By Jean Muchanic, Executive Director

With mixed emotions, fifteen year-old Ida Lewis said goodbye to the little house on Spring Street on a sunny June day in 1857. Though her new home would still be in Newport, Rhode Island, it sat on a tiny outcropping of rocks out in the harbor, completely surrounded by water. Ida’s father, Captain Hosea Lewis, was the keeper of the Lime Rock Light. The new lighthouse was big enough for the entire family of six. Then just four month later, tragedy struck. Captain Lewis was no longer able to man the lighthouse. Responsibility for keeping the lifesaving beacon aglow soon fell on Ida’s young shoulders. It was an awesome task, but she was determined to do a good job. She knew sailors would be depending on her for their safety. As time went on, plenty more people would have petite, amazing Ida Lewis to thank for their lives.

This synopsis is from Doris Licameli’s book, “Rowing to the Rescue, The Story of Ida Lewis, Famous Lighthouse Heroine.” It is just one of several books we carry in our charming gift shop. Along with a wide selection of books, we also sell lighthouse ornaments, collectibles such as spoons and thimbles, apparel, jewelry, tableware, tote bags, Cat’s Meow, shot glasses, mugs, puzzles, and stocking stuffers such as lighthouse nail filers and rubber bracelets. As you make your shopping decisions for this holiday season, keep in mind that a purchase from our gift shop is also your way of keeping this 151 year-old light­house shining for many years to come. We have specialty items you won’t find in conventional retail outlets. So, when visiting Atlantic City for its vast array of shopping choices, please take a little detour uptown to Absecon Lighthouse!

November

Absecon Lighthouse Celebrates American Indian Heritage Month With A Free Presentation By Dick “Quiet Thunder” Gilbert Absecon Lighthouse, New Jersey’s tallest, will celebrate American Indian Heritage Month with a special presentation by Lenni Lenape Indian Dick “Quiet Thunder” Gilbert on Sunday, November 16th from 1pm to 4pm. Mr. Gilbert will present tools and methods for how Absecon Island was used by American Indians for summer hunting, fishing, trapping, and agriculture prior to European contact. Mr. Gilbert, a believer in traditional Lenni Lenape ways, will discuss the human species relationship with the land. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the origins of Absecon Island, and the indigenous culture of those who inhabited it. “Quiet Thunder” is a full-blooded, 7th generation Lenni Lenape Indian. There is no charge for the program, as funding has been provided in part by the NJ State Council on the Arts, Department of State, administered by the Atlantic County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs. Those wishing to make a donation to Absecon Lighthouse may do so at the door. Refreshments will be served.

For information call 609-449-1360 or visit our website at www.abseconlighthouse.org

December

Absecon Lighthouse Hosts A Victorian Holiday Gathering On Saturday, December 13th, 6pm-8pm

Absecon Lighthouse will host a Victorian Holiday Gathering on Saturday, December 13th, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. “Holiday Cheer,” a professional caroling group, will sing carols of the season and be accompanied by local pianist Maerlene Manning. A night climb to view the spectacular Atlantic City skyline at night is includ­ed. Guests will enjoy the official lighting of our Christmas Tree and have a chance to do some holiday shopping in our charming gift shop. Holiday cheer and light refreshments will be served. Tickets are just $25 per person to benefit Absecon Lighthouse, and can be reserved by calling Absecon Lighthouse at 609-449-1360.