Indigenous Peoples Heritage Day
2024-11-23 10:00 - 15:00 (US/Eastern) | FL
Join us at the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum on Saturday, November 23rd at 10:00 AM for our annual celebration of Florida’s Rich Native American Culture: Indigenous Peoples Heritage Day!
Learn about the Timucua and Seminole as you explore the historic light station and participate in interactive workshops, demonstrations and other activities included with regular paid admission. No reservation required.

Tuesday at the Tower: Walk and Talk
2024-11-26 11:00 - 13:00 (US/Eastern) | FL
Tuesday at the Tower
Walk and Talk: Living at the Light Station
Included with regular paid admission
November 26, 2024 at 11:00 AM*

You may have visited the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse before, but never like this!
Come join this fascinating walking tour of the Lighthouse & Museum, accompanied by a Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Tour Guide.
The tour will last for approximately two hours, including a welcome at the onset in the Education Building.
Participants should dress for the outdoors and wear closed toed shoes, as there will be a lot of walking involved.

*Registration is required, as there will be limited space for attendees.
To register, please contact the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Programs Department at
386-761-1821 ext. 18 or education@ponceinlet.org

Thanksgiving Day (Closed) Extended Hours Friday/Saturday
2024-11-28 10:00 - 2024-11-30 19:00 (US/Eastern) | FL
Ponce DeLeon Inlet Lighthouse will be closed for the holiday, with extended hours Friday and Saturday.
Thursday, November 28th: CLOSED – Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, November 29th: 10 AM – 7 PM (Join us for our Thanksgiving Gifts Event)
Saturday, November 30th: 10 AM – 7 PM

*Last admission to the Lighthouse & Museum is always an hour before close.

Thanksgiving Gifts
2024-11-29 10:30 - 14:30 (US/Eastern) | FL
Join us for our annual Thanksgiving Gifts Day!
The National Historic Landmark Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum welcomes all to enjoy a more relaxed alternative to Black Friday madness on the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 29th!

Admission to the special programs will be included in the regular Ponce Inlet Lighthouse fees. The special programs are on tap from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
The lighthouse staff and its docents will offer workshops, programs and visiting kids will be able to hand make a special children’s take-home ornament, crafted just like the children of the lighthouse keepers did 100 years ago. Keeper-docents in United States Lighthouse Service uniforms will answer questions and conduct orientation tours at the lighthouse station during the day, while other costumed docent re-enactors will bring to life historic figures from the lighthouse past. Climbing Florida’s tallest lighthouse tower with its spectacular view from the gallery is always a special treat. 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.
For more information please contact the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse at 386-761-1821, Ext. 18.

Guided Tour of the Pacetti Hotel Museum
2024-12-05 11:00 - 12:00 UTC | Pacetti Hotel Museum, 4928 S Peninsula Dr, Ponce Inlet, FL, 32127, United States
Step back in time and uncover the stories of the Historic Pacetti Hotel Museum! Join us for a guided tour through this fascinating site, once a vital hub of the local community and an important part of Ponce Inlet’s history.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, this immersive experience will explore the rich heritage of the hotel, its connection to the region, and the stories of those who called it home.
📍 Location: Historic Pacetti Hotel Museum
🎟 Admission: Included with regular museum entry.
Come ready to learn and discover something new about Ponce Inlet’s past!
#PacettiHotelMuseum #PonceInletHistory #GuidedTour

Tunes at the Tower
2024-12-07 11:00 - 13:00 UTC | FL
Enjoy the sounds of the season as the Daytona Beach Concert Band performs classic holiday tunes and modern favorites.
Saturday, December 7, 2024
11:00 AM
Included with Regular Paid Admission
Ponce Inlet Lighthouse
4931 S. Peninsula Drive
Ponce Inlet, FL 32127
ponceinlet.org
386-761-1821
Daytona Beach Concert Band
daytonabeachconcertband.org

Volunteer Meeting - Open to new Volunteers!
2024-12-10 11:00 - 12:00 (US/Eastern) | FL
This month’s Volunteer Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 12/10/24 beginning at 11 AM in the Education Building.
This meeting will also be open for new volunteer applicants: Do you have a passion for history that you would like to share with young and old alike? Are you looking for an opportunity to socialize with others and contribute to a worthy cause? Does the opportunity to learn new things and instill a love of history and culture in others excite you? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum is the place for you! We’re looking for new volunteers to help the museum meet it’s growing educational programming needs. Current lighthouse volunteer opportunities include:

