Absecon Lighthouse Looks to the Future as New Executive Director Expands Programming and Plans Major Restoration

ATLANTIC CITY — As the Absecon Lighthouse prepares to celebrate its 170th anniversary, Atlantic City's iconic beacon is entering a new chapter.

From expanded family programming and community events to plans for a multi-million-dollar restoration project, Executive Director Arianne Sellers says the goal is to ensure New Jersey's tallest lighthouse remains a vibrant destination for both visitors and local residents for generations to come.

"We're really excited to continue building on that programming," Sellers said during an appearance on WOND's AC Mike Lopez Show. "Every time you come to the lighthouse, there's something new to experience."

For Sellers, leading one of Atlantic City's most recognizable landmarks is more than just a job—it's deeply personal.

A Full-Circle Journey

Sellers' connection to the lighthouse began long before she became its executive director.

Ten years ago, she and her husband were married at the historic lighthouse by then-Executive Director Jean Muchanic.

Last summer, the couple returned with their daughter to introduce her to the place where they were married. During the visit, Sellers casually mentioned she was preparing to return to work after spending time at home with her daughter.

"I said, 'If you know of any employment opportunities locally, my background is in government relations and public relations,'" Sellers recalled. "She kept my résumé, and long story short, I'm now sitting at her desk."

She laughed while reflecting on how quickly life came full circle.

"It's been a wild ride, but really a cool story."

Originally from Pennsylvania, Sellers grew up vacationing in Brigantine before eventually settling in South Jersey with her family.

Today, she says working at the lighthouse has become a family affair.

"My daughter loves to come play here in our office," Sellers said. "We also have a lot of kids programs, so it's definitely a good spot to have a kid."

More Than a Historic Landmark

While the lighthouse has welcomed visitors since 1857, Sellers wants today's visitors to see it as more than simply a historic structure.

The Absecon Lighthouse, home to one of the country's few remaining first-order Fresnel lenses, offers programming throughout the year designed to attract residents as much as tourists.

Among the summer offerings are free "Wacky Wednesdays" arts and crafts activities for children, outdoor yoga sessions, concerts and special family events.

National Lighthouse Day festivities include face painting, pony rides, a petting zoo and children's activities, while upcoming events range from free fiddle concerts to paranormal investigations, pumpkin patch events and holiday celebrations.

"We're open seven days a week during the summer," Sellers said. "It's really a fun place for families."

She said one of the most rewarding parts of the job is seeing first-time visitors discover a landmark that's often been in their own backyard.

"There's a surprising number of people who walk through our doors and say, 'I've always meant to come here,'" Sellers said. "They'll tell us they live just up the street and it's their first visit."

The lighthouse also hosts weddings, corporate retreats and community events on its two-acre property overlooking Atlantic City.

"I can attest it's a great place to have a wedding," Sellers said with a smile.

She recalled that she and her husband even hired a local Atlantic City food truck for their reception.

"It was really an Atlantic City-focused experience."

Preparing for a $6 Million Restoration

As programming continues to grow, the lighthouse is also preparing for one of the most ambitious preservation efforts in its history.

Sellers said the organization is planning a restoration project expected to cost approximately $6 million, with much of the work focused on preserving and repainting the 170-year-old structure.

"We're actually looking at about a $6 million restoration project over the next couple of years to paint the lighthouse," she said.

She noted that repainting a National Historic Landmark is far more complicated than applying a fresh coat of paint.

"We often get the question, 'Why don't you just paint the lighthouse?'" Sellers said. "It's because it's an architectural mystery to uncover all the different layers and make sure it's done properly and up to historic preservation standards."

Fundraising events—including the lighthouse's annual Wine Tasting Porch Party—help move the organization closer to reaching that goal.

"Coming out and having some wine helps us get closer to painting the lighthouse," Sellers joked.

A Landmark Open Year-Round

Unlike many seasonal attractions, the Absecon Lighthouse remains active throughout the year.

Even during the winter months, visitors can climb the 228-step tower and enjoy panoramic views stretching from Brigantine through Atlantic City and beyond.

"It's actually a really fun spot to see throughout the seasons," Sellers said. "You can see the snow, the ocean, Brigantine and all the way down through Atlantic City. The perspectives really change each time you visit."

She credits an active volunteer corps and partnerships with community organizations for helping keep the lighthouse busy year-round.

Among those collaborations are backpack giveaways, neighborhood events and educational programs designed to connect more residents with one of Atlantic City's most treasured landmarks.

"We love partnering with organizations in the community," Sellers said. "We really hope it brings people here and helps them experience the lighthouse."

Looking Ahead to 170 Years

The lighthouse will celebrate its 170th anniversary in January, and Sellers says plans are already underway for a major celebration honoring one of South Jersey's oldest and most recognizable landmarks.

She hopes the anniversary not only highlights the lighthouse's remarkable history but also introduces a new generation to everything it has become.

"We're really excited about the future," Sellers said. "Whether you're coming for a climb, a concert, yoga, a wedding or one of our family events, every visit offers something different."

For Sellers, that's exactly what the Absecon Lighthouse should represent—not simply a monument to the past, but a place where history, community and the future continue to meet.