The majestic sentinels of the Maine coast, some of the most beautiful and storied in the nation, transcend time as they continue to stand “watch” over the state’s rocky shorelines, remote islands and …
Matinicus Rock Through the Eyes of an Island Child
Throughout Maine’s long and storied lighthouse history, authors, travel writers and news reporters have yearned to learn more about the lights and those who kept them. And rightfully so, for the …
Portland Head’s Other Guiding Light
For the first 182 years of Portland Head Light’s history, the beacon ablaze at the top of the venerable sentinel was the lone focal point for mariners seeking safe passage in and out of Portland …
Petit Manan’s Puffin Colony is a “Tern-Key” Success
All seabirds have a certain beauty and charm – and all are worthy of efforts to respect and protect them, but one – the puffin, may very well be considered the most adorable of the marine bird …
Outgrowth of the Lighthouse Keeper: USCG Aids to Navigation Teams
Lighthouses and their keepers are inseparable - and always will be as long as they continue to stand, shine bright and bellow out their audible warnings into the future to come. For no matter how many …
Keepers of the Lights
Though lighthouses are no longer staffed by resident keepers in this day and age of automation, there are still dedicated professionals watching over them. When a mariner or landlubber sees a …
Watching Over the Lights
We just celebrated the 231st anniversary of our nation’s Lighthouse Service on August 7th – and what a storied history it is. The rich traditions and legacies that have come to embody “keeping a good …
National Lighthouse Day – August 7th
Each year countless people look forward to the date of August 7th – and with good reason. Our nation’s lighthouse heritage not only traces its roots back to this historic day in 1789, it also is a …
Dedication and Tradition Still Shine Bright at the Lights
Thirty years have passed since the last lighthouse keeper stood watch at a Maine lighthouse. When Coast Guard keeper Bradley Culp “turned out the light” for the final time at Goat Island Lighthouse in …
Recalling Fourth of July Festivities at Matinicus Rock Light
We are well familiar with the fact that on July 2, 1776, the American Colonies declared their independence from Britain. The very next day the Continental Congress revised the declaration penned by an …