MAC members voted and approved the organization’s proposed name change, to the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities, at MAC’s Annual Meeting held Nov. 11.

The organization will retain its long-established acronym “MAC,” according to a release.

For the past 39 years, MAC has struggled to live up to its name, “Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts.” Despite the strength of its one high-profile arts program, the Cape May Music Festival, it has gradually evolved into a largely history organization.

In recent decades, MAC has expanded its restoration/interpretation activities from one historic site in 1970, the Emlen Physick Estate, to three historic sites by 2009, with the addition of the Cape May Lighthouse and the newly restored World War II Lookout Tower. The organization also hosts a wide array of community history tours and themed events.

To reflect the organization’s evolution over the years, the MAC Board unanimously endorsed adding the words “and Humanities” to Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts. The name now acknowledges the breadth of cultural programming offered by MAC.

The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities (MAC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Cape May’s heritage.

MAC also fosters the performing arts and membership is open to all. For information about tours, festivals, and special events, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278, or visit MAC’s website at www.capemaymac.org.