New Honorees Added to Carlyle J. Dennis Citizenship Award Monument

Just off the 500 block of Washington Street on the Washington Street Mall on the charming Draper Walk, visitors will find a meaningful tribute to community leadership in Cape May—a monument recognizing recipients of the prestigious Carlyle J. Dennis Citizenship Award. Presented annually, this honor celebrates individuals whose outstanding leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact on Cape May City.

When selecting the recipient for this award, City Council looks for an individual who, among other attributes, continually gives of their time, dedication, and talents to the betterment of the community. City Council also seeks to honor those individuals who lend leadership and vision, organize or assist in achieving organizational goals, and who serve on committees and programs providing their expertise and guidance voluntarily.

Earlier this month, the monument was updated to include the 2025 and 2026 award recipients:

• Curtis Bashaw (2025) — City leaders recognized Bashaw, who is a prominent hotelier and developer, for his decades of service that have advanced the quality of life in the Cape May community. Bashaw is the founder and managing partner of Cape Resorts, which has revitalized historic, iconic properties in Cape May, beginning with the restoration of the Virginia Hotel in 1989. Since then, the Cape Resorts portfolio has expanded to include Congress Hall, the Beach Shack, and other landmark Cape May properties. When bestowing the award, Council thanked Bashaw for making a tremendous impact on the City of Cape May. Council recognized the developer for his demonstrated love for the city and his continued efforts to preserve what makes Cape May unique, while thoughtfully investing in its future.

  
  

• Carolyn Pitts (2026) — Carolyn was selected for her dedication to the Historic Preservation of the City and achieving the National Historic Landmark designation. Pitts was an American architectural historian who passed away in 2008. Known by many as one of the driving forces behind Cape May’s historic preservation movement, Pitts devoted years to documenting the City’s Victorian architecture and advocating for its protection. Her efforts ultimately contributed to Cape May becoming the first City in the United States designated as a National Historic Landmark district in 1976. Working alongside preservationists, historians, and community leaders during the 1960s and 1970s, Pitts conducted extensive architectural surveys throughout Cape May, carefully cataloging historic homes, hotels, and public buildings. Her research became the foundation for landmark nominations and preservation initiatives that transformed the city into one of America’s most celebrated historic destinations. Pitts later served as an architectural historian with the National Park Service for more than three decades, contributing to the designation and protection of numerous historic sites across the country. However, many preservationists consider her work in Cape May among her most influential achievements. Today, Cape May’s thriving tourism economy, vibrant historic district, and internationally recognized Victorian character stand as enduring reminders of Pitts’ vision and persistence.

The Carlyle J. Dennis Citizenship Award Monument acts as a lasting tribute to those who have helped shape Cape May into the welcoming, vibrant community it is today. Whether you’re strolling through town as a local or exploring the Mall as a visitor, this monument offers a moment to reflect on the individuals whose passion and leadership continue to leave a lasting legacy.

In addition, the City proudly honored Carolyn Pitts as the recipient of the 2026 Citizenship Award during the ceremony. Carolyn was selected for her dedication to the Historic Preservation of the City and achieving the Historic Landmark Designation. Pitts was an American architectural historian who passed in 2008. Known by many as one of the driving forces behind Cape May’s historic preservation movement, Pitts devoted years to documenting the City’s Victorian architecture and advocating for its protection. Her efforts ultimately contributed to Cape May becoming the first City in the United States designated as a National Historic Landmark district in 1976.

Working alongside preservationists, historians, and community leaders during the 1960s and 1970s, Pitts conducted extensive architectural surveys throughout Cape May, carefully cataloging historic homes, hotels, and public buildings. Her research became the foundation for landmark nominations and preservation initiatives that transformed the city into one of America’s most celebrated historic destinations.

Pitts later served as an architectural historian with the National Park Service for more than three decades, contributing to the designation and protection of numerous historic sites across the country. However, many preservationists consider her work in Cape May among her most influential achievements.

Today, Cape May’s thriving tourism economy, vibrant historic district, and internationally recognized Victorian character stand as enduring reminders of Pitts’ vision and persistence.