Portland Head Light (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
Maine’s lighthouses have a long and fascinating history as guardians of the sea – presiding over the Pine Tree State’s rocky coastline, wave-swept ledges and remote islands. For two centuries and counting, these regal sentinels have stood strong against galloping gales, remained vigilant through the dark of night and bellowed audible warnings when fog obscured their guiding lights. Throughout this span of time, the lighthouses of Maine – and their keepers and families, received the admiration and appreciation of countless thousands who benefited from such unfailing service.
Marshall Point Lighthouse
(Photo by Dominic Trapani)
This rich history and gold-standard dedication is a large part of what Maine Open Lighthouse Day shines a bright light upon. The popular annual event, sponsored by the United States Coast Guard, the Maine Office of Tourism and the American Lighthouse Foundation, offers the general public a rare opportunity to retrace the steps of the lightkeepers by climbing to the top of approximately two dozen historic Maine lights.
Participating lighthouses are open on Saturday, September 9, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., unless otherwise noted. During Maine Open Lighthouse Day, admission to all lighthouses, and their associated educational tours, is free, though some parking and transportation costs to lighthouses may be required.
Burnt Coat Harbor Light, Swan’s Island
(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
In addition to celebrating our lighthouse history, Maine Open Lighthouse Day also focuses on sharing with visitors the Coast Guard’s rich lightkeeping heritage (1939 to present), the importance of preserving these iconic beacons for future generations and the alluring beauty and charm that embraces every nook and cranny of Maine’s coastal communities.
Samuel Adams Drake once said, “There is nothing that moves the imagination like a lighthouse.” Mr. Drake was spot-on! In fact, it seems the public’s fascination with lighthouses grows stronger with the passage of time.
Reflecting on Pemaquid Point Light.
(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
For these reasons and more, Maine residents and visitors alike look forward to this one special day on the calendar each year – a day when the general public is invited to experience the past, present and future of Maine’s lighthouses.
With such a wide-ranging history and appeal, memories-in-the-making are never in short supply during Maine Open Lighthouse Day. Photogenic sentinels and sparkling seascapes beckon the visitor at every turn, but so too does the longstanding tradition of keeping a good light.
For though Maine’s lighthouses punctuate a rocky coastline with unsurpassed elegance and grace, their commissioned duty to serve as guardians of the sea – even in this day and age of digital technology, remains unchanged. May their guiding lights continue to safeguard those at sea – and point the way to Maine’s tomorrows!
For the list of participating sites in the 2023 Maine Open Lighthouse Day, visit: https://lighthousefoundation.org/maine-open-lighthouse-day/
Climb to the top of lights like Owls Head during Maine Open Lighthouse Day on Saturday, September 9th!
(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
