The East Point Lighthouse Faces Potential Closure
The future of the historic East Point Lighthouse in Maurice River Township, New Jersey, is once again uncertain as the lighthouse faces a potential closure.
For nearly 50 years, the Maurice River Historical Society (MRHS) has been the dedicated caretaker of this beloved landmark, but that may soon come to an end.
Nancy Patterson, president of the MRHS, shared the difficult news that their agreement with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is expiring.
The East Point Lighthouse Faces Potential Closure
Without a renewal, the organization will lose access to the lighthouse. In a letter dated August 27th, addressed to Governor Murphy and Commissioner La Tourette, Patterson emphasized the importance of preserving the lighthouse:
“This important piece of New Jersey history is not only an active navigational aid but also an important historical site, educational museum, and tourist attraction. Each year the lighthouse attracts visitors, both young and old, from all over the state, country, and even internationally. East Point Lighthouse deserves the same respect given to other lighthouses that grace New Jersey’s shores. It should be properly protected and accessible to the public for generations to come.”
This marks at least the second time the society has been forced to close the lighthouse to visitors.
In 2021, a similar situation led to a temporary closure, but negotiations with state officials resulted in an interim lease that allowed the lighthouse to reopen. That lease which was publicly advertised on the state website has not been fulfilled yet according to public filings.
With the locks on the lighthouse expected to be permanently locked shortly, Nancy, Carl, and a cast of volunteers are there removing all of the gift shop, exhibits, and more to protect them for the future.
In an emotional Facebook post, the historical society expressed the mixed feelings of their current situation:
“Another very long day of mixed emotions … in the midst of our sorrow as we empty the lighthouse, it’s so great to see all the support. Tired folks showed up again with trucks and trailers ready to help… and help they did until late again tonight.”
The post also acknowledged the support from Senator Testa and Congressman Van Drew, who have both been advocating for the lighthouse to remain accessible.
Patterson’s letter also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the lighthouse, including rising sea levels and erosion.
Located just inches above sea level, the lighthouse is vulnerable to storm surges, with water often reaching dangerously close to its front steps.
Efforts to protect the lighthouse, such as the proposed “berm and regrading” project, have been repeatedly delayed by the NJDEP, despite its importance for safeguarding the structure.
There have also been multiple lease disputes between the NJDEP and the MRHS, with concerns that the state’s stabilization project could damage the lighthouse’s first floor, rendering it inaccessible to visitors.
Despite these challenges, the MRHS has managed the site for over 50 years, restoring it from a deteriorating structure to a fully functional lighthouse and museum, attracting tourists from around the world.
The situation remains uncertain as ongoing negotiations and advocacy efforts, including those from Senator Testa and Congressman Van Drew, aim to secure the lighthouse’s future and ensure it remains accessible to the public for years to come.
The East Point Lighthouse itself has a long and storied history. Built in 1849, it is the second-oldest lighthouse in New Jersey, guiding ships along the Delaware Bay for over a century before being decommissioned in 1941.
After falling into disrepair, local efforts in the 1970s led to its restoration, and in 1980, its light was relit. Managed by the MRHS, the lighthouse has become a treasured landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
As the clock ticks down, the fate of the East Point Lighthouse rests in the hands of ongoing negotiations with the NJDEP and local advocates who are fighting to keep it open for future generations. The historical society’s Facebook post concludes with a hopeful message:
“We are not giving up! We will keep fighting to save East Point Lighthouse!!! Maybe not this year … but there will be Butterfly Festivals, Santa visits, the laughter of children, and visitors from all over at East Point Lighthouse again! Evil will not win!”
The Wildwood Video Archive topped by the East Point Lighthouse back in May of 2021 to capture the beauty that is the East Point Lighthouse.
In that video, we discussed some of the problems that the East Point Lighthouse faces (plus bring you some beautiful drone footage of the lighthouse.
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