06/30/2025
Barnegat Light has always known how to hold its ground — even when the shoreline tries to move it.
In 1859, Old Barney rose up to replace the original lighthouse that was swallowed by the sea. It was tall, precise, and powerful, fitted with a first-order Fresnel lens that burned brighter than anything the inlet had seen. Sailors called it a beacon. Locals called it Old Barney. Either way, it became the kind of landmark that watches over more than just boats.
Back then, this place was called Barnegat City. There were hotels with wraparound porches, a railway bringing summer families, and ferry sails dotting the horizon. It’s quieter now — fewer train whistles, more dune grass — but the spirit hasn’t gone anywhere.
The lighthouse still stands. The museum still tells the stories. And the town still does what it’s always done: hold space for the season, the storm, and the people who love it.
We like to think we’re part of that, in our own small-town way. Whether you’re passing through, unpacking for a week, or stocking your cooler like a local — there’s a little history waiting for you on every shelf.
📍 The Keepers Liquor
Barnegat Light, NJ
Then & now — we’ve always got your bottle ready.
