Jersey Shore Magazine

J e r s e y s h o r e • F A L L / H O L I D A Y 2 0 2 2 46 HISTORIC SITES & MUSEUMS continued from page 45 AREA LIGHTHOUSES BARNEGAT LIGHTHOUSE Broadway and the Bay, Barnegat Light (609) 494-2016 www.njparksandforests.org/parks/barnegat lighthousestatepark.html More commonly known as "Old Barney," the lighthouse is the New Jersey Shore's most famil- iar landmark. The 172-foot tower, marking the entrance to Barnegat Inlet, was built in 1858. In 2022, the lighthouse will be closed from March through October for renovations. When it reopens, climb the 217 steps to the top for amaz- ing, breathtaking views from every angle. The park offers facilities for picnicking and fishing. ROMER SHOAL LIGHT STATION Off Sandy Hook www.romershoal.org Romer Shoal Light marks a dangerous shoal with a light and foghorn at the approach to the Verrazano Narrows of New York Harbor on the east side of Ambrose Channel. It is visible from Sandy Hook and the eastern Bayshore region. The shoal and lighthouse were named for the William J. Romer, a vessel which sank here in 1863. The maroon and white harbor beacon dates back to 1898. After a brief stint as a land- based training light at the National Lighthouse Keepers Academy on Staten Island, it was moved to its current location. Romer Shoal Light Station was added to the State and National Register of Historic Places in 2007. It was acquired in 2011 by a non-profit group determined to breathe new life into this historic gem. The light was sig- nificantly damaged by Superstorm Sandy and is closed to the public. Renovation work is currently underway. SANDY HOOK LIGHTHOUSE Off Route 36, Sandy Hook, (732) 872-5970 www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/sandy- hook.htm Located near the tip of this seven-mile barrier peninsula is the historic Sandy Hook Lighthouse. Lighted for the first time on June 11, 1764, the octagonal tower was the fifth lighthouse in the colonies and remains the oldest operating lighthouse in the U.S. today. The Lighthouse was occupied by British soldiers during the American Revolution and was bombarded by cannons served by Patriot troops. It was also the sanctu- ary to local refugees who were sympathizers of the King. The park is open 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM daily, except by permit. Due to COVID, Sandy Hook Lighthouse and the onsite buildings are closed until further notice. This includes the Fort Hancock Post Museum and History House. The Visitor's Center is open on weekends from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Outdoor visitor engagement will continue through outdoor roving interpreta- tion and informal interpretive pop-ups. Limited ranger programs have resumed. Visit the website and events calendar to find out more. SEA GIRT LIGHTHOUSE 9 Ocean Avenue, Sea Girt, (732) 974-0514 www.seagirtlighthouse.com In March 1889, Congress approved funds for the estab- lishment of a lighthouse to bridge the forty-mile gap between the Twin Lights Of Navesink and Barnegat Light. In July 1895, a site was chosen: Sea Girt at Wreck Pond, overlooking the Atlantic. One year later, on December 10, 1896, its beacon was illuminated. It would become the last live-in lighthouse to be built on the Atlantic Coast. Five station keep- ers manned the light from 1896 to 1940. A pro- tector of those at sea, its original Fresnel lens focused the light from a kerosene lamp that could be seen for fifteen miles. During World War II, the Coast Guard patrolled the beaches and used the lighthouse to monitor the U-boat menace off the coast. Today, organizations use this preserved historic site as a meeting place, and schools visit for class trips. Inside are period furnishings, paintings, historic maps, local pho- tographs, and lighthouse memorabilia. Open Sundays May - November, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM; closed major holidays. Donations welcome. TUCKER'S ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE Tuckerton Seaport, 120 West Main Street (Route 9), Tuckerton, (609) 296-8868 www.TuckertonSeaport.org Please refer to page 27 and the listing for "Tuckerton Seaport" under "Attractions & Activities." Tucker's Island Lighthouse is a reproduction of the light that was built in 1868 on Tucker's Island, a five-mile island off Long Beach Island that slowly disappeared into the sea between the mid-1920s and 1952. The island had resi- dents, a school, two hotels, and a Coast Guard station. When you enter the building, look for photos of the original lighthouse as it collapsed into the sea on October 12, 1927. The light- house contains exhibits on New Jersey maritime history and the people who lived it, including the stories of shipwrecks, lighthouse