Shine a light on history: National Lighthouse Day is coming soon

Shine a light on history with National Lighthouse Day, as historic beacons across the US take center stage in celebrations honoring their maritime legacy.

Hillsboro Inlet, FL - Ralph Krugler

Observed annually on Aug. 7, the tradition dates back to the earliest days of the nation, when Congress committed to safeguarding coastlines through publicly funded lighthouses.

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Salem Bakers Island Light Station (MA) Restored, Public Tours Planned

The $30,000 restoration of the Bakers Island Light Station in Salem is complete with tours planned to show the results of what Essex Heritage called a"critical masonry restoration project" at one of the oldest lighthouses in the country.

Bakers Island, MA - Jeremy D'Entremont

They preserved the structural integrity of the historic 1820 lighthouse tower and keepers' houses for future generations.

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Click here to see more of Bakers Island on the USLHS Research Catalog

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Spurn Point Lighthouse, England, needs keepers with 'head for heights'

Nature lovers with "a head for heights" are being sought to volunteer at a remote lighthouse with vistas out over the North Sea.

Spurn Point, England - USLHS archive 

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust said it was looking for 10 keepers to work at the 128ft-high, Grade II listed lighthouse at Spurn National Nature Reserve.

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Staten Island's Lighthouse Museum (NY) lease extended as part of North Shore Revitalization

"What's Happening Staten Island" is a series about active construction projects and other community happenings around the borough.

National Lighthouse Museum, NY - USLHS archive 

Officials recently moved to extend the lease of a Staten Island cultural institution as it gears up for an expansion that will allow it to offer more to visitors. 

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Click here to see more of the National Lighthouse Museum on the USLHS Research Catalog

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Fairport Harbor, OH,  boat parade canceled despite historic milestone 

A boat parade that was planned to celebrate two lighthouse anniversaries in Lake County has been canceled after being rescheduled multiple times.

Fairport Harbor, OH - USLHS archive 

The Parade in the Port, most recently set for 6 p.m. Aug. 2, was called off due to low interest, the Fairport Harbor Historical Society announced. 

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Click here to see more of Fairport Harbor on the USLHS Research Catalog

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Sodus Point, NY,  artisan festival returns August 2-3

A popular lakeside arts event is back this summer with more talent and local charm.

Sodus Point, NY - Thomas A Tag 

According to the Times of Wayne County, the Sodus Point Lighthouse Artisan Festival returns for its second year on August 2-3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

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Click here to see more of Sodus Point on the USLHS Research Catalog

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Here are the roots of Lake Winnebago's, WI, iconic lighthouses

If you are unfamiliar with Lake Winnebago and its culture, it might surprise you to find out that there are handful of lighthouses sprinkled along its shore.

Neenah, WI - Thomas A Tag 

When we think of lighthouses, we think of lonely weather-battered towers located on the shores of big, big water.

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Click here to see more of Wisconsins' lighthouses on the USLHS Research Catalog

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'It needed help': TMJ4 goes behind the scenes as Port Washington's lighthouse. WI, gets facelift

A 90-year-old lighthouse that has guided generations of boats back to Port Washington is getting a much-needed facelift this summer.

Port Washington, WI - USCG Historian's Office

The breakwater lighthouse in Port Washington's marina is currently wrapped in tarps as crews work on a major restoration project.

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Click here to see more of Port Washington Breakwater on the USLHS Research Catalog

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Governor proclaims August 7 as National Lighthouse Day in North Carolina

Governor Josh Stein has officially declared that North Carolina will observe National Lighthouse Day on August 7, in recognition of the state's heritage and the enduring significance of its historic lighthouses.

Ocracoke, NC - Amanda Haddox

In a proclamation issued from the State Capitol on July 30, Stein emphasized the importance of lighthouses both past and present, calling them "powerful symbols of North Carolina's identity" and highlighting their roles as landmarks, tourism destinations, and essential navigational aids. 

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Click here to see more of North Carolina's lighthouses on the USLHS Research Catalog

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Grindle Point Lighthouse, ME, Tower Reopens

After six years without access to their historic Grindle Point Lighthouse on Islesboro, a steady stream of visitors is arriving daily to climb the newly restored 39-foot tower and savor the view of Penobscot Bay from the Lantern Room at the top.

Grindle Point, ME - USLHS archive 

The Sailors' Memorial Museum, housed in the keeper's home, is also open to the public.

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Click here to see more of Grindle Point on the USLHS Research Catalog

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A Tribute to George H. McEvoy - Ram Island Lighthouse (ME) Preservationist

On Sunday, July 20, 2025 family members, friends, and acquaintances gathered by the hundreds to honor the extraordinary life of George Harrington McEvoy.

George McEvoy in Ram Island, ME - Elaine P. Jones

This kind, loving, and generous man was a visionary, philanthropist, and true guardian of maritime history.

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Click here to see more of Ram Island on the USLHS Research Catalog

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U.S. Lighthouse Society News is produced by the U.S. Lighthouse Society to support lighthouse preservation, history, education and research.

If you have items of interest to the lighthouse community and its supporters, please email them to Ralph Krugler at ralph@uslhs.org 

 

Submitted by Ralph Krugler on