Absecon Light

Infobox Lighthouse

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caption = Absecon Lighthouse
location = Atlantic City, New Jersey
coordinates = coord|39|21|58.7|N|74|24|50.8|W|region:US_type:landmark
yearlit = 1857
daymark = yellow, black, yellow
yeardeactivated = 1933
foundation = Granite blocks
construction = Brick / Iron
shape = Conical
height = 169 feet [cite web| url = http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-cp/history/WEBLIGHTHOUSES/LHNJ.html | title = New Jersey Light Stations | publisher = United States Coast Guard |accessdate = 2008-04-23]
lens = First order Fresnel lens
range = 19.5 nautical miles
characteristic = fixed white light

The Absecon Light is a lighthouse located in the north end of Atlantic City, New Jersey overlooking Absecon Inlet and is the third tallest in the United States. Construction began in 1854, with the light first lit on January 15, 1857. The lighthouse was deactivated in 1933 and although the light still shines every night, it is no longer an active navigational aid. The lighthouse is open to public visitation and for a small donation you may climb to the watch room and external gallery. A re-creation of the keepers' quarters was opened in 2002 and serves as a museum and gift shop. The original oil house now a contains a Fresnel Lens exhibit. Along with school and group tours, the Absecon Lighthouse also offers an overnight program for Scouts, Summer Keeper Camp and a wide variety of special events throughout the year.

It was designed by George Meade and still retains its original first order fixed Fresnel lens. As the light was fixed (non-flashing), it does not have a landward segment allowing visitors to look up in the lens where the keepers entered it for maintenance.

Jack E. Boucher conceived and oversaw the preservation of the lighthouse in 1964.

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places as reference #71000492, and by the Historic American Buildings Survey number NJ-734. [ [http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/nj/Atlantic/state.html NEW JERSEY - Atlantic County] , National Register of Historic Places. Accessed March 6, 2008.]

Museum

Absecon Lighthouse has a history museum located in the replicated 1925 Keeper’s House. Exhibits include ocean life, shipwrecks, keepers and lighthouse history, local memorabilia and restoration photos. The Oil House has a Fresnel Lens exhibit. Visitors can climb the 228 steps to the top of the lighthouse. Educational programs are offered for groups and children.

References

Further reading

* [http://www.abseconlighthouse.org/ Historic Absecon Lighthouse] - official site, visitor information
* [http://www.americanbyways.com/index.php?catid=53 Absecon Light at American Byways]
* [http://www.cr.nps.gov/maritime/light/absecon.htm NPS - Absecon Light at Historic light stations]
* [http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/hhh.nj0001 HABS/HAER record of the Absecon lighthouse]
* [http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=379 Absecon Lighthouse] - from Lighthousefriends.com