Museum Tour Guide
Tower Monitor
Living History Interpreter
Costuming Assistant
Seamstress/Tailor
Workshop Facilitator
Events Assistant/Coordinator
Educational Outreach Facilitator

Previous docent or teaching experience is not required and complete training is provided to all volunteers. In appreciation for their valuable contribution to the museum, volunteers are provided with a free annual membership, scheduled luncheons, off-site field trips, and an annual volunteer award dinner.
If you’re interested in volunteering, just show up! We look forward to seeing you.
Thank you!
Zach Hopple
Programs Manager
(386) 761-1821 ext. 18
zhopple@ponceinlet.org

Thursday at the Tower: Flying Santa
2024-12-12 11:00 - 13:00 (US/Eastern) | FL
Thursday at the Tower: Flying Santa

William H. Wincapaw… The Flying Santa Claus! You know Dasher and Dancer, and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid, and Donner and Blitzen. But do you recall William Wincapaw, the most famous New England Lighthouse Santa’s helper of all. Join Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Director of Operations Mike Bennett, as he tells the story of William Wincapaw, an air service delivery man, who brought joy to so many remote lighthouse families throughout the northeast dressed as Santa Clause beginning in 1929. This wonderful humanitarian tradition continues on to this day, bringing hope and joy during the festive season.

Included with regular paid admission.
December 12, 2024 at 11:00 AM
Registration is required, as there will be limited space for attendees.
To register, please contact the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Programs Department at 386-761-1821 ext. 18 or education@ponceinlet.org

Climb to the Moon - SOLD OUT
2024-12-15 16:45 - 18:15 (US/Eastern) | FL
Join us for our monthly event: Climb to the Moon! Scheduled on the date of the full moon, guests will join our lighthouse keepers on a private tour into the past to discover the unique history of this National Historic Landmark. Experience spectacular views of the sunset and full moon from the top of Florida’s tallest lighthouse and see the tower’s third order Fresnel Lens up close. Spots are limited to 25, so reservations are a MUST!

Call 386-761-1821 x10 for your reservation!
$30/Members – $35/Non-Members
*Because we are a non-profit organization, please keep in mind that we cannot give refunds if your schedule conflicts with this date. This event is a rain or shine event. Only if the event is cancelled by the Association will we be able to give refunds.
Photo courtesy of David Zapatka

Tuesday at the Tower: Walk and Talk
2024-12-17 11:00 - 13:00 (US/Eastern) | FL
Tuesday at the Tower: Walk and Talk “Treacherous Waters”
December 17, 2024 at 11:00 AM*

You may have visited the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse before, but never like this! Come join this fascinating walking tour of the Lighthouse & Museum, accompanied by a Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Tour Guide. The tour will last for approximately two hours, including a welcome at the onset in the Education Building and a short presentation at the end of the tour.
Participants should dress for the outdoors and wear closed toed shoes, as there will be a lot of walking involved. This tour is included with regular paid admission.

*Registration is required, as there will be limited space for attendees.
To register, please contact the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Programs Department at 386-761-1821 ext. 18 or education@ponceinlet.org

Artifact Display at The Pacetti Hotel Museum
2024-12-17 11:00 - 13:00 UTC | Pacetti Hotel Museum, 4928 S Peninsula Dr, Ponce Inlet, FL, 32127, United States
Explore Turn-of-the-Century Living at the Pacetti Hotel Museum!
Mark your calendars for a unique educational experience at the Historic Pacetti Hotel Museum on December 17th, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
This display will give visitors a chance to learn about the daily lives, traditions, and innovations of the era.
Included with general admission. We are excited to share these educational experiences and invite you to be part of this journey through time.
Plan your visit and experience history firsthand!

Artifact Display at The Pacetti Hotel Museum
2024-12-19 11:00 - 13:00 UTC | Pacetti Hotel Museum, 4928 S Peninsula Dr, Ponce Inlet, FL, 32127, United States
Explore Turn-of-the-Century Living at the Pacetti Hotel Museum!
Mark your calendars for a unique educational experience at the Historic Pacetti Hotel Museum on December 19th, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
This display will give visitors a chance to learn about the daily lives, traditions, and innovations of the era.
Included with general admission. We are excited to share these educational experiences and invite you to be part of this journey through time.
Plan your visit and experience history firsthand!

