A vintage view of Owls Head Lighthouse.
(Mussel Ridge Historical Society photo)
On September 10, 2025, the Owls Head Light Station will celebrate its 200th anniversary as a guardian of mariners near and far. This date marks the day in 1825 when Owls Head Light was first lit. At the time of its construction, Owls Head Light was the thirteenth lighthouse established along the rugged coast of Maine and served as the principal guide into bustling Rockland Harbor.
Two hundred years of service to commercial shipping, the fishing industry and pleasure craft is an amazing milestone worth celebrating, which is exactly what the American Lighthouse Foundation, with support from the Mussel Ridge Historical Society, intend to do!
The public is cordially invited to take part in a day of festivities on September 10th, which includes a commemoration event, tours of the lighthouse and birthday cake! During tours of the lighthouse, visitors will be able to climb the tower and admire the 1856 fourth order Fresnel lens, which is still in use. Owls Head’s classical lens is one of only eight Fresnel lenses remaining in Maine lighthouses.
Owls Head Light is still making history!
(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
During the commemoration event, attendees will learn about Owls Head Light’s rich history, hear stories of keepers and their families who helped keep the light shining bright, the station’s impact on the Midcoast Maine community, and how Owls Head Light is still making history today.
“Owls Head Light Station’s 200th anniversary is more than a celebration of its storied history,” says Bob Trapani, Jr., Executive Director for the American Lighthouse. “The occasion is also a time to reflect upon why this special place matters culturally, and why it speaks to the hearts of people who cherish its unique sense of place in their lives.”
Today, Owls Head Light Station serves as the proud headquarters for the nonprofit American Lighthouse Foundation. The venerable lighthouse, which shines its guiding light 100-feet above the sparkling waters of Penobscot Bay, continues to guide twenty-first century mariners. The navigational light and fog horn are maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard.
The Schedule of Events includes:
10 am to 4 pm – The former keeper’s house (first floor) will be open to the public
12:30 pm to 1 pm – Commemoration event featuring guest speakers and dignitaries
1 pm to 4 pm – The lighthouse will be open for tours
Owls Head Light Station will celebrate its 200th anniversary (1825-2025) on September 10, 2025!
(Photo by Dominic Trapani)
Norma Taylor says
My uncle Doug Larrabee was one of the caretakers along with his wife Florence who was my dad’s sister. I used to go there with my parents on weekends and loved playing in the lighthouse. I have many fond memories.
Andrew Germann says
I was the keeper from 1982 to 1987. While I was there Reading Rainbow came and shot an episode called Keep the Lights Burning Abbey. It may be of interest to you and your event.
We loved our time there and plan to attend.
Chris Farley says
Excellent! Will put this on our calendar and try to make it. Our Great-Grandfather George Woodward was one of the Keepers.
Gorham N Rowell says
My name is Gorham N Rowell and I’ve recently retired to West Bath from NH. I was keeper at Owls Head Light from 1974-1976. We had a small celebration for the 150th lighting with a public invitation for an evening gathering on September 10 th. to witness the lighting.
I plan to attend the 200 th. On September 10th with my family.
My great, great grandfather David F Loring served as keeper at Highland Light in Truro, Massachusetts, for many years, retiring in February, 1888.