Bayshore Center at Bivalve
Experience the wonder and richness of New Jersey’s Maritime Heritage where history and the environment meet
WHERE IS IT? The Bayshore Center is in Port Norris, Cumberland County, a relaxing 45-minute drive from downtown Cape May (take Rt 47 to Rt 347).
WHY SHOULD I GO? It’s a great day trip from Cape May for a family or couples looking to do something different! Bayshore Center is New Jersey’s only environmental history museum and the home port of the 1928 Schooner AJ Meerwald, New Jersey’s official tall ship.
Located on a working waterway, the Bayshore Center operates the Delaware Bay Museum in oyster shipping sheds dating back to 1904.
A visit to the Bayshore Center is like a walk back through time to experience the oyster industry back in the 1920s. The Delaware Bay Museum houses a collection of artifacts connected to maritime history, local families in the oyster industry, and the fleet of oyster schooners that filled the Maurice River and the Delaware Bay.
Thanks to the support of their museum curator, they have several documentaries that highlight life in the shucking houses and aboard the oyster schooners available in the museum and online.
The Bayshore Center at Bivalve works to advance the understanding of human impact on New Jersey’s aquatic environment through education, advocacy and programming.
Its Oyster Cracker cafe is open during special events, featuring local beer, fried oysters and more to enjoy on the docks.
The center is open May through October on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 11am-4pm. For additional hours or to book group tours and field trips, visit their website. Admission is a suggested donation of $7 per adult, $5 for seniors and children. Annual memberships are available.
Check their programming schedule online for youth and adult education programs and special events throughout the year including the NJ Oyster Festival.
INSIDER TIP Don’t miss 2nd Friday events, held the second Friday of the month from April through December. Enjoy live music, educational presentations, oysters on the half shell, plus local beer and wine. Follow them on Facebook for updated programs and event schedules.
