Lighthouse Committee News:

The summer of 2017 will be a busy one for the Lighthouse Committee and Friends. We hope to implement Phase One of the Restoration Plan next year. There are three elements to this Phase; strengthening the foot bridge to the tower; replacing the steel girders and headers that support the upper decks in the tower; replicating missing historic features, including the frame and double glazed doors that gave access to the 42inch fog bell, the beam and bracketry that carried the bell, and the header and brick and mortar work adjacent to the doors. While this phase is scheduled for next summer, this year the doors will be meticulously constructed here on the island by John DeWitt, Jeff Burke and Alvah MacWilliam. Phase Two will come later: the total scaffolding of the tower and its complete exterior restoration, finished with the hanging of the fog bell.

On the fundraising front, Jeff, Diane Vallilee, Kathie Fiveash, Al Hodson and Alison Richardson are hard at work filing applications for grants. Lisa is pulling together a promotional mailing, which we hope you all will carefully consider. Last year’s popular blueprint tee shirt is being redesigned by Alison to be more attractive. Donna Hopkins has taken on the task of updating our social media. Allan Toubman and Matthew Costello have drafted a neat and tidy draft for By-Laws for Friends of Isle au Haut Lighthouse, 501c3.

In collaboration with our friends at the Keepers House Inn, this summer will also see an increase of access to the lighthouse. Call 207-335-2988 for scheduling. On July 20, The Swans Island Lighthouse Committee will visit us on the Sunbeam for an information exchange, tour, and lunch – last year they hosted us. Twice each season Ted Panayotoff, lighthouse historian, is aboard Mary Day for her two lighthouse cruises. Our own Otter also provides lighthouse cruises, complete with a docent guided tour of the tower.

Also, be on the lookout for the launching of Jeff’s new book, The Lighthouse and Me: History, Memoir, and Imagination. All profits go directly to the restoration of the lighthouse. Rita MacWilliam will help coordinate distribution