Point Conception, considered sacred ground by the Chumash, is the headland where California’s coast goes from a north-south orientation to east-west, making a natural division between Southern and Northern California.

Ever since it was first lit on Feb. 1, 1856, the Point Conception Lighthouse has guarded the treacherous waters where the Santa Barbara Channel and Pacific Ocean meet on the western edge of Santa Barbara County. Such a dangerous place for mariners, Point Conception was dubbed The Cape Horn of California.

Greg Gorga, Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) executive director, will discuss the importance of the Point Conception Lighthouse and the original 165-year-old First Order Fresnel Lens that now lives at the SBMM in a Zoom program, 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21.

The event is free to attend, but registration is required. Register at https://sbmm.org/santa-barbara-events/. Donations welcome.

Participants will learn about the history of Fresnel technology, and the lives of the keepers who lived in this desolate location; and hear a first-hand account of what was involved in relocating the 18-foot tall, 6,000-lb. lens from Point Conception to SBMM in 2013.

Guests will find out about lampists, the work required to reinforce the Waterfront Building, the stages of the lens travel (from crane to helicopter to truck), and the cleaning and reassembly of the lens to its current appearance. Gorga’s presentation will also include mention of Julia Williams and the Santa Barbara Lighthouse.

Gorga joined SBMM in February 2007 as director of development, and has served as executive director since May 2008. Gorga, who holds a B.A. in English from Rutgers University, has 18 years of experience working with nonprofit agencies, including as manager of planning and development for the Community Action Commission.

He is the immediate past president of the Council of American Maritime Museums, formerly served as chair of the Santa Barbara Community Development & Human Services Committee, and currently serves on the board of Visit Santa Barbara.

Sponsor of the program is Marie L Morrisroe.