West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, Lubec
(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
Augusta, ME (September 2019) – Maine’s iconic coastal sentinels will take center stage during Maine’s 10th Annual Open Lighthouse Day, to be held Saturday, September 14th. Twenty-two lighthouses, including many not typically open to the public, will welcome visitors with free entry for one day in locations from Kennebunkport to Lubec.
This popular family-friendly event, sponsored by the United States Coast Guard, the Maine Office of Tourism and the American Lighthouse Foundation, draws between 15,000 to 18,000 visitors annually for an exploration of Maine’s historic lights and the rich history of its lighthouses and lightkeepers.
“Visitors from around the world are fascinated by Maine’s historic lighthouses, which are a powerful reminder of our maritime heritage and Maine’s seagoing lifestyle, past and present,” said Steve Lyons, Director of the Office of Tourism. “Exploring Maine lighthouses is a wonderful way to experience the charm of Maine’s coastal communities and islands”.
Grindle Point Lighthouse, Islesboro
(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
Over sixty lighthouses are still on active duty along the Maine coast. But over the decades, Maine’s lighthouses have come to be more than simply navigational aids. The historic structures that house the lights have become cherished landmarks that evoke the hardihood, romance and adventure of Maine’s maritime history.
“The importance of these historic lighthouses to Maine is evident in the dedication of the communities and volunteers who invest in preserving this important connection to Maine’s maritime heritage,” said Bob Trapani, Jr., American Lighthouse Foundation Executive Director. “Open Lighthouse Day celebrates these stalwart sentinels and allows the public to see them up close and hear some of their stories from the people who know them best.”
Many of Maine’s lighthouses can be seen with ground visitation, some only by boat. Participating lighthouses will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. during Maine Open Lighthouse Day unless otherwise noted. Entry to lighthouses and lighthouse tours are free, with donations optional. Some parking and transportation costs to lighthouses are additional.
For details and map of the 2019 participating sites and attractions visit https://www.lighthousefoundation.org/maine-open-lighthouse-day/
Dyce Head Lighthouse, Castine (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
Related exhibits at the Maine Lighthouse Museum in Rockland and the Maine Maritime Museum’s “Into the Lantern” exhibit in Bath are open year-round.
Mainers and visitors planning a weekend getaway or longer vacation in coordination with the event can check out associated itineraries and packages near participating lighthouses by going online to www.visitmaine.com and searching “Lighthouse Day”.
Learn more about Maine Lighthouses from the perspective of a past lighthouse keeper at the VisitMaine.com/Quarterly “The Light You Keep”.
