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Coast Guard Honors Plum Beach Lighthouse President
Published on 2012-05-01 09:41:00
Plum Beach LightThe United States Coast Guard Sector Southeast New England has honored the president of the Plum Beach Lighthouse in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, in recognition of his services. > read more
American Lighthouse Foundation Online Auction underway
Published on 2012-04-07 12:03:00
From now through April 20, you can bid on a wide variety of items on the American Lighthouse Foundation's auction with Biddingforgood.com. > read more
The Very Special Profession of Lighthouse Keeper
Published on 2012-03-26 13:16:00
By Imogen Reed > read more
American Lighthouse Foundation Annual Gala!
Published on 2012-02-24 13:16:00
American Lighthouse Foundation 2012 Annual Lighthouse Gala Four Points by Sheraton - Billingsgate Ballroom Saturday, April 28, 2012 Location:Date:Time:Tickets: Four Points by Sheraton3800 State HighwayEastham, MA 02642Saturday, April 28, 20126:00pm – 10:00pm$45.00 per person - Buy Now! Event Flyers: 2012 Lighthouse Gala Invite (PDF Become a 2012 [..] > read more
Hospital Point Light (Beverly, MA) Ready for the Holidays
Published on 2011-12-04 11:35:00
The Coast Guard Auxiliary has been busy preparing Hospital Point Light for the holidays. In addition to the six-foot diameter wreath that is usually put up, the lighthouse team also constructed a star that was also placed on the tower. This year the wreath was placed on the street side, instead of the water side of the tower, to enable people walking or driving by to see it. The star, which is over six feet from point to point, was placed on the water side. Both the wreath and the star h [..] > read more
"Lighthouse Keeper" by Neptune's Car
Published on 2011-10-30 18:38:00
It was my pleasure to produce a new music video for the song "Lighthouse Keeper" by Neptune's Car (Holly Hanson and Steve Hayes). For more on Neptune's Car, visit their website. > read more
The Ghosts of New London Ledge
Published on 2011-10-28 12:58:00
Strange events were said to be commonplace in the Coast Guard era at New London Ledge Lighthouse, at the mouth of the Thames River in Groton, Connecticut. Doors opened and closed themselves; the TV turned itself off and on. A deck “swabbed itself.” Coast Guard Officer in Charge Randy Watkins said he once heard his name being called from an upstairs room when the other crewman was asleep. Watkins’ wife Lucretia spent a night in the master bedroom and said she was awakened when the door op [..] > read more
Block Island North Light (RI) restoration wins award
Published on 2011-10-18 10:25:00
Photo by Rob GilpinBlock Island North Light was one of four restoration projects to win this year's Rhody Awards, which are chosen annually by Preserve Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission.The restoration of the North Light began in 2008. The lantern was removed from the building and transported to Georgetown Ironworks in Massachusetts for a complete overhaul. After work on the building and lantern was completed, the lantern was returned to its home [..] > read more
Sheffield Island Light (CT) relit after more than a century
Published on 2011-10-17 10:25:00
By Norwalk Seaport Association Norwalk, CT - Thanks to the generous support of NRG Energy, Inc., the Norwalk Seaport Association will light the 143-year old Sheffield Island Lighthouse for the first time in over 100 years. A commissioning ceremony will be held on Monday, October 17, 2011 at 2:00pm to light the tower light, as well as to turn on the newly refurbished electrical system on Sheffield Island.Staff from NRG’s Norwalk Harbor Station, Devon Station and CT Jet sites have worked [..] > read more
Inspiring restoration project at Maine's Goat Island Light
Published on 2011-10-17 10:21:00
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to attend the dedication ceremony on October 12 celebrating the completion of an amazing restoration project at Goat Island Light Station in Kennebunkport, Maine.The station's historic fog bell tower (destroyed 1962) and covered wooden walkway between the house and tower (destroyed in a 1978 storm) have been completely reconstructed.Here is a video of some of the celebration: > read more
Reimbursement Act for Hurricane of 1938
Published on 2011-10-04 13:05:00
My friend Seamond Ponsart Roberts of Louisiana, daughter of longtime Massachusetts lighthouse keeper Octave Ponsart, just sent me the fascinating document below. The hurricane of September 21, 1938, was the most devastating storm in recorded New England history; more than 700 people died in the region, including seven at lighthouses. Many lighthouse keepers requested reimbursement for their losses of personal belongings. To the best of my knowledge (and Seamond's recollection), none of them actu [..] > read more
Special Maine Lighthouse Cruise this Saturday, Sept. 24!
