Hundreds of spectators filled the decks of the Sea Isle City Library while a Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin Helicopter performed a rescue demonstration over the nearby wetlands. The demonstration commemorated the military evacuations that carried residents to safety during the Storm of 1962.

SEA ISLE CITY – To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the infamous Storm of 1962, the Sea Isle City Historical Society, in partnership with the Sea Isle City branch of the Cape May County Library, offered a series of special events that included panel discussions, the dedication of original artwork, temporary museum exhibits and a rescue demonstration by the United States Coast Guard.

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CAPE MAY – The good bones of this centuries old resort were rattled by the Great Atlantic Storm of 1962, but left intact.

"It was the only nor'easter that the weather bureau has named," said Harry Bellangy of the Greater Cape May Historical Society. "The storm sat here for three days and beat on the city through five high tides, one after another, with the winds from the northeast keeping the water in the bays. The water just kept coming up and up and up.

While it has been 50 years since Brigantine suffered the March 1962 storm, residents who were on the island at the time have clear and distinct memories of the devastation.

Former Councilwoman Sue Schilling was in the eighth grade at Central School, where the library is now, and lived at 200 13th Street South.

Fifty years later there are a few on the island who remember the March 1962 storm that ravaged the East Coast and in particular – Brigantine. At that time, the island had a population of approximately of 1,200 residents. An unusual storm – it was not one of our nor' easters or a hurricane – but a convergence of factors that resulted in one of the most fierce ocean storms of historical record. It struck with unbelievable fury as it destroyed residences along the beachfront.

PORT REPUBLIC – If the Great Atlantic Storm of 1962 were to put in a repeat performance in 2012, experts say the resulting damage would likely be far less severe because of the work being done on the frontlines of shore protection.

Daniel Barone, left, chief of geospacial analysis at the Coastal Research Center, and B. Steven Howard, geospatial analyst, are two scientists working on the frontlines of shore protection.