Did you catch a glimpse of Brad Pitt here in Volusia County a few weeks ago? If not, we promise you’ll see a lot of even bigger stars, and planets, too, at the National Historic Landmark Ponce Inlet Lighthouse during the 11th Annual Museum at Night on February 16 from 5:00 pm to 8 pm. And you won’t necessarily have to climb the 203 steps of the lighthouse tower to do so, although that’ll be a fun and encouraged option also.
In an ongoing partnership with the Daytona Beach Museum of Arts and Sciences’ Lohman Planetarium, MOAS Curator of Science Seth Mayo and assistants will bring Cassegrain telescopes for visitors and participants to use on the ground. “Looking ahead, if it’s clear, that’s going to be a very good night and a good winter view, “said Mayo.
A huge and welcome addition to the evening will be The Seminole State College’s Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust Planetarium Director Derek Demeter and Seminole Planetarium student assistants who will present their Laser Night Sky Program. This is a night to star gaze and learn about the night sky from experts and also see the lighthouse light at night, close UP and personal.
A RARE VIEW: 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 unique 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.
In addition, the station’s many historic buildings, now museums, will be open, and are devoted to the chronicle of the American lighthouse service and the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse story. Each building houses interesting exhibits and artifacts. Especially significant and also a nationally acclaimed highlight is the renowned Ponce Inlet Lens Museum’s collection of restored Fresnel Lenses, the first modern optic. They will be on display. 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 special programs for all ages will be dedicated to the Science of Light, and a children’s take-home craft will be available.
Admissions begin 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. Students and teachers from Volusia County will be admitted free if they present their Volusia County teacher or student identification.
For more information please contact the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Programs Manager Zach Hopple at 386-761-1821, Extension 18.
