Ayres Davies Lens Exhibit Building

This building was constructed in 1995 to house the Lighthouse Association’s fantastic collection of Fresnel lenses. These lenses focus a relatively weak light source, like an oil lamp, into a strong beam. When this concentrated ray of light is projected out to sea, it can be seen from as far away as 18 nautical miles.

This building also houses an exhibit tracing the history of lighthouse lens and illumination technology. A fully restored rotating first order Fresnel lens used at Cape Canaveral from 1868 to 1993 is on display, as well as the restored first order fixed lens that was originally used at this lighthouse until 1933. Both lenses were restored by Museum staff and volunteers.

Considered one of the leading authorities on lens restoration in the county, our Lens Restoration Team completed the full restoration of the Lighthouse's original third order rotating Fresnel lens that was used in the tower from 1933 to 1972. The historic lens was reinstalled in the lantern room in 2004 and where it continues to perform its original function of guiding sailors as a private aid to navigation to this day.

The Lens Exhibit Building is named in honor of Ayres Davies, a founding member of the Ponce De Leon Inlet Lighthouse Preservation Association and the first mayor of Ponce Inlet. Mr. Davies fought hard for the town to take control of the Lighthouse and grounds. Otherwise, plans called for destruction of the adjoining buildings and the Lighthouse would have been closed to the public.