Pomham Rocks, RI, Lighthouse Traveling Library Box Makes It's Debut
Libraries weren’t always housed in stalwart buildings, nor did they always contain thousands of books. In time for National Library Week, April 6 to 12, the Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse announced the newest acquisition to their museum collection - an antique traveling library box. Constructed of 1” pine with dovetail corners, fastened with brass hinges, this “library in a box” has sturdy brass carrying handles and, when closed, looks like a wooden suitcase. But when the two hinged doors are opened, they reveal a neat arrangement on two shelves, divided in the middle and able to hold 30 or more magazines and books, depending on size.
A small shelf on the top of the unit provided space for The Book of Common Prayer and a hymnal. The purchase was made possible thanks to a grant from the RI State Senate, sponsored by Sen. Robert Britto, and fundraising events. Marked with the USLHS designation of the United States Lighthouse Service, this particular box was used during the period 1910 to 1939. The first 25 lighthouse library boxes were issued in 1876. They grew in popularity, and by 1893 there were 700 circulating among lighthouses across the country.
Click here to see more of Pomham Rocks on the USLHS Research Catalog
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Spotlighting women lighthouse keepers
They worked day and night keeping lighthouses operational, and oftentimes they were pressed into extra duty if their spouses fell ill or died.
St. Mary's County Museum Division Manager Karen Stone recognized women lighthouse keepers in a lecture titled "Ladies of the Lights - Women Lighthouse Keepers in Maryland" on a recent Saturday at Lexington Park library.
Click here for the Southern Maryland News clip
Click here to see more of women lighthouse keepers on the USLHS Research Catalog
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Sumburgh Head (UK) lighthouse re-opens for 2025
With an almighty toot, Sumburgh's foghorn announced the re-opening of the lighthouse and visitor centre this afternoon (Saturday).
"You could feel it in your ribcage," said Jane Outram, a member of the centre's visitor engagement team. "I'm surprised they couldn't hear it in Lerwick."
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Hillsboro Inlet's (FL) beaming beacon and the poet who wrote about it
Christopher Notarnicola signed up for the Marine Corps at age 17, and he doesn't fully remember why he signed up. He said it's hard to remember why he did anything at 17.
Notarniola was born in Ft. Lauderdale and grew up around the Pompano Beach area all his life, and the lighthouse has been a fixture there for what feels like forever for him.
Click here to see more of Hillsboro Inlet on the USLHS Research Catalog
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The Majestic Westerheversand Lighthouse (Germany): A Drone's Eye View
Discover the Westerheversand Lighthouse, one of Germany's most iconic coastal landmarks.
Standing tall against the vast salt marshes and tidal flats of the North Sea, this red-and-white striped lighthouse is a symbol of the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park.
Click here to read more and see the 2 minute video
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Hudson-Athens Lighthouse (NY) repairs put tours on hold
Tours to the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse could be impacted this summer as the structure is undergoing roof repairs.
The lighthouse repair work began last year, and involves the replacement of the structure's roof, as well as the closure of gaps around windows
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Click here to see more of Hudson-Athens on the USLHS Research Catalog
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Here's where you can find the most lighthouses in Maine
One of the most photographed lighthouses in the world can be found right here in Maine - but where are the most concentrated in our Pine Tree State?
Lighthouses are one of the most iconic symbols of Maine, especially along the coast - you'll spot them on every postcard and tourist photo.
Click here to see more of Maine's lighthouses on the USLHS Research Catalog
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Capt. McGuire's Posting or Position, Part 1 (Marquette Lighthouse, MI)
Described as "hardy and sociable," Capt. Patrick H. "Bill" McGuire, Marquette lighthouse keeper, was a favorite of The Mining Journal in his day. In July 1885 a reporter was charmed by what he found on Lighthouse Point:
"It may be remarked in the first place that from cellar to garret it was as scrupulously clean as any parlor in the city. Mrs. (Catherine) McGuire, who holds the appointment of assistant keeper, has exhibited her excellent taste in every room, in the adornment of the walls, arrangement of pictures..."
Click here to see more of Marquette Harbor on the USLHS Research Catalog
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Twr Mawr Lighthouse: Iconic Welsh Beacon on Llanddwyn Island
Discover the enchanting beauty of Llanddwyn Island and the iconic Twr Mawr Lighthouse in Wales.
This breathtaking drone footage captures the rugged coastline, golden sandy beaches, and the historic lighthouse standing proudly against the backdrop of the Irish Sea.
Click here to see the 2:11 video
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Historic Lorain Lighthouse, OH, Illuminated Anew with Solaris Urban Lux
The beloved Lorain Lighthouse, a 108-year-old beacon perched on a manmade island in Lake Erie has been brilliantly reborn with a cutting-edge lighting upgrade that beautifully merges preservation with innovation.
Through the combined efforts of the Lorain Lighthouse Foundation, ETC, CLI, Vincent Lighting Systems and South Shore Electric, this National Historic Landmark now shines in vibrant, color-changing brilliance, visible from shore and beyond.
Click here to see more of Lorain 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