Nick Korstad is the new American Lighthouse Foundation first vice-president.
(Photo by Ann-Marie Trapani)
The American Lighthouse Foundation (ALF) is pleased to announce that Nick Korstad has joined the organization’s board of directors. In addition, Nick was elected as an officer and will assume the position of ALF first vice-president.
Following his addition to the ALF board of directors, Nick said, “Entering into the ALF family is an honor. Throughout my life, I have admired the work that each chapter has done on their respective projects and modeled my lighthouse career after their achievements. I’ve gained inspiration witnessing ALF raise millions for preservation, and I cannot thank them enough for their support, encouragement, and dignity.”
Nick Korstad is no stranger to lighthouse preservation. Even the most casual lighthouse enthusiast around the country has probably heard of Nick and his amazing accomplishments. In fact, his success with offshore and privately owned lighthouses has set a gold standard example for others to strive for and learn from.
In 2018, Nick was presented with the American Lighthouse Foundation’s prestigious “Keeper of the Light” award for his shining achievements. ALF President Jeremy D’Entremont is well aware of Nick’s prowess in lighthouse preservation and what it means for him to join the ALF leadership.
Nick Korstad at Borden Flats Lighthouse in Fall River, Massachusetts.
(Photo courtesy of Nick Korstad)
“Over the past 15 years, Nick Korstad has proven himself to be a creative and diligent steward of historic lighthouses” said Jeremy D’Entremont. “He had the audacity to open overnight accommodations at Borden Flats Light, a “spark-plug” type lighthouse offshore near Fall River, Massachusetts. It was a resounding success and received attention in national media.”
D’Entremont went on to say, “His stewardship of Big Bay Point Lighthouse in Michigan has turned it into one of the “must visit” lighthouse B&Bs in the country. His latest project, Browns Head Light in Maine, promises to be another success story. His creativity and forward thinking will be a tremendous asset for ALF moving forward, and we are very happy to welcome Nick onto the ALF board.”
Nick Korstad is the owner of Big Bay Point Lighthouse in Michigan.
(Photo courtesy of Nick Korstad)
Nick Korstad is the owner of The Big Bay Point Lighthouse in Big Bay, Michigan, where he currently resides and operates the site as a bed and breakfast during the summer season. Born in Eugene, Oregon Nick grew up fascinated by the light stations of the west coast and cites New Dungeness Lighthouse in Sequim, Washington as the inspiration for his lifelong love and appreciation of lighthouses.
Nick got his start in lighthouse restoration and stewardship in 2010 when he purchased Borden Flats Lighthouse in Fall River, Massachusetts, completely renovating the site into an off-shore bed and breakfast. He sold the property in 2018 to a former guest who still manages it as a bed and breakfast. In 2018, he purchased Big Bay Point Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast upgrading it from a rustic mom and pop inn to an upscale boutique experience.
The changes Nick made to the lighthouse include restoring the tower to its original historic colors, redecorating the guest rooms to fit the aesthetic of the period it was constructed, and returning the original third-order Fresnel lens to its rightful home for display with his comprehensive collection of modern lighthouse optics.
Nick Korstad is leading the effort to restore Browns Head Lighthouse in Maine.
(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
Nick is presently leading yet another preservation project – Browns Head Lighthouse. The historic light station is in the early stages of being restored it to its original beauty for the public to enjoy. Other lighthouses Nick has been a custodian of in the past include Wolf Trap Lighthouse in Matthews, Virginia, Spectacle Reef on Lake Huron, and Stratford Shoals Lighthouse in Stratford, Connecticut.
Nick’s efforts are in the interest preserving lighthouse history and providing unique experiences to lighthouse novices and experts alike with the hope that his work will revitalize a new generation of lighthouse keepers.
ALF Executive Director Bob Trapani, Jr. is very excited to have Nick a part of the organization’s leadership team. Trapani noted, “Nick Korstad’s love for lighthouses is inspiring. His passion, drive and caring attitude is going to be such an asset to ALF’s mission moving forward. As we all know, lighthouse preservation continues to evolve. Nick’s skill sets and expertise are well-suited for helping ALF succeed in this changing environment – and he will play an important role in the organization’s efforts to chart an even brighter future. Welcome aboard, Nick!”