Published on 2011-09-21 12:38:00
COLLEGE OF THE ATLANTIC AND BAR HARBOR WHALE WATCH CO. PRESENT A LIGHTHOUSE TOUR BENEFIT CRUISEGreat Duck IslandJoin COA faculty and local historians for a lighthouse and seabird history tour.BAR HARBOR, ME—Maine’s outer islands hold many secrets, and its lighthouses are packedfull with stories. But there are an equal number of stories within the nests and burrows of the manyseabirds that shelter their young on these same islands—just ask John Anderson, College of theAtlantic faculty membe [..] > read more
Renovations completed to Neds Point Light, Mass.
Published on 2011-08-27 11:00:00
Great to see that repairs and repainting have been completed at one of the prettiest lighthouses in Southeastern Massachusetts, Neds Point Light in Mattapoisett. Bravo to the Coast Guard and the local Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers who care for the picturesque landmark in Veterans Memorial Park, and to the company that completed the work, Seacoast Scaffold and Equipment Corp. > read more
Buzzards Bay / Vineyard Sound Lighthouse Cruise on October 1, 2011!
Published on 2011-08-06 10:27:00
Join the American Lighthouse Foundation and Friends of Flying Santa on a cooperative fundraising lighthouse cruise of Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound! This unique 6-hour cruise will sail to 10 Massachusetts lighthouses: Palmer Island, Butler Flats, Clarks Point, Gay Head, Tarpaulin Cove, Nobska Point, Cleveland Ledge, Wing's Neck, Bird Island, and Ned's Point. This is a rare opportunity to see these historic offshore lighthouses up close, as well as the picturesque Elizabeth Islands. The narra [..] > read more
Long Island Head Light transferred to National Park Service
Published on 2011-06-30 13:40:00
Just received this press release: National Park Service Receives Long Island Head Light from U.S. Coast Guard in TransferIn a ceremony on Saturday, June 25, 2011, the US Coast Guard handed over the management of Long Island Head Light to t > read more
New England Lighthouse Tours
Published on 2011-06-16 19:04:00
The fourth season of my "New England Lighthouse Tours" is underway, and I've added lots more tour dates. Hope to see you on one of my tours this year!www.newenglandlighthousetours.com"Perfect New England Day trip!" - Brad & Denise Gardner."There > read more
"Sentinels on the Sound" in New London, CT, July 1-3, 2011
Published on 2011-06-16 18:51:00
July 1-3, 2011 - The New London Maritime Society presents:"Sentinels on the Sound: New London's Lighthouse Heritage"A weekend of Lighthouse Tours, Special Exhibitions & EventsNew London Harbor Light (Jeremy D'Entremont photo)New London, CT-- Join > read more
Pam Nobili of the Nauset Light Preservation Society
Published on 2011-06-11 11:01:00
Tireless volunteers who dedicate themselves to the cause of lighthouse preservation over the long haul are few and far between. Pam Nobili of Eastham, Massachusetts, who recently died at 77, was one of those rare people. I just received the following > read more
Race Point Lighthouse, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Published on 2011-06-01 14:24:00
I took this photo during a visit in late March. Race Point is a beautiful, remote spot, and you can spend the night here -- see racepointlighthouse.net. > read more
"Legacy of the Light" by Todd Gipstein
Published on 2011-05-20 11:22:00
Todd Gipstein has been working as a photographer, writer, producer and lecturer for almost 40 years. He's currently the chairman of the New London Ledge Lighthouse Foundation, a chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation. You can read more a > read more
Joshua K. Card Day - June 25, 2011
Published on 2011-05-18 12:31:00
Saturday, June 25, 4 p.m., Riverside Cemetery (174 Route 1B), New Castle, NH:You're invited to join Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses (FPHL) for a commemorative gathering marking the 100th anniversary of the death of Joshua Kenney Card, lon > read more
Trapped in the ice near Green's Ledge, CT
Published on 2011-05-16 10:03:00
Life at offshore lighthouses was a challenge for many reasons. Isolated lighthouses were often difficult to access in the warm months, but even more so in the winter if ice surrounded the structure. Green's Ledge Light, a caisson lighthouse built at > read more
Penfield Reef Lighthouse (CT) reverting to the federal government