Guided Tour of The Pacetti Hotel Museum
2024-12-20 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-12-26 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-12-29 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-01-02 11:00 - 12:00 UTC | Pacetti Hotel Museum, 4928 S Peninsula Dr, Ponce Inlet, FL, 32127, United States
Discover the rich history of the Pacetti Hotel Museum this holiday season. Join us for a guided tour of this iconic site, where you’ll explore the unique stories of the people who lived and worked here, its role in the community, and its connection to the broader history of Ponce Inlet.
Tours are approximately an hour long and provide a wonderful opportunity to connect with Florida’s past in a beautifully preserved setting. Perfect for families, history enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a meaningful holiday experience!
📍 Meet your guide at the Pacetti Hotel Museum, and don’t forget your camera to capture the scenic views from the dock!

Artifact Display at The Pacetti Hotel Museum
2024-12-22 11:00 - 13:00, 2024-12-26 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-01-02 11:00 - 13:00 UTC | Pacetti Hotel Museum, 4928 S Peninsula Dr, Ponce Inlet, FL, 32127, United States
Discover a unique glimpse into life from a bygone era at the Pacetti Hotel Museum’s artifact table display events. These interactive exhibits offer visitors the chance to engage with historic items, each with its own story to tell about life at the turn of the century.
From household tools to personal items, these artifacts shed light on the daily lives of the people who lived, worked, and traveled through this historic site. Join us for this hands-on experience and connect with the rich history of Ponce Inlet in a tangible and meaningful way.
Included with regular admission, these events are a perfect opportunity to learn and explore history up close.

Christmas Day (Closed) Special Holiday Hours of Operation
2024-12-24 - 2025-01-01 | FL
Holiday Hours of Operation
Christmas Eve 12/24/2024 10 AM – 4 PM (Last admission at 3 PM)
Christmas Day 12/25/2024 Closed
Days after Christmas 12/26/24-12/28/24 10 AM – 7 PM (Last admission at 6 PM)
New Year’s Eve 12/31/2024 10 AM – 6 PM (Last admission at 5 PM)
New Year’s Day 1/1/2025 10 AM – 7 PM (Last admission at 6 PM)

Guided Tour of the Pacetti Hotel Museum on Christmas Eve
2024-12-24 11:00 - 12:00 UTC | Pacetti Hotel Museum, 4928 S Peninsula Dr, Ponce Inlet, FL, 32127, United States
Discover the rich history of the Pacetti Hotel Museum this Christmas Eve. Join us for a guided tour of this iconic site, where you’ll explore the unique stories of the people who lived and worked here, its role in the community, and its connection to the broader history of Ponce Inlet.
Tours are approximately an hour long and provide a wonderful opportunity to connect with Florida’s past in a beautifully preserved setting. Perfect for families, history enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a meaningful holiday experience!
📍 Meet your guide at the Pacetti Hotel Museum, and don’t forget your camera to capture the scenic views from the dock!

Guided Tour of the Pacetti Hotel Museum
2025-01-09 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-01-20 11:00 - 12:00 UTC | Pacetti Hotel Museum, 4928 S Peninsula Dr, Ponce Inlet, FL, 32127, United States
Step back in time and explore the fascinating history of the Pacetti Hotel Museum with a guided tour. Starting at 11:00 AM, this immersive experience takes you through the historic property, offering a glimpse into life during the early days of Ponce Inlet.
Discover the stories of the Pacetti family, learn about the hotel’s significance as a social and cultural hub, and see unique artifacts that highlight the area’s rich heritage.
📍 Included with regular admission
🕚 Tour begins at 11:00 AM
Join us for this engaging journey into the past!

Climb to the Moon
2025-01-13 16:45 - 18:15 (US/Eastern) | FL
Join us for our monthly event: Climb to the Moon! Scheduled on the date of the full moon, guests will join our lighthouse keepers on a private tour into the past to discover the unique history of this National Historic Landmark. Experience spectacular views of the sunset and full moon from the top of Florida’s tallest lighthouse and see the tower’s third order Fresnel Lens up close. Spots are limited, so reservations are a MUST!

Call 386-761-1821 x10 for your reservation!
$30/Members – $35/Non-Members
*Because we are a non-profit organization, please keep in mind that we cannot give refunds if your schedule conflicts with this date. This event is a rain or shine event. Only if the event is cancelled by the Association will we be able to give refunds.

