CAPE MAY — Cape May MAC (Museums + Arts + Culture) is taking an important step toward greater accessibility with special American Sign Language (ASL)-interpreted trolley and walking tours, available on select dates throughout the year.
The tours are designed for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, offering an immersive experience of Cape May’s rich history in a way that’s welcoming to all.
The initiative, brought to life by Director of Tour Operations Nanci Coughlin, is inspired by a moment from her teenage years when she saw her friend’s deaf sister miss out on shared experiences.
That powerful moment stayed with Coughlin and led her to work with deaf children during college. After returning home, she pursued ASL classes and soon discovered the thriving deaf community in Cape May and Atlantic counties.
Last year, when Cape May MAC received a request for an ASL-interpreted tour, Coughlin reached out to her former ASL instructor, Tiffany Narciso, along with Emily Krause, a local professional sign language interpreter. Their collaboration brought MAC’s first ASL-interpreted tour to life, and it was a huge success.
For 2025, Cape May MAC will expand this offering, providing 10 months of tours specifically designed to be accessible and engaging for deaf participants.
Coughlin emphasized that these tours go beyond just providing an interpreter — they’re about completely reimagining the tour experience.
“Since deaf guests must focus on the interpreter to fully follow along, it’s important to allow extra time at the end for questions and even a second drive around to appreciate the sights without distraction,” she said. “These tours aren’t only for deaf participants — hearing guests are encouraged to join as well, providing a unique opportunity to raise awareness and create a more inclusive environment.”
“This is a learning experience for everyone, and a meaningful step toward expanding accessibility at Cape May MAC,” Director and CEO Jody Alessandrine said. “The ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, can enjoy the beauty and history of Cape May in an inclusive and welcoming way.”
Visit capemaymac.org for more information. Email [email protected] or call (609) 224-6030 for reservations. TTY customers can use the New Jersey Relay Center at (800) 852-7899 (if calling from New Jersey, dial 711) to order brochures or tickets.
2025 ASL offerings
— 6 to 7:15 p.m. Friday, July 18: Cape May’s Maritime Trolley Tour
— 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16: Fisherman’s Wharf Walking Tour
— 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14: Emlen Physick Estate and Carroll Gallery Exhibit
— 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14: Natural Habitats Trolley Tour
— 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4: Welcome to Cape May Trolley Tour and Picture This Selfie Ride
— 4 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13: All That Glitters: Victorians Ring in the New Century
Cape May 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.
It operates and manages the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate, the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse and the 1942 World War II Lookout Tower, and is the leading organization to offer visitors tours, activities and events year-round in America’s National Historic Landmark City. Call (609) 884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org for more information.
