SPEAKER SERIES
Lost at Sea: The Collapse of the Air Force Tower
Imagine a wall of water more than 100 feet high slamming into the three-legged U.S. Air Force radar tower stationed 85 miles at sea. The ill-fated Texas Tower (TT-4) 85 miles off the coast of New Jersey, toppled in a violent nor’easter on January 15, 1961 and cost the lives of 28 airmen and civilians stationed onboard. The Texas Towers so named because they resembled Texas oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, housed radar equipment in 3 rubber domes and extended the U.S. monitoring capabilities for almost 150 miles in the ocean. They were critical for providing at least a 45-minute warning in the event of a Soviet Union attack from the north or east. Learn how decisions made that day sent 28 good men to a watery grave at sea as recounted by a member of the U.S. Air Force.
WHEN Monday, May 18th, 2026 | 7:00pm
WHERE The Ocean County Artist Guild, 22 Chestnut St. Island Heights, NJ 087632
TICKETS
Free Admission, Donations Appreciated
ANNUAL EVENT
31st Annual Garden Tour: Secret Gardens & Scenic Porches
Come join us for one of our most exciting events of the year. Stroll through gardens, sit on scenic porches overlooking the water and discover the hidden corners of Island Heights. Presented by the Island Heights Cultural & Heritage Association.
Join us for Prosecco & light bites at 3:30 on the patio at the museum
WHEN Saturday, June 27th, 2026 | 10am - 3pm (Rain or Shine)
ADVANCE TICKETS $30 - CALL 732.929.2646 or Purchase at The Cottage Museum June 13th 1-4pm, and June 20th 10am-4pm
DAY OF TICKETS $35 - 105 Simpson Avenue, Island Heights NJ 08732