keepers, and the U.S. Lifesaving Service. From the sec- ond floor, you can climb the forty-two steps to the top of the tower for a beautiful view of Tuckerton Seaport and Lake Pohatcong. Open Saturday to Tuesday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. TWIN LIGHTS OF NAVESINK Lighthouse Road (off Route 36), Highlands (732) 872-1814 www.twinlightslighthouse.org Twin Lights Of Navesink is a brownstone dou- ble lighthouse. This two-beacon light marked the western entrance to New York Harbor. The south tower became the first electrically oper- ated lighthouse in the U.S. The present towers, rising 250 feet above the Sandy Hook Bay, were constructed in 1862. Though decommissioned in 1952, local organizations had a 500-watt blinker light installed in 1962 as a reminder of the Light's heritage. Marconi conducted the first ship-to-shore broadcast here. The museum's exhibit centers around the history of the Twin Lights, marine history, and the U.S. Life-Saving Service. Grounds open daily 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Free admission to the grounds and museum. North Tower climbs are free during the off- season. Tours from site historians with access to both towers are available for $12./person; children 10 and under are free. Park and building hours can be affected by inclement weather. Call for current status. Sea Girt Lighthouse Photo by: David Turton Photography Sat. and Sun. 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM; Mon. - Fri. by appointment. Admission: adults: $10.; seniors (62+) and students: $8.; children twelve and under: free. L. RON HUBBARD HOUSE 666 East Avenue, Bay Head www.lronhubbard.org/heritage-sites/bay head-new-jersey.html The home where Dianetics and Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard authored Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health stands fully restored today in Bay Head. Dianetics was published in Manhattan in May 1950 and soared straight to the top of The New York Times bestseller list. By the close of the twentieth century, it was the best-selling self-help book of all time and remains so today. Following meticulous restoration, Mr. Hubbard's Bay Head residence stands today exactly as it did when he lived there. Through original artifacts, informative displays, and photographs, the home relates the origin of the book that followers of the religion say provides the means to release the full potential of the human mind. The birthplace of Dianetics is open for tours. LONG BEACH ISLAND HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION MUSEUM Engleside and Beach Avenues Beach Haven, (609) 492-0700 www.lbimuseum.com This museum reveals life on Long Beach Island during the Victorian era. Come view their collection of early photographs ranging from the big hotel era to hurricanes that tore through the Island. The museum also displays an extensive collection of recovered shipwreck artifacts and documents the lives of the early Barnegat Baymen and seafarers. Admission: $5. per adult; children are free. Open daily July - Aug. 10:00 PM - 4:00 PM; Sat. and Sun. in June and Sept. 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM and by appointment. LONGSTREET FARM AND HOLMDEL PARK 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel Park Holmdel, (732) 946-3758 or (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com A living history farm located in Holmdel Park that maintains life as it was during the 1890s. Costumed interpreters work the farm as it was over a hundred years ago. Come see the 14-room farmhouse, live animals, agricultural fields, and barnyard! Activities, guided tours, and children's programs are available. Open everyday except Christmas. The farmhouse is open only on weekends. Holmdel Park's 572 acres features hiking and fitness trails, fishing and skating ponds, tennis courts, playgrounds, picnic areas, a sledding hill, and more. MONMOUTH BATTLEFIELD AND MONMOUTH BATTLEFIELD STATE PARK 16 Business Route 33, Manalapan (732) 462-9616 www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/ monbat.html This is where Molly Pitcher became famous during a Revolutionary battle. It was on the Monmouth Battlefield that General Washington and General Sir Henry Clinton faced each other. This victory convinced the British that the revolutionaries were a force to contend with and not just a ragtag rabble. This is also the setting for the historic Craig House. Learn more about the rich history of Monmouth Battlefield through wayside exhibits located on Perrine Hill, Combs Hill, and the Hedgerow. Visitors center, birding, picnic areas, trails, and playgrounds. Sledding and cross-country skiing in winter.

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