Barnegat Light Public School facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Barnegat Light Public School
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Location | 510 Central Avenue, Barnegat Light, New Jersey |
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Area | less than one acre |
Built | 1904 |
NRHP reference No. | 76001178 |
Added to NRHP | June 07, 1976 |
The Barnegat Light Public School was a very important building in Barnegat Light, New Jersey. It was a one-room schoolhouse where all the students, no matter their age, learned together in one classroom. This school served the community of Barnegat Light in Ocean County, New Jersey, from 1903 until June 15, 1951. After it stopped being a school, the building found a new purpose. In 1954, it became the Barnegat Light Historical Society Museum.
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A Look Inside the Museum
Today, the Barnegat Light Historical Society Museum helps visitors learn about the history of the area. One of the most interesting items you can see there is a special lens. This is a first-degree Fresnel lens that used to be in the Barnegat Lighthouse.
What is a Fresnel Lens?
A Fresnel lens is a type of lens that was invented to make lighthouses shine brighter and farther. It uses a series of rings and prisms to focus light into a powerful beam. This makes it much more efficient than older lenses. The first-degree Fresnel lens is the largest and most powerful size. It helped ships navigate safely along the coast for many years.
A Historic Building
The old schoolhouse is not just a museum; it's also a historic landmark. In 1976, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is an official list kept by the United States government. It includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. When a place is added to this list, it means it's recognized as a special part of our country's heritage. It also helps protect these places for future generations to enjoy and learn from.