The Atlantic City Story Most Visitors Never Hear

Hey Folks,

One of the things I’ve always loved about Atlantic City is that every block has a story. Sure, people know us for the Boardwalk, the beach, and the bright lights, but if you slow down for a minute, you’ll discover a city filled with history, resilience, and people who helped shape not only Atlantic City but America itself.

This week, our city took another important step in preserving that history with the unveiling of Atlantic City’s very first New Jersey Black Heritage Trail marker at historic Chicken Bone Beach. At the same time, the City officially launched the new Atlantic City Black Cultural Heritage Tour, giving visitors and locals a chance to experience many of the places and people that have helped define our community for generations.

Chicken Bone Beach has long stood as a symbol of perseverance. During segregation, African American families gathered there because they weren’t welcome on other sections of the beach. What could have been a painful chapter instead became a place filled with music, community, faith, and culture. Today, it’s recognized as one of the most significant historic sites in New Jersey, and it’s wonderful to see that story being shared with future generations.

A great deal of the credit belongs to the Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation, whose ongoing work has preserved this remarkable chapter of Atlantic City’s history and helped ensure future generations will continue to learn its story.

The new interactive heritage tour features stops including Chicken Bone Beach, Pop Lloyd Stadium, Fire Station No. 2, Sonny’s Barbershop, Saint James AME Church, and other locations that helped shape Atlantic City’s rich Black history. Visitors can explore at their own pace with photographs, historical information, and video stories from members of the Atlantic City community.

If you’ve listened to my radio show or joined me on one of my tours, you know I always tell people that history brings a destination to life. One of my favorite places to introduce visitors is the Atlantic City Experience, located inside Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. I’ve spent plenty of time walking through the exhibits with friends and visitors, pointing out old photographs, telling stories about entertainers, boxing legends, the Boardwalk, and the incredible people who built this city. Every time I visit, I notice something new.

If you’ve never been, put it on your list. It’s one of the best free attractions in Atlantic City and gives you a whole new appreciation for everything that has happened here over the past 150 years.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’ve lived here your entire life, take a little time to explore beyond the casinos. You’ll find stories of innovation, entertainment, civil rights, music, sports, neighborhoods, and families that helped make Atlantic City the one-of-a-kind destination we all know and love.

What’s Coming Up

• Explore the new Atlantic City Black Cultural Heritage Tour at acnj.gov.
• Visit the Atlantic City Experience inside Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall on weekdays and discover more than 150 years of Atlantic City history.
• Learn more about the preservation efforts of the Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation.
• While you’re there, spend some time walking the historic Boardwalk and experience one of the greatest things to do in Atlantic City.

Our history deserves to be celebrated, shared, and remembered. I hope you’ll take some time this summer to visit these incredible places, bring the family, and learn something new about the city we call home.

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See you on the 48

AC Mike