Seal Steals the Show on Iceberg in Cape May Canal

Issue #600

February 16, 2026

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

🗽Seal Steals the Show on Iceberg in Cape May Canal

🏖️Cape May’s Hidden Legacy: A Journey Through Black History

🏨Record Crowd Packs Sea Isle for Annual Autism Awareness Run-Walk

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Shop Local

👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇  

 February 16

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Seal Steals the Show on Iceberg in Cape May Canal

A rare wildlife sighting took place on Saturday, when a harbor seal was observed resting on a floating ice floe in the Cape May Canal and nearby Delaware Bay. The seal was first seen off the coast of North Cape May before drifting through the canal atop a sizable piece of ice. Although harbor seals are known to visit the Jersey Shore during the winter months, typically from January through March, witnessing one “hauling out” on moving ice in these particular local waterways is considered an uncommon and notable event. The seal appeared calm and undisturbed as it floated with the current, drawing the attention of visitors and local videographers who had initially planned to document winter ice flows and ferry traffic. Instead, their focus shifted to capturing the unusual and striking wildlife moment. Wildlife experts remind the public that while seals may temporarily rest on beaches or ice to regulate body temperature and conserve energy during migration, they should not be approached. Observers are advised to maintain a distance of at least 150 feet, keep pets leashed, and remain quiet to avoid causing stress or forcing the animal back into the water prematurely. The sighting served as a vivid reminder of the marine life that passes through South Jersey’s coastal waters during the winter season.

  Cape May’s Hidden Legacy: A Journey Through Black History

 Cape May may be best known for its Victorian homes and seaside charm, but the town also holds a rich and deeply rooted African American history that is gaining renewed attention during Black History Month. Long before it became a popular tourist destination, Cape May played a meaningful role in the abolition movement and later developed a thriving Black community marked by entrepreneurship, activism and cultural influence. In the early 1850s, Harriet Tubman lived and worked in Cape May, earning money in local hotels and private homes to fund her missions rescuing enslaved people. Historical accounts note that she returned to Maryland from Cape May in 1852 to help guide additional individuals to freedom. Today, the Harriet Tubman Museum of New Jersey, located in the former Macedonia Baptist Church, preserves her legacy and highlights the broader contributions of African Americans who shaped the town’s history. Visitors can also explore the former Franklin Street School, once a segregated school for Black children and now recognized on the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail. The site stands as a testament to the Black community’s determination to secure equal educational opportunities during segregation. Nearby landmarks include the former summer home of Stephen Smith, once considered the wealthiest Black man in the United States. During the late 19th century, Cape May was home to roughly 70 Black-owned businesses concentrated along the Lafayette Street corridor, particularly at the intersection known as Freedom’s Corner. This area served as a hub of economic activity, civic engagement and community life. Today, remnants of that legacy remain through local institutions, historical markers and businesses such as Freda’s Cafe. Exhibits, trolley tours and self-guided walking tours throughout Black History Month provide visitors with immersive opportunities to learn about influential figures — including Marian Anderson, Paul Robeson, W.E.B. Du Bois and Martin Luther King Jr. — who left their mark on the town. Together, these sites and programs reveal a deeper narrative of resilience, leadership and cultural impact that continues to shape Cape May’s identity.

 

Record Crowd Packs Sea Isle for Annual Autism Awareness Run-Walk

The 18th annual Mike’s Seafood Run-Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City drew a record crowd of more than 5,000 participants and spectators on Valentine’s Day. Over 2,000 runners and walkers took part in the fundraiser, which has raised more than $1 million over its history to support autism organizations, special services schools and families of children with special needs. Families attended in honor of loved ones on the autism spectrum, including an 8-year-old boy supported by a team of relatives and friends. The event featured a festive atmosphere, mild weather, post-race celebrations and appearances by Jason and Kylie Kelce, longtime advocates for autism awareness. Organizers hope this year’s fundraiser surpasses last year’s record donations, continuing its mission of raising awareness and providing meaningful support to the autism community.

Which notable pirate is rumored to have buried treasure in Cape May, New Jersey?

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 Answer to the February 15th Trivia Question

What unique feature did the Mount Vernon Hotel in Cape May boast in its dining area during the 1850s?​

A) A rotating floor
B) A glass ceiling
C) Over 40 gas-burning chandeliers
D) A built-in orchestra pit​

Answer: C) Over 40 gas-burning chandeliers

The Mount Vernon Hotel, constructed in 1852, featured a dining hall illuminated by more than 40 gas-burning chandeliers—a remarkable luxury for the era. This opulent lighting was part of the hotel's advanced infrastructure, which also included gas lighting produced on-site and an extensive network of 125 miles of gas and water pipes. These features underscored the hotel's ambition to offer unparalleled comfort and modernity to its guests.

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