National Lighthouse Day: Celebrating Barnegat Light and Maritime History

Barnegat Light and Its Guardians

• 💡 Barnegat Light is an iconic landmark in New Jersey, vital for navigation and a popular spot for fishing and appreciating maritime heritage.
• 🤝 The Friends of Barnegat Light are a group of 50 active volunteers who are invaluable to the lighthouse's mission, staffing the interpretive center, assisting with programs, and donating time and money.
• 🏛️ New Jersey Parks manages the lighthouse, which is situated in an area rich with maritime forest and along the Atlantic flyway, attracting various bird species.

The History and Restoration of Barnegat Light

• ⚓ The original Barnegat Light tower dates back to 1859, making it a historic structure.
• ✨ The lighthouse underwent a significant exterior refurbishment in 2022, ensuring its preservation and appearance.
• 💖 Volunteers like Allison express a deep love for Barnegat Light, calling it a magnificent and magical place that they want to keep vibrant and engaging for everyone.

Origins of National Lighthouse Day

• 📜 The recognition of lighthouses dates back to 1789 when Congress acknowledged their importance.
• 🗓️ National Lighthouse Day is celebrated annually on August 7th, a tradition established in the late 1980s by a Rhode Island senator.
• 🇺🇸 On this day, lighthouses across the nation are saluted, honoring their historical and ongoing significance.

Barnegat Bay Festivities and Weather

• 🎉 Festivities for National Lighthouse Day are hosted by the Friends of Barnegat Light at Barnegat Bay on August 7th, running from 10 AM to 2 PM.
• ⚠️ Visitors are reminded of dangerous rip currents along the Jersey shore, even as the weather forecast for the week looks generally good, with normal temperatures.
• 💨 Potential for smoke in the Hudson Valley may affect air quality on Monday.