Twin Lights Historical Society

Twin Lights Historical Society The Twin Lights are situated 250 feet above sea level in Highlands, New Jersey.

The Twin Lights Historical Society is dedicated to preserving NJ's foremost lighthouse and museum, and to celebrate the history and culture of coastal New Jersey. They overlook the Shrewsbury River, Sandy Hook, Raritan Bay, New York skyline and the Atlantic Ocean. Twin Lights have been used as an aid to navigation over the coastal waters of NJ since 1828. The light station served as the primary lighthouse for New York Harbor and was known as the best and the brightest light in North America.

On this day in 1894…A reporter from the St. Louis Globe-Democrat blows the cover of Absecon Lighthouse keeper A.G. W...
05/31/2026

On this day in 1894…A reporter from the St. Louis Globe-Democrat blows the cover of Absecon Lighthouse keeper A.G. Wolf. He is a direct descendent of the Fahnstock line of European royalty.

Walter Keener • 1883–1951Wally Keener, a self-proclaimed “big-time bootlegger,” was one of a dozen liquor distributo...
05/30/2026

Walter Keener • 1883–1951
Wally Keener, a self-proclaimed “big-time bootlegger,” was one of a dozen liquor distributors operating in Highlands during Prohibition. In 1929, he became one of the first targets of federal wiretapping. Keener testified at a 1934 state corruption investigation that you could buy a drink in at least 40 places in town during this era and that 500 to 600 people in Monmouth County were involved in “the business.” In addition to speakeasys, Keener’s regular customers included private clients as close as Rumson and as far away as New York, Washington, DC and Florida. During World War II, Keener served as an officer in the Merchant Marines; he also worked as a charter fishing captain and electrician after his bootlegging days.

On this day in 1890…Peter Clark, keeper of the light at the mouth of the Pascagoula River in Mississippi, is convict...
05/29/2026

On this day in 1890…Peter Clark, keeper of the light at the mouth of the Pascagoula River in Mississippi, is convicted for practicing medicine without a license. An African-American “herb-and-root” doctor, he must pay a fine of $50 or spend 30 days in jail. Clark immediately appeals the verdict.

On this day in 1928…Long Point keeper S.B. Cook watches in horror as a biplane on its way from Chicago to Boston plu...
05/28/2026

On this day in 1928…Long Point keeper S.B. Cook watches in horror as a biplane on its way from Chicago to Boston plunges into Lake Erie a few hundred yards from his lighthouse. The plane explodes before he can reach it to attempt a rescue.

On this day in 1922…British newspapers carry news of the discovery of the body of the keeper at the South Foreland L...
05/27/2026

On this day in 1922…British newspapers carry news of the discovery of the body of the keeper at the South Foreland Lighthouse in Kent. He tumbled off a 400-foot cliff while searching for bird’s eggs.

On this day in 1924…Seven fishermen drown when the trawler Mikado hits the rocks on Forchu Island in Nova Scotia. Ei...
05/26/2026

On this day in 1924…Seven fishermen drown when the trawler Mikado hits the rocks on Forchu Island in Nova Scotia. Eight men survive, including one pulled out of the water by the lighthouse keeper.

On this day in 1911…Captain Oliver Nickerson, keeper of the Nobska Point Light in Massachusetts for 37, dies of hear...
05/25/2026

On this day in 1911…Captain Oliver Nickerson, keeper of the Nobska Point Light in Massachusetts for 37, dies of heart failure while manning the whistle house during a heavy fog.

On this day in 1915, in a race against time, William Gordon, 35-year-old keeper of the South Buffalo Lighthouse, row...
05/24/2026

On this day in 1915, in a race against time, William Gordon, 35-year-old keeper of the South Buffalo Lighthouse, rows himself ashore after splitting his knee open with an axe. Surgeons at Moses Taylor Hospital save his life, noting that a man in lesser shape would have bled to death.

Address

2 Lighthouse Road
Highlands, NJ
07732

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+17328721814

Website

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