Home / Historic places / Barnegat Light Museum and Edith Gwinn Gardens
Barnegat Light Museum and Edith Gwinn Gardens
Barnegat Light Museum occupies the borough's former one-room schoolhouse, a short walk from the lighthouse. Its collection includes the lighthouse's original first-order lens and local fishing history. The museum has a summer-season schedule; the gardens are listed as open throughout the year from dawn to dusk.
Original maritime heritage rendering; not a photograph of this specific museum.
Barnegat Light
Ocean County
501 Central Avenue
Barnegat Light, NJ 08006
A schoolhouse beside a lighthouse
The museum's history says the school served the northern end of Long Beach Island until 1951 and became the town museum in 1954. The setting gives visitors a sense of community life as well as maritime work.
The lens and local collection
The first-order lens is a major reason to visit. Displays also cover Barnegat Light, the fishing industry and broader Long Beach Island history. Do not assume the museum interior and gardens share one calendar; the outdoor space has separate access.
Seasonal museum, year-round garden
The museum is at 501 Central Avenue, Barnegat Light, NJ 08006. The operator lists 10 a.m.–4 p.m. weekends in June and September, and daily except Monday in July and August; free admission. Gardens are listed dawn to dusk year-round. Confirm any off-season interior opening. The directory listing has contact details. Source checked October 11, 2026.
Keep the LBI history route going
Explore the Ocean County hub and plan the New Jersey Maritime Museum in Beach Haven if its schedule fits.
Good to know before you go
Is the museum open in October?
The published regular museum season ends in September; ask about special access.
Can I visit the gardens outside summer?
The operator lists garden access year-round from dawn to dusk.
What notable object is inside?
The museum houses the Barnegat Lighthouse's original first-order lens.
Where is the museum?
At 501 Central Avenue, Barnegat Light, New Jersey 08006.
What is another island history stop?
The New Jersey Maritime Museum in Beach Haven; browse Ocean County too.
Next step: Check the Barnegat Light Museum schedule before visiting. Visitor details last checked October 11, 2026.