William J. Moore
CAPE MAY – The Center for Community Arts (CCA) once again presents an exhibit in association with the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) that highlights and illuminates African-American life and history in Cape May and the surrounding region.
This year’s exhibit, in the Carroll Gallery of the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., is entitled “Moore History: The Life and Works of William J. Moore.”
The CCA History Committee has selected important original documents, objects and photographs of Mr. Moore’s long and honored life. William J. Moore was principal of the segregated West Cape May Elementary Annex school for 52 years, inspiring many of his students to go on to college and careers. He served as the executive of Cape May Golf Club and then the pro at Cape May Tennis Club, which was named in his honor at his 100th birthday. He raised nine children with his wife, Susie (Smothers) Moore, and founded the William J. Moore Scholarship Fund.
Many of his students and friends remember him to this day. Their testimonies and recollections accompany Mr. Moore’s own words and those of his children. The exhibit will be open to the public on Jan. 14 with an official opening ceremony on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 16 at 4 p.m. at the Carroll Gallery in the Carriage House at the Emlen Physick Estate. The exhibit opening is free and open to the public; light refreshments will be served.
The exhibit is open to the public as follows: Saturdays, Jan. 14-Feb. 4, noon-3 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 18, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 19, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Monday, Feb. 20, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 25, noon-3 p.m.; Saturday, March 4, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 11, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The exhibit is open daily, March 18-April 9. Hours vary.
This exhibit is sponsored by the Center for Community Arts (CCA), in association with the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC).
CCA is a multicultural educational non-profit organization whose arts and humanities programs foster creativity, community building and appreciation for the rich diversity of our world. The Center’s Community History Program is dedicated to preserving, interpreting and celebrating Cape May’s African-American heritage through exhibits, tours and its John and Janet Nash African-American History Archive. The Center is currently rehabilitating the Franklin Street School, a Cape May African-American Historic Site, to house a community cultural center, runs youth arts programs and operates WCFA-LP 11.5 FM, a community radio station. For further information, call (609) 884-7525 or visit CCA’s website at www.CenterforCommunityArts.org.
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 the exhibit schedule or 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.