Published on 2011-05-11 16:45:00
Penfield Reef Lighthouse, in Long Island Sound very close to the border between the towns of Fairfield and Bridgeport, Connecticut, is a handsome structure with history and legends to spare. Back in April 2007, it was announced that the lighthouse wo > read more
Orleans Trio Benefit Concert for Plum Beach Lighthouse (RI) on June 11
Published on 2011-05-11 12:11:00
Tickets are now available for the Orleans Trio Benefit Concert for the Plum Beach Lighthouse, June 11, 2011, at the Newport Yachting Center. Orleans Trio is comprised of the founding members of Orleans, the national recording band from the 7 > read more
Goat Island Light (Maine) Goes Back in Time
Published on 2011-05-04 16:22:00
Circa early 1900s postcard of Goat IslandMaine's Goat Island Light was established in 1833 to help guide mariners into the sheltered harbor at Cape Porpoise, a busy fishing center for many years. In 1859, the tower and house we > read more
Reenergizing a Light gone Dark at Avery Point
Published on 2011-05-04 10:24:00
Avery Point Light is on the campus of the Univ. of CTOn April 15, 2011, the University of Connecticut notified the Avery Point Lighthouse Society that the tower’s beacon, located on the University’s Groton Campus, was extinguished.From that poi > read more
Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse supporters to celebrate 10th anniversary
Published on 2011-04-29 11:15:00
Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse supporters to celebrate 10th anniversaryNice write-up on Fiddeye! The site is an excellent guide to America's maritime history. > read more
An English manservant at Boston Light
Published on 2011-04-03 14:22:00
I just found this fascinating item concerning John Hayes, keeper at Boston Light 1718-33. It was published in the Weekly Rehearsal on September 3, 1733.The first keeper of Boston Light, George Worthylake, had an African slave named Shadwell; Worthyla > read more
American Lighthouse Foundation to hold annual gala in Portsmouth, NH, April 16
Published on 2011-03-29 10:55:00
The American Lighthouse Foundation's 2011 Annual Lighthouse Gala will be held at the Sheraton Harborside Hotel's Grand Ballroom at 250 Market Street in downtown Portsmouth, N.H., on Saturday, April 16, 2011, at 6 p.m.Thanks to Fiddeye.com for post > read more
Race Point Lighthouse
Published on 2011-03-26 22:22:00
I had the pleasure of staying at Race Point Lighthouse on Cape Cod last night in advance of an American Lighthouse Foundation (ALF) board meeting held there this morning. The Cape Cod Chapter of ALF were wonderful hosts, and it's a wonderful place to > read more
Rose Island Lighthouse at night
Published on 2011-03-21 10:19:00
On Saturday night, I had the privilege of spending a night at Rode Island Lighthouse in Newport, Rhode Island, with a paranormal investigation team from New England Ghost Project. Aside from any evidence of the paranormal (and yes, we did get some ev > read more
Lighthouse Keeper
Published on 2011-03-12 22:03:00
Historical images from my collection of New England lighthouse keepers, set to the song "Lighthouse Keeper" by Neptune's Car (used with permission) www.neptunescar.com > read more
Beyond the Sea
Published on 2011-03-12 21:58:00
Some of my photos of coastal New England set to the song "La Mer" (Beyond the Sea).<p>&amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;D&amp;a > read more
Incredible "Swim for the Lights" by Gary Sredzienski
Published on 2011-02-28 17:28:00
February 26, 2011, was an extraordinary day for lighthouse preservation. It was also one of the most memorable days of my life.I had the good fortune to be in a support boat alongside Gary Sredzienski as he successfully completed his four-mile, 2.5-h > read more
An Inspiring "Swim for the Lights"
Published on 2011-02-27 23:51:00
I had the privilege of riding along in a support boat on Saturday as Gary Sredzienski swam four miles in 38-degree water, battling wind and waves to raise funds for lighthouse preservation. It was incredible. I'll be posting more very soon. > read more
One more preview video for "Swim for the Lights"
Published on 2011-02-24 22:08:00
Swim for the Lights cartoon in the Portsmouth Herald
Published on 2011-02-24 12:53:00