Volunteer Meeting - Open to new Volunteers!
2025-01-14 11:00 - 12:00 (US/Eastern) | FL
This month’s Volunteer Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 1/14/25 beginning at 11 AM in the Education Building.
This meeting will also be open for new volunteer applicants: Do you have a passion for history that you would like to share with young and old alike? Are you looking for an opportunity to socialize with others and contribute to a worthy cause? Does the opportunity to learn new things and instill a love of history and culture in others excite you? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum is the place for you! We’re looking for new volunteers to help the museum meet it’s growing educational programming needs. Current lighthouse volunteer opportunities include:

Museum Tour Guide
Tower Monitor
Living History Interpreter
Costuming Assistant
Seamstress/Tailor
Workshop Facilitator
Events Assistant/Coordinator
Educational Outreach Facilitator

Previous docent or teaching experience is not required and complete training is provided to all volunteers. In appreciation for their valuable contribution to the museum, volunteers are provided with a free annual membership, scheduled luncheons, off-site field trips, and an annual volunteer award dinner.
If you’re interested in volunteering, just show up! We look forward to seeing you.
Thank you!
Zach Hopple
Programs Manager
(386) 761-1821 ext. 18
zhopple@ponceinlet.org

Thursday at the Tower: Walk and Talk - The Science of Light
2025-01-23 11:00 - 13:00 (US/Eastern) | Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, 4931 S. Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet, FL, 32127, United States
Thursday at the Tower: Walk and Talk “Science Of Light”
January 23, 2025 at 11:00 AM*
You may have visited the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse before, but never like this! Come join this fascinating walking tour of the Lighthouse & Museum, accompanied by a Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Tour Guide. The tour will last for approximately two hours, including a welcome at the onset in the Gift Shop Conference Room followed by a walking tour. This tour is included with regular paid admission.
*Registration is required, as there will be limited space for attendees.
To register, please contact the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Programs Department at 386-761-1821 ext. 18 or email education@ponceinlet.org

Museum at Night
2025-02-03 17:00 - 20:00 (US/Eastern) | Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, 4931 S. Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet, FL, 32127, United States
Join us for Museum at Night: Stargazing at the Lighthouse with Seth Mayo, curator of astronomy at the Museum of Arts & Sciences
Climb the Lighthouse and explore the wonders of the night sky through MOAS Cassegrain reflector telescopes!
February 3, 2025
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Admission: $6.95 Adults, $1.95 Children 11 and under
Teachers & Students Admitted Free with Valid I.D. from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
*No Reservation Required*
Contact Zach Hopple at 386-761-1821 ext. 18 or by email at education@ponceinlet.org for more information.

Guided Tour of the Pacetti Hotel Museum
2025-02-05 11:00 - 12:00 UTC | Pacetti Hotel Museum, 4928 S Peninsula Dr, Ponce Inlet, FL, 32127, United States
Step back in time on February 5th, with a guided tour of the Historic Pacetti Hotel Museum!
Tour starts at 11:00 AM Included with regular admission
Don’t miss this chance to explore the stories and history of Ponce Inlet’s past. We’ll see you there!

Thursday at the Tower - "The Coast Guard in Volusia County...yesterday, today, and tomorrow"
2025-02-06 11:00 - 13:00 UTC | Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, 4931 S. Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet, FL, 32127, United States
Join us for a special presentation at the Light Station on Thursday February 6, 2025 at 11:00 AM!
“The Coast Guard in Volusia County…yesterday, today, and tomorrow”
Presented by Andrew Gygi
Andrew Gygi is a retired orthopedic surgeon. He has served on active duty with both the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy. He is a Gulf War veteran having served onboard the USNS Comfort during both Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Gygi has been a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary for over thirty years, and while in the Naval Reserve served aboard the Coast Guard cutters Point Verde and Point Lobos. He is currently a communications watch stander and ombudsman at Coast Guard Station Ponce DeLeon Inlet.
To register, please call 386-761-1821 ext. 18 or email education@ponceinlet.org
This presentation is included with regular paid admission.

Artifact Display at the Pacetti Hotel
2025-02-08 11:00 - 13:00 UTC | Pacetti Hotel Museum, 4928 S Peninsula Dr, Ponce Inlet, FL, 32127, United States
February 8th: Artifact Table Display
Join us from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM for a special display of historic artifacts at the Pacetti Hotel Museum. Explore unique pieces from the museum’s collection and learn about the fascinating stories they tell about the area’s rich history.
