In a blow to one of New Jersey’s most beloved tourist attractions, Lucy the Elephant in Margate, the Department of Government Efficiency—led by senior White House adviser Elon Musk—has pulled a crucial $500,000 grant that was originally awarded by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). This funding was intended to help with much-needed restoration work at the National Historic Landmark.
The grant was meant to fund part of a long-planned project to restore the interior of Lucy, including installing a state-of-the-art fire suppression system, but now that’s all up in the air. The decision has stunned many, including Richard Helfant, Executive Director of the Save Lucy Committee, who took to Instagram on April 11th to break the news to the public.
A Shock to the System
In his post, Helfant expressed his disappointment at the sudden cut, calling it a “breach of contract” and pointing out that the grant would have covered most of the costs for the restoration. But despite the setback, Helfant reassured the community that Lucy’s future was still looking bright.
“We are as committed as ever to moving forward with Lucy’s continued upkeep and maintenance,” Helfant wrote, adding, “Lucy has always endured – and will continue to do so – thanks to your generosity and unwavering support. You are her rock, and together we will prevail. After all, Lucy is an elephant… and will never forget you.”
Lucy: A New Jersey Landmark
For those who aren’t familiar with this oversized gem, Lucy the Elephant isn’t just a quirky roadside attraction. Built in 1881, Lucy is one of the oldest surviving roadside attractions in the U.S. The six-story, elephant-shaped building was originally created to promote real estate sales in the area, and over the years, it’s become an iconic symbol of New Jersey’s unique charm.
Lucy is not just a local treasure but a national one—last year, USA Today readers voted Lucy as the No. 1 must-see stop on a road trip. The site brings in around 40,000 visitors each year, making it a key player in Margate’s tourism scene.
The exterior of the elephant already got a much-needed facelift with a $2.5 million restoration between 2021 and 2022, but the interior work is still on the to-do list, pending the restored funding.
What’s Next for Lucy?
Even with this financial setback, the Save Lucy Committee isn’t backing down. The nonprofit group is moving ahead with plans to build a new, ADA-compliant interpretive center to replace the old gift shop next to Lucy. They’ve already secured a temporary space across the street for the gift shop and administrative offices while they tackle the new construction.
Senator Booker Weighs In
As expected, Senator Cory Booker has spoken out about the cut. In a statement to CBS News, Booker called out the Republican-backed federal budget that led to the funding reduction, stressing that it’s a shame that something so important to New Jersey is being left behind.
“The funding for Lucy was slashed as part of a larger budget package,” Booker said. “I will continue to work with local groups to ensure that Lucy and her staff get the resources they need to preserve this national treasure.”
Booker has vowed to keep fighting for more funding for Lucy, so the restoration can continue.
How You Can Help Lucy
Lucy may be facing a tough road ahead with the funding cut, but the good news is that the community support hasn’t wavered. If you’re a fan of this quirky landmark (or just want to keep this slice of New Jersey history intact), the Save Lucy Committee is accepting donations to help cover the cost of the restoration.
Want to help? Click here to make a donation and keep Lucy standing strong for generations to come.
While the budget cuts are part of President Trump’s plan to reduce federal spending, the local impact has many questioning if these cuts are truly in the best interest of communities like Margate. Lucy the Elephant is more than just a tourist attraction—she’s a symbol of New Jersey’s history, and it’s up to all of us to help ensure her future.