The Portsmouth Herald has published a cartoon related to the Swim for the Lights event that's happening this Saturday, benefiting the American Lighthouse Foundation and the Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse.The cartoon depicts swimmer/musician > read more
American Lighthouse Foundation promo video
Published on 2011-02-23 16:40:00
I put this promotional video together using my own photos of 22 lighthouses under ALF's care. > read more
Swim for the Lights Preview Video
Published on 2011-02-22 10:02:00
Here's another video preview for the unique "Swim for the Lights" event this Saturday, February 26. To date, the event has raised more than $6000 for the American Lighthouse Foundation and Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses -- the goal is $10,0 > read more
Savings from American Lighthouse Foundation Gift Shop
Published on 2011-02-13 00:06:00
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Savings-from-American-Lighthouse-Foundation-Gift-Shop.html?soid=1101890536921&aid=hLdyECirCa4 > read more
Battling a Snowstorm at Owls Head Light in the 1960s
Published on 2011-02-10 12:17:00
Owls Head Light Station, MaineIn calm weather, being a lighthouse keeper was hard work, but generally not stressful. During storms, on the other hand, keepers frequently had to battle heroically against extreme forces to keep the light and foghorn go > read more
Swim for the Lights Preview 3 - February 6, 2011
Published on 2011-02-09 10:45:00
Frigid swim will benefit local lighthouses - Portsmouth Herald
Published on 2011-02-09 10:40:00
I spent some time at Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse with Deborah McDermott and Deb Cram of the Portsmouth (NH) Herald for interviews and photos related to the "Swim for the Lights" fundraising event coming up on 2/26. Deborah did a wonderful job with t > read more
Lights Out for Lighthouses? (CNN)
Published on 2011-02-04 11:15:00
I'm heavily quoted in an article on the CNN website today -- click here.George Webster did a fine job with this story. I hope it helps bring attention to the fact that our offshore lighthouses are seriously endangered. > read more
Help Keep the Elements Out of Cape Elizabeth's Lantern!
Published on 2011-02-04 10:47:00
Few lighthouses in Maine, and throughout the country for that matter, rival the elegance and beauty of the east light tower at Cape Elizabeth, but its stately appearance on the exterior does not reveal what the elements are doing on the interior o > read more
Gary gets a wetsuit!
Published on 2011-02-03 15:02:00
Cinnamon Rainbows Surf Co. of Hampton, New Hampshire, is on board as a sponsor of the "Swim for the Lights," an event coming up on February 26. The store provided a Xcel wetsuit for Gary Sredzienski at a deep discount, helping to insure that he'll be > read more
Is this man crazy?
Published on 2011-02-02 11:02:00
Gary Sredzienski on ice near Kittery, Maine. Photo by Deb CramWell, if it's crazy to swim 12 months a year, even if the water temperature is below freezing, then yes, Gary Sredzienski is crazy as a loon. But he's made a science of figuring out the pr > read more
Swim for the Lights Preview #2 (January 31, 2011)
Published on 2011-01-31 17:34:00
I shot some more video with Gary Sredzienski today to promote his upcoming "Swim for the Lights" in Feb. 26. Click here for more details.Special thanks to Jay Gingrich, owner of Portsmouth Scuba, for his generous support of this event! > read more
Nubble with snow one more time
Published on 2011-01-29 12:58:00
Nubble with snow #4, originally uploaded by nelights.And one more snowy shot of the Nubble Light from the other day. I think this one might be my favorite. > read more
The Serfs w/ Gary Sredzienski on accordion
Published on 2011-01-28 22:19:00
Check out the Serfs performing "Ghost Riders in the Sky" at the Press Room in Portsmouth, NH. They'll be playing a benefit for lighthouses preservation in Kittery, Maine, on February 26 -- click here for details. > read more
Nubble Light with snow AND a gull
Published on 2011-01-28 22:13:00
Nubble with snow #1, originally uploaded by nelights.Another of my snowy Nubble Lighthouse photos from yesterday. You get a free seagull with this one. > read more
Gary S. inside Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse
Published on 2011-01-28 09:50:00
Why is this man playing an accordion in the lantern room of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse?This page might help explain it. Click here to hear some of Gary's amazing accordion playing. > read more
