Maine to Host Open Lighthouse Day

MAINE – They are made of brick, wood, cast iron and stone. They stand on rock islands, atop 50-foot cliffs and along urban waterfronts. And they have nicknames like Two Lights and the Candy Cane.

For more than 200 years, Maine’s coastal lighthouses have helped safely guide ocean mariners, while becoming well known local attractions for their unique architecture and scenic vantage points. On Saturday, September 12, visitors will have the chance to explore the state’s iconic landmarks up-close during the first-ever Maine Open Lighthouse Day.

The event, coordinated by the United States Coast Guard, Maine Office of Tourism, and the American Lighthouse Foundation, will allow 52 of Maine’s lighthouses to be open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It will be the largest event of its kind to take place in the United States.

Remote island light stations like Matinicus Rock, Boon Island, Franklin Island and Egg Rock, normally viewed from land or by boat, will be opened by Coast Guard personnel. People will also see more of easy-to-reach lights like Portland Head Light, Dice Head Light in Castine, and West Quoddy Head Light in Lubec.

Lighthouse communities will celebrate their local maritime heritage and recognize former lighthouse keepers with special events on Open Lighthouse Day. Stories and tales will be told including those of hauntings at lights like Wood Island in Biddeford Pool, Hendricks Head in West Southport, and Owls Head.

Historic lighthouse artifacts, mementos and stories from lighthouse keepers and their families, and the history of local maritime industries will be on display at museums and visitor centers on the grounds of Pemaquid Point, Marshall Point, Grindle Point, and other lighthouses.

Beginning 52 days prior to Open Lighthouse Day, one light per day will be featured on the event Web site www.lighthouseday.com. Information on the lights opened to the public will be available on the Web site.

For international stories: For travel in the United States visit In The Know Traveler USA

For USA stories: For travel around the world visit In The Know Traveler

Written by ITKT Media Partners