You’ll see stars even closer than usual from the National Historic Landmark Ponce Inlet Lighthouse at its 12th Annual Museum at Night on February 3 from 5 pm to 8 pm. And you won’t have to climb the 203 steps of the lighthouse tower to do so, although that’ll be an especially extra fun option to do.
THE LIGHTHOUSE LANTERN ROOM WILL BE OPEN
Naturally, climbing Florida’s tallest lighthouse tower with its spectacular view from the gallery is always a special treat and a part of the evening. Those who make it to the top will also have the rare privilege of visiting the lighthouse lantern room. Staffed by knowledgeable uniformed keeper docents, it will be accessible on a limited basis when the light is lit.
SEE THE STARS AND PLANETS, TOO
In an ongoing partnership with the Daytona Beach Museum of Arts and Sciences’ Lohman Planetarium, MOAS Curator of Science Seth Mayo will bring a Cassegrain telescope for visitors and participants to use on the ground. “Looking ahead, if it’s clear, that’s going to be a good night with the moon partially out, a great winter view, said Mayo.”
In addition, the station’s many historic buildings, now museums, are devoted to the chronicle of the American lighthouse service and the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse story. Each building houses interesting exhibits and artifacts, and a nationally acclaimed highlight is the Ponce Inlet Lens Museum’s collection of restored Fresnel Lenses, the first modern optic. A keeper docent will also staff this building.
Other activities that evening include guided tours of the historic station by docents and interpreters. During the evening, programs for all ages will be dedicated to the Science of Light. Yes, you will learn about how the first modern optic, the Fresnel Lens at the top of the lighthouse works, engage in a trivia-like program devoted to identifying 19th century artifacts, and the kids will receive a children’s take-home lighthouse craft.
Admission begins at 5 pm.
The official lighthouse foundation mission statement maintains and supports a long-term partnership with the Volusia County School District, and hosts Volusia County Teachers and students in the school district for free admission upon presentation of their official identification badges for this evening This program maintains that policy.
Regular admission to the program for adults is $6.95, and for children three to eleven is $1.95. For more information please contact the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Programs Manager Zach Hopple at 386-761-1821, Extension 18.
