News of the week August 5, 2022
Celebrating Golden State (CA) Beacons on National Lighthouse Day
NAMING A BUILDING… that boasts romance, lore, and an excess of salty charm? You might cite a windswept castle, the sort of imposing structure that sits high on a bluff, or perhaps an old-timey hotel, the sort of beach-based getaway that drew Victorian tourists, the sort of vacationers that would perambulate along the sand while wielding fancy parasols. But the lighthouse wins many hearts, for its simple lines, wind-scrubbed appearance, unfussy approach, and, most importantly, its noble purpose. Add to all of that its connection to the sea, a relationship that is possibly the tightest of connections shared by on-land buildings and the wide water, and you have a place that is awash in atmosphere. It’s why movies, both love stories and the occasional scarefest, are set at lighthouses, and why we long to know more about the ocean-adjacent destinations in our own state.
NATIONAL LIGHTHOUSE DAY… is Aug. 7, an august occasion that has its origin in 1789 when the Lighthouse Act won Congressional approval. It is a summery and celebratory moment that reminds road-tripping explorers, history buffs, illumination-loving adventurers, and fans of fancifully fundamental structures that there are still a number of notable towers, and stations around our country, along the West Coast, and most definitely in California. As for the Golden State landmarks? The handsome 1870 lighthouse at Point Reyes Headlands is currently open on weekends, but do check the hours and schedule before making for this picturesque location. Point Arena Lighthouse, further up the coast and north of Gualala, is open “daily through at least Labor Day,” but, again, do eye the site, and schedule, before you go. And East Brother Light Station near Richmond? The quaint Victorian, on its own island near Richmond, is one of the few West Coast lighthouses open to overnight visitors.
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National Lighthouse Day to be celebrated in Washington State
Honoring the beacons of light that have kept many a mariner safe over hundreds of years, National Lighthouse Day will be commemorated at the Point Wilson Lighthouse at Wort Worden State Park on this weekend.
The lighthouse will be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, and attendees will be able to climb to the top of the lighthouse and get a close-up look at the century-old original lens at the top of the structure while taking in the views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Visitors to the local landmark can speak with members of the United States Lighthouse Society and join them to aid their ongoing efforts to restore Point Wilson to its former glory.
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Chautauqua Lecture Series to focus on 1872, year of the St. Simons (GA) lighthouse
It comes as no surprise that the Coastal Georgia Historical Society is all about tradition. And one of the local organization’s longest-lasting programs is the Chautauqua Lecture Series. The multi-session talks have been held for 25 years with each focusing on a particular topic relevant to the coast. Considering the expansive history, there’s no shortage of material.
“The Chautauqua Lecture Series has been a society tradition for over 25 years and regularly attracts audiences of 200. People living here are fascinated by the rich history. So, we strive to make a strong Coastal Georgia connection,” she said. This year is no exception. The upcoming series is titled “It Happened in 1872: National Events from the Year Our Lighthouse was Illuminated”
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Climb the tower of the Wind Point (WI) Lighthouse Sept. 4
WIND POINT — The Wind Point Lighthouse tower is open for climbing from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 4. The lighthouse is located at 4725 Lighthouse Drive.
Tours are open to ages 6 and above. People should wear sturdy walking shoes; no flip-flops or high heels. A person must be physically fit to climb 11 stories (144 steps).
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NL Maritime Society sets goal for preservation of Race Rock (NY) Lighthouse
New London — The New London Maritime Society has kicked off a fundraising campaign to help rehabilitate and preserve Race Rock Lighthouse, one of three lighthouses under the stewardship of the New London-based nonprofit.
The society is hoping to raise more than $2 million to cover repairs and upgrades to the lighthouse over the next several years.
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Arm-of-the-Sea presents historical drama about the Saugerties Lighthouse
Arm-of-the-Sea Theater will present its annual Esopus Creek Puppet Suite from August 5 to 7 at 7 p.m. at the Tidewater Center in Saugerties. The outdoor performance event features live music, larger-than-life mask and puppet characters and low-tech devices of visual storytelling.
This year’s show, Keep that Lamp Trimmed ‘n Burnin’, is a historical drama about the Saugerties Lighthouse and the women’s suffrage movement.
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Athletes to swim from Islamorada to Alligator Lighthouse (FL) on Sept. 10
Nearly 500 solo and relay team open-ocean swimmers will attempt to complete the annual Swim for Alligator Lighthouse Saturday, Sept. 10, a unique endurance challenge in Atlantic Ocean waters off Islamorada.
Individuals and two-, three- and four-person teams must conquer the 8-mile roundtrip course to the historic lighthouse and back in less than eight hours. To compete as an individual, a participant must show proof of completing a prior 1,650-meter or 1-mile swim in 45 minutes or less. All swimmers must have a support kayaker.
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Top 5 things to do in St. Augustine (FL) this week include a spooky lighthouse tour, magic show
Yes, it’s hot, and things generally slow down in the summer in Florida. But, lucky for us, in this area, at least, there’s plenty to do to keep us entertained. Just this week alone we have a concert, a spooky lighthouse tour, poetry, a magic show and an art exhibit.
Dark of the Moon Tour at the Lighthouse. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, after dark, the St. Augustine Lighthouse offers a special history and ghost tour. The tour, which starts at 8:30 p.m. in the summer, includes a climb to the top of the lighthouse while a guide shares the history of the lighthouse and grounds and relates tales of a ghostly presence. Visitors will be armed only with glow sticks.
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In 2022, Visit the Thomas Point Shoal (MD) Lighthouse Including Interior Tour
The US Lighthouse Society and the Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park are pleased to announce the 2022 dates for the iconic Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse tours. The Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse is a National Historic Landmark and one of only ten lighthouses in the country to be bestowed this honor. Built in 1875, it is arguably the most recognized lighthouse in Maryland.
Three tours will be available most Saturdays beginning in June with departures at 9 am, 11 am, and 1 pm.
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Ponce Inlet (FL) celebrates Lighthouse Day
The National Historic Landmark Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum will celebrate National Lighthouse Day from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6.
There will be speakers, uniformed keeper- docents on the station grounds to answer questions and conduct mini-tours, workshops and a take-home children’s craft.
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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