American Lighthouse Foundation

05/29/2026

"Even a lifetime is not near enough to discover the myriad of layers, depths and mysteries associated with lighthouses. Still, let us appreciate, preserve and enjoy these time travelers to the best of our abilities, for few pursuits are more rewarding!"

Race Point Lighthouse

(Quote and photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)

05/28/2026

American Lighthouse Foundation volunteers do it all!

Today at Little River Lighthouse...

Volunteer Jodie Wood helped add new plants to the flower beds along the keeper's house. Jodie's handiwork looks great!

(Photo by Aileen Semonsen)

05/28/2026

ALF's Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses are offering two sunset cruises during the month of June!

Check it out! We have two Sunset Lighthouse Cruises coming up in June. Always a very pleasant evening on the water - we hope to see you on board!

Photo: Whaleback Lighthouse, photo by Jeremy D'Entremont.

https://www.portsmouthharborlighthouse.org/2026/03/16/sunset-lighthouse-cruises-from-rye-nh-on-june-19-and-26-2026/

05/28/2026

Browns Head Light Station, Vinalhaven, Maine, circa 1960s / 70s.

Did you know that you can stay overnight at this light station?

To reserve your stay TODAY at this amazing historic site, visit:
https://www.brownsheadlighthouse.com/

The light station is owned by the Friends of Browns Head Lighthouse, an affiliate of the American Lighthouse Foundation.

(Maine Lights Today archives)

05/27/2026

A century later, the following observations by Ralph R. Tinkham have proven to be spot-on at our nation's lighthouses!

"From the first, the Lighthouse Service has been a technical enterprise intimately associated with science, and its progress has paralleled the progress made in scientific lines.

"...it is believed safe to predict that future development in the lighthouse service will be in the nature of expansion and diversification of service to navigation, rather than any material elimination of aids thus far developed." - Ralph R. Tinkham, Superintendent of Lighthouses, 19th District, Present Trend of Lighthouse Service, The Mid-Pacific Magazine, October 1927

Here in the 21st century, the U.S. Coast Guard continues to install efficient light emitting diode beacons inside historic sentinels, while lighthouse stewards are working with MotionInfo to install StationKeeper - an AIS-based technology, to help protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale.

The more lighthouses change, the more they remain the same. The spirit of scientific innovation continues to shine bright!

A view of an eight-tier VLB-44 LED beacon and a StationKeeper unit inside the lantern of Maine's Matinicus Rock Lighthouse.

(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)

05/26/2026

"To masters of vessels, lighthouses have great significance. After a long ocean-crossing, especially when storms have been encountered, the brilliant beam of a friendly light coming up over the horizon tells them that they are on their course.

"The language of the lights, the manner and time of their flashing, their color, and powerful signals used in time of fog, tell even more, and furnish a positive identification. By day, the outward appearances of the lighthouses serve in the same way to prevent confusion of one with another." - Ralph Clifton Smith, Lighthouses, International Messengers of Goodwill, Pan American Magazine, January 1931

Bass Harbor Head Light's (Maine) fourth order Fresnel lens.

(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)

05/26/2026

For those who are fascinated by Fresnel lenses, here is a video clip by Bob Trapani, Jr., ALF Executive Director, showing spectrums of light “dancing” along the upper prisms of Owls Head Light’s fourth order lens.

05/25/2026

ALF’s Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse always do a wonderful job engaging with the community in Riverside, Rhode Island. A BIG shout-out to the FPRL volunteers who endured less than ideal weather conditions to represent our organization and the beautiful Pomham Rocks Lighthouse during Riverside’s 2026 Memorial Day parade!

Thank YOU, Cheryl Campbell, Mary Chace, Alex Dias, Brian Louro, Patty Louro, Gary Point and Judianne Point!

Pomham Rocks Lighthouse

05/25/2026

“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.” — Unknown

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse

(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)

05/24/2026

Big things are happening at Maine’s Seguin Island Light Station! We ❤️ seeing this.

The Friends of Seguin Island Light Station is an affiliate of the American Lighthouse Foundation.

05/24/2026

"Light - it guides, comforts, and brings hearts nearer."

(Quote and photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)