X-TREX Paranormal Journeys
Published on 2011-01-28 09:45:00
Ron KolekI've just unveiled my new collaboration with Ron Kolek of New England Ghost Project and the "Ghost Chronicles" radio show -- "X-TREX Paranormal Journeys." Starting out, we're offering two cruises from Rye, NH -- a "Haunted Cruise" on Ju > read more
Nubble Light with snow
Published on 2011-01-27 17:07:00
Nubble with snow, originally uploaded by nelights.Just got back from getting some snowy photos of the famous Cape Neddick "Nubble Light" in York, Maine. This has been a miserable winter around here, but beauty like this makes up for the misery. > read more
Sea Smoke at Rockland Breakwater, Maine
Published on 2011-01-25 18:30:00
This amazing photo was taken in the bitter cold yesterday morning by Ann Trapani, associate director of the American Lighthouse Foundation in Rockland, Maine. > read more
Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse with full moon
Published on 2011-01-25 18:24:00
I was playing around with this photo on my iPod with an app called Camera+ (taptaptap.com) and came up with this. > read more
Gary Sredzienski, Creekman and Accordion Warrior
Published on 2011-01-24 16:45:00
Gary Sredzienski is a well-known musician in the Portsmouth, NH, area. He's also known as Creekman because of his passion for swimming in the local waterways. Gary swims all year, and he's done some long distance winter swims for charity. On February > read more
Published on 2011-01-24 16:33:00
Swim for the Lights - preview video
Published on 2011-01-23 09:11:00
I shot some video yesterday at Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse and put together this little piece to promote the upcoming "Swim for the Lights" by Gary Sredzienski. I'll be posting more videos of Gary in the coming weeks as we get closer to the event on > read more
Boon Island Day event to be held in York on January 23, 2011
Published on 2011-01-18 11:16:00
The public is invited to a special "Boon Island Day" event at Old York's Visitor Center at the Remick Barn, 3 Lindsay Road, in York, Maine, this coming Sunday, January 23, at 1:00 p.m. Five guest speakers will focus on the history of Boon Island, > read more
Swim for the Lights on February 26, 2010!
Published on 2011-01-15 11:42:00
On Saturday, February 26, beginning at 12:00 noon, Gary Sredzienski will swim the following route: Odiorne Point (Rye, NH) to Whaleback Lighthouse (Kittery, ME) to Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse (New Castle, NH) to the Kittery Town Dock at Kittery P > read more
Blizzard at the Cuckolds Light
Published on 2011-01-12 11:50:00
Cuckolds Light in 2009As the first major snowstorm of 2011 rages outside my windows here in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, I've been thinking about the days when lighthouse keepers and their families lived at exposed light stations along our coast, endur > read more
New England Lighthouse Lovers: A Bright Light for Lighthouses
Published on 2011-01-08 12:52:00
From Bob Trapani, Jr., executive director of the American Lighthouse Foundation:With the New Year nearly upon us, I would like to take this opportunity to say “thank you” to the New England Lighthouse Lovers for another job well done in 2010.NELL > read more
Cape Neddick "Nubble" Lighthouse with Christmas lights, 12/31/10 (#2)
Published on 2011-01-01 13:54:00
Cape Neddick "Nubble" Lighthouse with Christmas lights, 12/31/10, originally uploaded by nelights.Another shot from last night's visit to the Nubble Light in York, Maine. The color in this one is a little less saturated, and I think I like > read more
Cape Neddick "Nubble" Lighthouse, 12/31/10
Published on 2011-01-01 11:32:00
After a New Year's Eve dinner in downtown Portsmouth, NH, last night, my wife and I headed up to York, Maine, to see the annual display of Christmas lights. It was a relatively warm night, which made it easy to set up my tripod and take some long exp > read more
The lighthouse keeper's New Year's Eve
Published on 2010-12-31 13:33:00
The twin lights of Thacher IslandOn New Year’s Eve, 1921, William Daggett, an assistant keeper at the Thacher Island Twin Lights off Rockport, Massachuetts, discovered that several geese had flown right into the lantern of the north tower, shatteri > read more