Lighthouse Keeper Records
Registers of Lighthouse Keepers, covering 1848 - 1912, are stored at the National Archives in Washington, DC. Due to the frequency of requests for this information by people conducting genealogical research, the National Archives have made the majority of this data available on 6 rolls of microfilm. Other records are available that cover keepers who served before 1848 and after 1912.
Researching Lighthouse Keepers
This page is part of a website created by Candace Clifford, who worked as a freelance researcher in the National Archives. She developed finding aids for records on lighthouses and lifesaving stations as well as a list of other resources for researchers and educators. The site also includes a lighthouse history blog for topics of interest to lighthouse enthusiasts.
Law Concerning the Maintenance of Keepers at the Boston Lighthouse
Boston Lighthouse is the only lighthouse in America that is still maintained by keepers on a regular basis.
The Lighthouse Keeper's Oath
During the 1800s each lighthouse keeper was required to swear to and sign an Oath before he or she entered service. Shown here is the Oath that was required.