A Maine Senior College group was the first to tour Owls Head Light in 2011 (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
During recent weeks there has been a flurry of activity at the lights of the American Lighthouse Foundation in preparation for the 2011 summer season.
From spring clean-ups to maintenance projects, ALF volunteers are working hard to make sure the organization’s lighthouses are put back in ship-shape after another harsh winter – but not all efforts are confined to tidying-up.
On May 5, 2011, volunteers from the Friends of Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse got an early start on their educational public access program by welcoming the season’s first tour group to Owls Head Light.
As part of a course entitled, “Exploring Maine’s Lighthouses,” a Maine Senior College group was presented with the opportunity to climb the Owls Head Light while learning about the station’s rich history and taking in breathtaking views of West Penobscot Bay.
Tour participants listen as FRBL volunteer Marla Rogers talks about aspects of her childhood at Owls Head Light Station (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
The senior college group, which was led by instructor Duane Prugh, received an additional treat during their visit to Owls Head by having FRBL volunteer Marla Rogers serve as one of their tour guides.
Marla was able to share with the participants the fact that her father – Archford V. Haskins, was a keeper at Owls Head from 1947 to 1953, as well as a number of her childhood memories of living and playing at the light station.
In addition to experiencing historical aspects like the tower’s beautiful fourth order Fresnel lens shining bright and asking questions about the nearby islands and other aids to navigation, tour participants also learned how Owls Head Light was restored to its former glory this past year thanks to a $248,000 joint project between the U.S. Coast Guard and the American Lighthouse Foundation.
Ernie DeRaps, a former USCG lightkeeper at four Maine lights, including nearby Browns Head, was a senior college tour participant on 5/5/11 (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
The senior college tour may have been the first group to experience Owls Head Lighthouse in 2011, but for ALF’s chapter, the Friends of Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, their educational programs are just warming up.
FRBL will open the Owls Head Light three days a week from Memorial Day to Columbus Day, and in the process, enable thousands of Mainers and visitors alike to enjoy one of the finest Midcoast Maine treasures our the state has to offer.
To learn more about the Friends of Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, who also care for and open Rockland Breakwater Light to the public every weekend from Memorial Day to Columbus Day, visit: www.rocklandlighthouse.com
