Staten Island is home to several lighthouses and residents were able to learn more about them during a special presentation.
The National Lighthouse Museum hosted a seminar on the Fresnel lens on Sunday.
French civil engineer, Augustin Fresnel, developed the lens in 1821.
The lecture discussed the history of the lens and how it was introduced into the United States Lighthouse Establishment.
The construction of the Fresnel lens allows the light from a lighthouse to be visible over greater distances.
"I want them to really understand the whole story about it, so that they just get a better appreciation for it," said James Risk, who spoke at the event.
According to officials at the museum the Fresnel lens was, arguably, the most important development of lighthouse technology.