Rising above Atlantic City, the historic Absecon Lighthouse stands as a powerful symbol of maritime history and community pride. Since 1857, it has guided ships along the New Jersey coastline and today continues to draw visitors seeking a deeper connection to the region’s past. In a city known for nonstop activity, a visit to the lighthouse offers a peaceful respite.
Leading this iconic landmark is Director Jean Muchanic, whose commitment to preservation and education has helped keep the lighthouse vibrant and relevant. Under her leadership, visitors are invited to experience history firsthand, climbing the tower, exploring exhibits, and engaging with stories that bring the lighthouse’s legacy to life for all ages.
Through creative programming, special events, and community partnerships, it remains a living monument to the area’s identity, reminding visitors and locals alike that honoring history is a valuable part of our lives. Here’s this week’s Coastal Conversation with Jean Muchanic.
Coastal Conversations Q&A
AS: What first drew you to the Absecon Lighthouse, and what keeps you inspired in your role today?
JM: How do you make a historic site feel fresh and engaging for repeat visitors and new audiences? I was serving as a board member at Absecon Lighthouse. My fellow board members knew of my casino marketing and non-profit operations background, and offered me the job of executive director. I grew up with a lighthouse on the bay of our hometown, so it felt very natural to become an official lightkeeper! What keeps me inspired today is to raise the final funding of a $4.5 million dollar restoration in the works. To date we have $2.25 million in funding from state and federal grants. I want to be able to answer the current most frequently asked question, “Why don’t they paint the lighthouse?” We will, I promise.
AS: Is there a story or detail about the lighthouse that you love sharing?
JM: The lighthouse itself is the draw of new and repeat audiences, but I do love trying new things! Last year for National Lighthouse Day in August we brought in pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, games, giant bubbles, and music so kids could really enjoy our expansive lawn, in addition to a free climb. Let’s not forget our important adult visitors – for them we had a spectacular wine tasting porch party. Win/win!!
AS: How has the lighthouse’s role in the Atlantic City community changed over time?
JM: Besides several paranormal experiences, one of my favorites is when Desiree, that year’s ABC “Bachelorette” in 2013, dumped her date at the top of the lighthouse. Boo!!! I was rooting for her date, because I wanted the wedding here at the lighthouse, but, of course, it was amazing exposure for our lighthouse and Atlantic City.
AS: What kinds of programs or events have created the strongest connections with the community?
JM: Our community partnerships include “North Beach AC” consortium of business and casinos on the north end of town, the Inlet Community Development Corporation under the direction of Atlantic Cape Community College, the local historic Hydrangea Trail 2.0, google the history of this one, it’s great! Plus, we partner with Atlantic City Schools for our annual “Kid’s Light Up the Arts” contest, the Orange Loop, the Atlantic City Arts Foundation, Oceanside Family Center 1 in the Inlet, and of course many other organizations. All Atlantic City Schools are invited for free educational tours each year. We donate to every fundraising request with four certificates for four free climbs, so Shore Local readers, don’t be shy about asking for a donation! Our goal is to be the best community partner possible with free programs and events we offer, as well as fundraising events to keep the light shining. It really is a community effort to preserve this 169 year old lighthouse for our future generations.
AS: How do partnerships with organizations support the lighthouse’s restoration project?
JM: Whoa, great question! Well, during Super Storm Sandy, we took on about 12 inches of water in the tower, so that was a big clean up job. And in the last ten years, the tower has been having a moisture issue similar to what happened at Barnegat Lighthouse a couple years back. That’s what the multi-million-dollar restoration is for, to correct the breaches in the lantern room and masonry that are letting water seep into the tower, and behind the yellow and black paint and making it peel off. We can’t repaint the lighthouse until these corrections are made. There was a $170,000 engineering study completed in 2024 to specify the repairs, and now we are in the phase of fundraising and working with the NJDEP to make it happen. Meanwhile, the lighthouse is SAFE to climb and enjoy.
AS: Looking ahead, what do you hope visitors will experience at the Absecon Lighthouse in the years to come?
JM: Looking ahead, I think Atlantic City will continue to develop the Inlet section with new housing, condos, and businesses, thus creating a spectacular neighborhood. In this new, vibrant district, Absecon Lighthouse will remain the beacon of light as the oldest structure in Atlantic City, partnering with our new neighbors to love, care for, and preserve her for many generations to come. Thank you, Alanna, for the opportunity to let me tell your audience about our “dear Abbey!”
