Celebration Of Barnegat Light State Park's 60th Birthday On Tap For Today

The Barnegat Lighthouse has stood guard over the northern tip of Long Beach Island over 150 years, guiding mariners through storms, high seas and the notorious Barnegat Inlet.

The cherry-red and white brick lighthouse stands 175 feet above sea level. Its original kerosene-fueled Fresnel lens first beamed light on the night of Jan. 1, 1859 and could be seen for 19 nautical miles.

The New Jersey State Park Service will celebrate "Old Barney" and the 60th anniversary of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park on Monday, July 10, with a number of events to highlight the historic and natural significance of the lighthouse and the park.

"The awe-inspiring Barnegat Lighthouse has weathered the test of time, thanks to the care of many people dedicated to ensuring this beacon will stand tall for future generations," said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin. "On behalf of the New Jersey State Park Service, I encourage the public to help us celebrate the 60th anniversary of this park that preserves the lighthouse and its adjacent maritime forest, giving visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time. I also thank the Friends of Barnegat Lighthouse for their strong commitment to this historic site through their interpretive and educational programs."

The celebration will run from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and will feature talks by the Friends of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, guided tours of the maritime forest trail, tours of the Barnegat Light Schoolhouse Museum that houses Old Barney's original Fresnel lens, a presentation by the New Jersey Lighthouse Society, a talk about the United States Life-Saving Service, and guided walks to see rare beach-nesting birds.

A 2 p.m. ceremony will rededicate the bust of George Meade who, prior to leading the Union to victory at the Battle of Gettysburg as a major general, designed Barnegat Lighthouse and other lighthouses along the East Coast in the 1850s.

Want to climb the 217-step spiral staircase to the top of the lighthouse? Climbing hours have been extended from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. for Monday.

"We hope history buffs, lighthouse fans and those who appreciate nature will join us to celebrate Old Barney and Barnegat Lighthouse State Park," said Park Superintendent Cynthia Coritz. "We especially hope that anyone who was at the park opening 60 years ago will come and bring photos they have for a scrapbook we will create, as well as any relatives of General Meade and Boris Blai, founder of the Long Beach Island Foundation and sculptor of the Meade bust."

The park's celebration coincides with the borough of Barnegat Light's celebration of Discover Barnegat Light Day, featuring tours of the docks at Viking Village, a U.S. Coast Guard station tour, car show, special merchant events, and a concert.

The lighthouse was turned over to the federal government to New Jersey in 1926 for historical conservation. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1927. A new replica light was switched on in Jan. 1 2009, to mark the 150th anniversary of the lighthouse.

The history of the lighthouse is showcased in illuminating exhibits at the park.

The 32-acre park preserves a maritime forest of black cherry, sassafras, eastern red cedar and American holly, and is an important resting and feeding area for migratory birds. An ADA-compliant walkway and picnic area provides access along Barnegat Inlet.

Admission to the park is free. There is a $3 fee to climb the lighthouse for those 12 and over, and $1 for children ages 6 through 11. Children age 5 and under are free.

The park is located at 208 Broadway and Long Beach Boulevard in Barnegat Light. For more information on the state park and lighthouse, including GPS coordinates, visit: www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/barnlig.html

For more from the Friends of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, visit: http://www.friendsofbarnegatlighthouse.org/

For more information on Discover Barnegat Light Day, visit: http://welcometolbi.com/event/discover-barnegat-light-day/

Image: Erin McGee Pural