvantages.
March 8: The Victorian Woman: Shedding the Cocoon (Ginger Killino)
By the late Victorian Era, pioneering women were shedding their restricted lifestyle and social roles and becoming professionals, businesspersons and social reformers. This presentation highlights these “new women” and what caused and contributed to this upheaval in society.
March 15: Victorian Medicine with Dr. Anna Hand (Dr. Wilma Korevaar)
Cape May’s first female physician, Dr. Anna Hand, a protégé of Dr. Emlen Physick, discusses the state of medicine in the Victorian Era, including its many advances and how much more was yet to be achieved.
March 22: Victorian Literature (Dr. Leonard Smith)
The Victorian Era featured a wide variety of literature and some of history’s greatest writers. The focus of this presentation is on British writers and their social commentary and critiques highlighting many classic works and authors.
March 29: An Afternoon With Sinatra (Rich Chiemingo)
The finale of this year’s series is a sight and sound presentation of the memorable music of Frank Sinatra by a member of his orchestra based in New York. In addition to highlights of Sinatra’s music, get insights into the man and what it was like to work with him.
The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) is a multifaceted not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the preservation, interpretation, and cultural enrichment of the Cape May region for its residents and visitors. MAC membership is open to all. For information about MAC’s year-round schedule of tours, festivals and special events, call (609) 884-5404 or (800) 275-4278, or visit MAC’s website at www.capemaymac.org.