1860 Light Station Museum- Port Washington, WI

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1860 Light Station Museum- Port Washington, WI

Our 1860 Light Station has restored keeper quarters and a beautiful view to enjoy from the top of th Contact us if you would like to check availability.

We are closed for the season, however private tours may be arranged by special appointment. Interested in getting involved? We invite you to reach out via phone or e-mail.

03/27/2026

✨ A Night to Remember: The Search for the Linda E. ✨

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an engaging and well‑attended presentation, “The Search for the Linda E.,” with historian Brennan Christianson. We were thrilled to see such a strong turnout and enthusiastic discussion around this powerful piece of Great Lakes history.

Brennan Christianson—Collection Coordinator at the Door County Maritime Museum and a UWM graduate with a master’s in Public History and a certificate in Museum Studies—shared his extensive research on the mysterious disappearance of the commercial fishing vessel Linda E.

On December 11, 1998, what began as a calm, sunny day on Lake Michigan ended in tragedy. Three experienced commercial anglers left Port to fish for chubs and never returned. No debris. No oil slick. No trace. Their disappearance launched an eighteen‑month search that continues to capture the attention of maritime historians and the public alike.

Thank you again to and to everyone who came out to learn, reflect, and honor this haunting chapter of local maritime history. We look forward to seeing you at future programs!

12/05/2025

🎄✨ New Christmas Ornaments Are Here! ✨🎄
Add a touch of magic to your holiday décor with our brand-new collection of festive ornaments.
New ceramic ornaments of the Light Station and the pier head light are now available at the Resource Center for $5.00 each. The book, “The Christmas Tree Ship “ sells for $17.95.

See you this Saturday for Christmas on the Corner, at 205 N. Franklin Street from 2:00 to 5:00PM. Merry Christmas

Ozaukee County Historical Society Port Washington Main Street

11/18/2025

Check out our newest issue of the Historical Perspectives: Winter 2025. Inside, updates from the Resources Center, Light Station report, and many interesting upcoming events in 2026.

Find our newsletters here: https://www.pwhistory.org/about-us

09/26/2025

🥩🎉 Meat Bingo Madness! 🎉🥩
Get ready for an afternoon of sizzling fun at the Meat Bingo Fundraiser — where the prizes are juicy, the raffles are exciting, and the food is deliciously complimentary thanks to Tello's!

🗓️ Sunday, October 5th
🕐 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Gopher One, 605 W Grand Ave, Port Washington, WI

🎁 Meat Prizes
🎟️ Raffles Galore
🍽️ Free Food from Tello’s

Bring your friends, your bingo spirit, and your appetite — it’s going to be a blast!

09/23/2025

🎉 Rummage Sale Treasures Await! 🎉
From vintage Reagan pins to a classic Pavarotti concert on VHS — you never know what gems you’ll uncover at our closet & storage cleanout extravaganza!

🗓️ Saturday, October 4th
🕚 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 PWHS Resource Center, 205 N. Franklin Street

Come browse, buy, and bring home a piece of nostalgia (or just something really cool). You might just find your next favorite thing!

08/23/2025

Thanks for stopping by ladies!

08/19/2025

Here it is! The Fall 2025 issue of our newsletter is now avaiable online for your enjoyment. See what we've been up to and what future events are in the works. Thank you all for your support!

You will find the full issue on this site: https://www.pwhistory.org/about-us

08/03/2025

Summer at the Light Station is shining bright! 🌞 Thanks to our amazing resident keepers, the station is open and welcoming visitors. Come explore the stories of the past, climb the iconic light tower, and soak in the views! Don’t forget to invite your friends and family—history is better when shared!

07/10/2025

Don't forget, the Light Station is open to visitors this summer. This week's Resident Keepers, Carol and Pat are here. Come and visit them!

04/08/2025

📢 Port Washington Historical Society Newsletter: Spring/Summer 2025 Issue 📢

We are thrilled to announce the release of our latest newsletter, packed with exciting events and fascinating stories to keep you engaged all season long! 🌸🌞

In This Issue:

~ Meat Bingo Event: Get ready for a fun-filled evening in June with our popular Meat Bingo event! 🥩🎉
~ Trip to Ten Chimneys: Join us in July for an unforgettable trip to the historic Ten Chimneys estate. 🏡✨
~ Fascinating Speakers: Discover the lineup of captivating speakers scheduled to give presentations on various intriguing topics. 🎤📚
~Paramount Records Blues: Dive into the stories of the most notable artists from the legendary Paramount Records blues company. 🎶🎸
~ Tour of St. Mary's Church: Explore the beautiful St. Mary's Church with our guided tour in July. ⛪️🌟
Stay informed and connected with all the latest happenings at the Port Washington Historical Society. Don't miss out on these wonderful opportunities to learn, explore, and have fun!

Download the latest issue here: https://www.pwhistory.org/about-us

04/07/2025

🌸 Spring Fling Annual Gala 🌸

Celebrate the season and find the perfect Mother's Day gift at the Port Washington Historical Society's Spring Fling Annual Gala on Tuesday, May 6th! 🎉

✨ Highlights of the Evening:

~ Unique silent auction items that make wonderful gifts for Mother's Day
~ Exciting prizes to be won
~ A thrilling live auction
Join us for an unforgettable night of fun and community spirit. Discover beautiful and thoughtful gifts for the special moms in your life while supporting our local history.

See our website for sign-up: https://www.pwhistory.org/events-1/2nd-annual-spring-fling

03/28/2025

What Counts as a Lighthouse?

On Thursday, April 10th, please join Marie Blunt at Inventors Brewpub for a fun-filled presentation titled "What Counts as a Lighthouse?" Marie and her husband Allan were Resident Keepers last summer. They have recently published a book on the 1860 Light Station and their experiences as lightkeepers. Come with an open mind for this lively and interactive program filled with dozens of delightful pictures from the over 500 lighthouses the Blunts have visited.

After the presentation, the Blunts will be available to sign copies of their new book,
"The Lighthouses of Port Washington", the proceeds of which benefit the Port Washington Historical Society.

The presentation and book signing will be held in the Edison Room at Inventors Brewpub 305 E. Washington Street beginning at 7PM. Come early and bring a friend, neighbor, or family member. You'll be able to order food and beverages from the bar within the Edison Room.

Please register online at https://www.pwhistory.org/events-1/what-counts-as-a-lighthouse to reserve your spot

Address

311 N Johnson Street
Port Washington, WI
53074

Telephone

+12622689150

Website

https://www.pwhistory.org/1860-light-station

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