THANK YOU to the U.S. Coast Guard

Since its debut in 2009, Maine Open Lighthouse Day has always been about sharing the Pine Tree State’s historic sentinels, and their rich heritage, with the public.

For the lighthouses that participate in this popular annual event, the focus remains on showcasing the beauty and allure of the Maine coast, the dedicated work of lighthouse preservationists – people just like you, and the unwavering efforts of the United States Coast Guard to ensure the lights and fog horns are watching properly.

On September 12, 2026, all three facets of the event were shining bright during Maine Open Lighthouse Day, which is sponsored by the American Lighthouse Foundation, United States Coast Guard (US Coast Guard Sector Northern New England) and the Maine Office of Tourism (Visit Maine).

Personnel from the U.S. Coast Guard Aids to Navigation Teams in South Portland and Southwest Harbor helped staff five lighthouses during Maine Open Lighthouse Day this year – Fort Point, Owls Head, Portland Breakwater, Portland Head, and Spring Point Ledge.

The public delighted in seeing and talking with Coast Guard personnel at the lighthouses, especially those people who learned that the USCG has been maintaining our nation’s lighthouses since 1939. The story of America’s lighthouses and the Coast Guard is a long and proud tradition.

The American Lighthouse Foundation would like to give a big shout-out to BMCS Kevin Moynahan, Officer-in-Charge of USCG Aids to Navigation Team South Portland and BMC Mitchell Anderson, Officer-in-Charge of USCG Aids to Navigation Team Southwest Harbor. Thank you both for coordinating the participation of your respective units. The Coast Guard’s involvement with Maine Open Lighthouse Day helped to make this fun-filled event that much more special for the thousands of people who took part!