Volunteers at Cape May MAC
The heart and the helping hands of the organization
By Susan Krysiak
In 1970, it was a small band of volunteers who formed the organization we know today as Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture).
These were men and women who had a unique vision for Cape May. They believed that special places need special protection, nurturing and care. Sparked by anger at the loss of too many Cape May historic structures, their youthful energy and confidence galvanized into saving the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate from demolition. By taking the bold steps to save the estate, and forming the organization that we know today, Cape May MAC’s volunteer founders began Cape May’s renaissance, taking the steps on the path to preserve Cape May for future generations as a National Historic Landmark City.
It’s amazing what volunteers can do.
Cape May MAC has continued since its founding to attract the passion and commitment of volunteers. Approximately 250 volunteers are on the rosters today year-round and so far in 2022 have spent 2,037 hours bringing their enthusiasm and joy to volunteer jobs that nurture the organization. They enable accomplishments that would otherwise be impossible. They multiply the energy of the organization by expanding its reach into the community and leveraging the power of teamwork.
“I love talking to visitors about Cape May. It makes me feel proud to live in the area, and I love to share the places I enjoy with visitors. I hope they will have a great experience while visiting and come back to this place I love for years to come! I love Christmas events! Working the tours in the historic homes is thrilling because you get to experience the decorated homes too, and the owners/managers usually like to chat about their cool place and all the things that make it special. It really gets you into the spirit of Christmas. I love hearing the awe from tour participants as they experience a beautiful historic home.”
Megan Kately, Volunteer, 2.5 years
Volunteers pour beer at outdoor festivals and staff doors at over a dozen properties during Christmas Candlelight House Tours. Volunteers have transcribed hours of audio files at the computer and have helped create and maintain an entire organizational archival system. Volunteers clean trolleys and clean tables. They guide visitors to their destination and guide vehicles into parking spaces. Volunteers dress up for Halloween and give out candy to Trick or Treaters.
“I think the thing I most enjoy about volunteering for Cape May MAC is interacting with other people on house and garden tours and festivals, whether it be with tour or festival-goers, home or inn owners/caretakers, or other volunteers (and Cape May MAC staff!).”
Chris Dubois, Volunteer, 4 years
“Cape May MAC absolutely could not operate as such an active establishment without its volunteers,” said Volunteer and Membership Engagement Manager Sara Kornacki. “Not only are they the heart of the organization, but the helping hands too. They staff our tours and events, allowing us to raise funds to continue to preserve local historic landmarks. They assist with everything from gardening and maintenance to lectures, gallery exhibits and more. We literally could not do this without them.”
On the other hand, the benefits of volunteering are well-documented. The Mayo Clinic Health System cites three main benefits of being a volunteer. Volunteering improves physical and mental health; provides a sense of purpose and teaches valuable skills; and, nurtures new and existing relationships. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/3-health-benefits-of-volunteering
“I moved here in the summer of 2020. Yes, I’m one of those people who quit my job, sold my house, and moved to the beach during COVID! I joined Cape May MAC as a way to become engaged in my new community and to meet new people — and it has done that. I love being an ambassador for our community and promoting all the great programs Cape May MAC has to offer. I love the garden and holiday home tours. I really enjoy learning the history of the homes, getting to know the owners, and chatting with the visitors who come through.”
Tricia Nolfi, Volunteer, 18 months
“Watching volunteers benefit from their experience at Cape May MAC is so gratifying and is the reason why I love working with our team,” said Kornacki. “People volunteer for all sorts of reasons — some to keep active, some to see a free concert, others to see inside historic homes. But what I love to see the most is how people make friends and find their sense of community. We have people who love to work together year after year. We have people who exchange numbers and get together outside of the organization. It is so rewarding and satisfying to witness when first-time volunteers enter as a stranger and leave as a friend.”
“I am new to Cape May and as a retired Special Education teacher I wanted to get out of the house, meet new people and contribute to my community. When I applied to Cape May MAC, I said that I would be willing to help with paperwork if they needed that. Then I learned that Sara has been folding and stuffing 250–350 membership letters every month. So, for the last three months I have been helping with this process, either with Sara or with other volunteers. I also worked at the Welcome Table at the annual Craft Beer and Crab Festival handing out maps of where the booths were located, and I volunteered at a couple of the evening concerts at Physick. I have especially enjoyed meeting other volunteers and staff members who have all been friendly and welcoming.”
Kathy Genzoli, Volunteer, 4 months
Now, two generations after its founding, Cape May MAC is here, enjoying that legacy that volunteers started, and yet still sweating, working together and giving our time to continue to nurture all that makes Cape May special. Volunteers are what allow the organization to accomplish great things. They step up and step in with their unique talents to do wonderful things in wonderful ways.
Today, it is thanks to those founding volunteers, as well as to all the volunteers who have come through the door since, that we, as those future generations, continue to flourish here.
For information on volunteering at Cape May MAC, contact Sara Kornacki, at skornacki@capemaymac.org
(Susan Krysiak is Director of Media Relations for Cape May MAC. Her favorite volunteer job is clean-up crew after Cape May MAC beer festivals.)
