Success in the field of lighthouse preservation is not realized by one moment in time, but rather by remaining passionately steadfast on a fascinating journey through time. Along the way, it is impossible not to recognize that this labor of love is as much about people and the communities in which we live, work and play, as the historic treasures themselves.” – Bob Trapani, Jr., ALF Executive Director
Wood Island Light Station
(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
The American Lighthouse Foundation’s historic preservation efforts have been going strong since 1994, and during this stretch of twenty-plus years, our organization has invested over $3.5 million dollars in lighthouse restoration.
However, the amount of money spent on ALF lighthouses is only part of this inspiring achievement. Without our dedicated team of intrepid volunteers and professional staff – and the partnerships forged with entities like the U.S. Coast Guard, the State Historic Preservation Offices of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut, the National Park Service and Maine’s Bureau of Parks and Lands, ALF would not be able to serve as a national leader in the field of lighthouse preservation.
ALF’s volunteers make a meaningful difference at our lights by helping with vital maintenance projects.
(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
ALF’s volunteers contribute over 25,000 hours of their time to our lighthouses on an annual basis. Thanks to their generous gift of time, talents and passion, countless general maintenance projects are carried out, along with vital fundraising and educational initiatives. The volunteers work in concert with ALF’s staff to ensure that restoration projects adhere to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Preservation.
Overall, the American Lighthouse Foundation cares for 32 historic light station structures (17 lighthouses, 6 keeper’s houses, 6 oil houses, 3 boat houses and 1 whistle house).
There’s more!
ALF’s public access programs are a lot of fun and teach others about the importance of lighthouse preservation.
(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
The American Lighthouse Foundation is keenly aware of the fact that while we work in the present to restore our historic light stations, the organization must simultaneously be working to cultivate a new generation of preservationists who will follow in the footsteps of our modern day “keepers.”
This is accomplished through fun-learning public access programs at the light stations, educational initiatives and outreach efforts in the community that not only convey the importance of our lighthouse heritage, but share with people how they can become involved and make a meaningful difference.
People working with other people is the key to ALF’s success in the field of preservation.
(Photo by Ann-Marie Trapani)
People working with people and the spirit of giving they exhibit – whether it be of their time & talents or a financial gift, are the pillars of the American Lighthouse Foundation’s ongoing success in the field of lighthouse preservation.
Join our team by volunteering your time and talents at one or more of our projects throughout New England or consider making a donation to ALF’s lighthouse preservation mission today!
