Cape May Invites Community to Share Their “Wish for America” Ahead of Nation’s 250th Birthday

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, the City of Cape May invites the community to participate in a Wish Wall, a nationwide initiative capturing Americans’ hopes and dreams for the future.

Visitors can stop by the Cape May Community Center at 110 Ocean Street to add a personal wish — from small acts of kindness to big visions for change — for the next 50 years. The initiative, coordinated by Made By Us and rolled out nationwide across dozens of museums, libraries, parks, community hubs and gatherings, creates a powerful experience for individuals to participate in envisioning – and then shaping – the future.

Since the summer of 2025, more than 135 Wish Walls have been held and more are planned, from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History and The New York Historical to smaller, local hosts. Visitors can also add their wish online at OnOur250th.org, hosted by a collective of 25 museums.

“We are so glad to have people from so many different backgrounds and perspectives participate in the Wish Wall experience,” said Caroline Klibanoff, Executive Director at Made By Us, a network which represents hundreds of history museums stepping up to serve as civic hubs for young adults, that is also spearheading the Wish Walls. “We all have a role to play in shaping history, and these installations offer everyone an easy way to get started.”

Wish Walls across the country are accompanied by civic dialogue programs, volunteering opportunities, creative performances and educational events. With the City of Cape May also observing in 2026 both the 175th anniversary of the City and the 50th anniversary of the City as National Historic Landmark, participants are also invited to share their wishes for America's first seaside resort.