Cynthia Rowden is Honored with an ALF Keeper of the Light Award

On May 4, 2025, ALF honored Cynthia Rowden with a “Keeper of the Light” award during the organization’s annual Gala, which was held at the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport, Maine. The following tribute was written by Bob Trapani, Jr., ALF Executive Director:

Cynthia Rowden is a remarkable person—one who cares deeply about her family, friends and beloved community in Cutler, Maine. She is also married to a man who has lightkeeping in his blood—one who had made Little River Lighthouse his home away from home for the past ten years.

Yes, Terry Rowden served as the volunteer island caretaker from 2015 to 2024, but Terry could not have carried out all of the wonderful things that he did without dedicated support on the mainland. Cynthia Rowden was not only his onshore support—she was his rock in more ways than one.

Cynthia was the guiding “light” for ALF’s Friends of Little River Lighthouse. Her leadership and passion for making things better came shining through in everything she did for the historic light station and the American Lighthouse Foundation, with whom she has served on the board of directors since 2015.

For an overnight stay program to run efficiently, especially one located on an island like Little River, logistics are key. Cynthia Rowden has been the maestro of this intensive process.

Whether it was picking up and delivering a wide range of supplies and equipment parts or coordinating the arrival of freight such as heating pellets at the Town boat ramp, Cynthia has had a hand in all of these undertakings. This includes resupplying her husband Terry with provisions, potable water and other personal items.

While overnight guests marveled at Little River Island’s beauty and basked in its wonderment, Cynthia was working hard behind the scenes for the last decade helping to ensure that the visitor experience was the best that it could be. No one will ever know just how vital Cynthia’s efforts have been to the success and enjoyment of the overnight stay program.

The lone hint we can glean is found on the faces of all those who have been able to set foot on the island. Their smiles are the only real way of measuring Cynthia’s stellar impact at Little River Island.

It gives the American Lighthouse Foundation great pleasure to present Cynthia Rowden with a 2025 “Keeper of the Light” award for her extraordinary contributions at Little River Lighthouse.

Cynthia’s steadfast desire to help others and make her community a better place is exemplified in her volunteer efforts. At Little River, it can truly be said that Cynthia Rowden made sure the light is “left on” for all those who stop by this island paradise.