Tybee Island (GA) Historical Society receives grant to support $1.6 million lighthouse repair

As restoration for the iconic Tybee Island Lighthouse chugs along, the Tybee Island Historical Society has received a grant for $7,500 to help complete it.

Tybee Island, GA - Ralph Krugler

TIHS is a recipient of the 2024 Americana Corner Preserving America Grant, a program meant to support non-profits in preserving and telling the story of American history.

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Click here to see more of Tybee Island at the USLHS Research Catalog

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Fairport Harbor (OH) Historical Society offering chance to watch solar eclipse from lighthouse tower

People in Northeast Ohio will be viewing the total solar eclipse on April 8 at places that range from fairgrounds to sports stadiums.

Fairport Harbor, OH - USLHS archive

But if you would enjoy watching the eclipse from a lighthouse tower, the Fairport Harbor Historical Society wants to make your wish come true.

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AND:

Report recaps 2023 achievements at Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse

Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse welcomed more than 4,000 visitors in 2023. The tourist attraction also was open for more days and hours last year.

Those were several accomplishments mentioned in the latest annual report produced by the Fairport Harbor Historical Society. The group's president, Mary O'Gara, gave a presentation on that document during a recent Fairport Harbor Village Council meeting.

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Click here to see more of Fairport at the USLHS Research Catalog

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Volkswagen's Charming Ad Depicts the Quiet Joys of a Lighthouse Keeper

Short Drives may often be a means to an end for the routine chores, but an ad from Volkswagen Australia flips the script by making one an eagerly anticipated joy.

Volkswagen Group Australia/DDB Sydney

The 90-second film, created by agency DDB Sydney and directed by Steve Rogers through Revolver, follows a lighthouse keeper diligently going about his routine: painting, replacing lightbulbs, washing windows and cooking a fresh fish dinner. He's constantly humming Johnnie & Joe's "Over the Mountain, Across the Sea" and looking expectantly toward the horizon-until a ship pulls in.

Click here to read more and see the 90 second commercial

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The human stories behind the lights that brightened the path

Everyone knows that there's "something about lighthouses" that gives them broad appeal, but their vital role in our history and culture is little appreciated.

Graves, MA - Mike & Carol McKinney

Join author Jeremy D'Entremont as he tells the history of New England's historic and picturesque lighthouses in his virtual presentation "New England Lighthouses and the People Who Kept Them" at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 5, hosted by Randall Library.

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Click here to see the video presentation

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Why is the Sanibel Lighthouse (FL) covered in tarps

No one would argue that the majestic Sanibel Island lighthouse is one of the most iconic landmarks in Southwest Florida.

But what about when the famous lighthouse is wearing a dress?

Sanibel Island, FL - Andrew West/ The News-Press

That's how one person on facebook described it last week, posting a photo of the lighthouse wrapped in a giant piece of cloth. Ever since the destructive Hurricane Ian slammed Sanibel and other parts of Southwest Florida on Sept. 28, 2022, the lighthouse has been getting some TLC.

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Click here to see more of Sanibel Island at the USLHS Research Catalog

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Alleppey Beach To Alappuzha Lighthouse (India): 5 Best Places To Visit In Alleppey

Besides its primary function as a navigation aid, the Alappuzha lighthouse also doubles up as a thrilling tourist attraction, given the awe-inspiring views it offers from the top.

Alappuzha, India - Sanu N

Soak in the heavenly sight of the golden seashore dotted with scores of anchored boats on one side and the never-ending palm-fringed greenery of paddy fields on the other.

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Mira-Bhayandar: Uttan Lighthouse (India) Upgraded With Recreational Facilities

The lighthouse in Uttan near Bhayandar has found its place under the sun as part of 75 lighthouses across ten states and union territories (UT) which have been dedicated to tourist facilities.

Uttan, India - Adithya Pakide

Commissioned into service on December 15, 1960, the lighthouse having a range of 24 nautical miles has been upgraded and integrated with additional features like -  unique reflectors, halogen lamps, a direct drive system, new radio beacon equipment and surveillance radar regularly.

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National Park Service provides Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (NC) restoration project status

During the month of February, visitors were able to see the first visible signs of the restoration project as Stone and Lime Historic Restoration Services, Inc began staging equipment and preparing the lighthouse and surrounding grounds for construction.

Cape Hatteras, NC - USLHS archive

Contractors closed off the active construction areas and marked pedestrian walkways to ensure uninterrupted access to the Museum of the Sea, Park Store, and restrooms. The grounds are safely open for visitation, but visitors should be aware of the ongoing construction.

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Click here to see more of Cape Hatteras at the USLHS Research Catalog

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Dock and sleep: New 'boatel' planned near Ponce Inlet lighthouse (FL)

A new Volusia County business is planning to give boaters a place to stay and a chance to enjoy everything Ponce Inlet has to offer on land. It's called a "boatel," or boat hotel.

Ponce Inlet, FL - Ralph Krugler

"This is going to actually look like old Florida," said owner John Hinton, "It's probably one of the, if not the, original landing when they were developing and pioneering Ponce Inlet and building the lighthouse. That's why we've gone back to the name 'Lighthouse Landing.'"

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Click here to see more of Ponce Inlet at the USLHS Research Catalog

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Point Fermin (CA) request for 150th Birthday Greetings

The Point Fermin Lighthouse, located in beautiful San Pedro, California, is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2024. In honor of this great occasion, the Point Fermin Lighthouse Society and its supporters are busy planning many exciting events including a public celebration on August 17th.

Point Fermin, CA - J Candace Clifford

We are asking for other lighthouses throughout the country to send our Lighthouse a birthday greeting. Our plans are to display and acknowledge the location of each of these birthday greetings at the upcoming events. A card with your US Passport Lighthouse stamp imprinted on it, a photo of your lighthouse, or anything related would be greatly appreciated. Please post your greetings by June 1st, 2024. 

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

Click here to send your greeting to Point Fermin

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Hillsboro Inlet (FL) Celebrates 117th Anniversary

On March 8, 1907, Keeper Alfred Berghell, 1st Assistant Henry Keys and 2nd Assistant Robert Thompson were the first staff at the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse Station to light the wick inside the giant 9' Fresnel lens.  It took 55 years from the first proposal for a lighthouse for this desperately needed event to happen.

Hillsboro Inlet, FL - Ralph Krugler

Today the lighthouse is owned by the United States Coast Guard, but the Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society has the contract to maintain and keep the lighthouse standing and operating. A monthly tour day is scheduled for March 9. See their website for details.

Click here to see more Hillsboro Inlet on the USLHS Research Catalog

Click here to see tour information

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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 Jeremy D’Entremont at Jeremy@uslhs.org

Submitted by Ralph Krugler on