Women Who Kept the Lights: Stories of NJ's Lighthouses

Virtual Program

Celebrate Women's History Month by taking a deep dive into the history of female lighthouse keepers throughout New Jersey, as well as the history of "Old Barney" -- the historic Barnegat Lighthouse. 

Women Who Kept the Lights: Stories of New Jersey’s Lighthouse Families
Join historian Mary Rasa for an inspiring look at the families who lived and worked at New Jersey’s lighthouses. While men were officially appointed as keepers, their wives and daughters often shared the responsibility—learning to tend the light and, when needed, stepping in to keep it shining. These women became some of the first to hold government positions in the United States. Mary will share the stories of five remarkable female keepers, including Sarah Patterson Johnson, assistant keeper at Sandy Hook Light.

About the Presenter:
A New Jersey native, Mary Rasa served as a museum curator and park ranger for the National Park Service at Sandy Hook. Today, she operates her own historical consulting business, creating exhibits, writing educational materials, and presenting lively history programs for libraries, senior centers, and historic sites across the region.

This program will be held virtually via Zoom. The link will be sent to registrants during the week leading up to the program.

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