BURNT ISLAND'S FORMER KEEPERS WILL NOT RETURN THIS SUMMER 2023
Last summer, Burnt Island's former keepers with their family members returned to reside in the Keeper's House which they once called "home". They gave tours to visitors arriving aboard the "Novelty" and welcomed those arriving by kayak and private boats and shared their fascinating stories about life as keepers on the island. We hope that you were fortunate enough to experience those unique tours.
We are saddened to report that these volunteer former keepers will not return this summer to share their stories and provide this very special living history program. These former keepers (who all live out of state) will not have permission from the Department of Marine Resources to reside in the Keeper's House as was offered last summer.
The Department of Marine Resources has opted for another approach for this summer, hiring two caretakers to reside in the Keeper's House.
Check their website for further information: https://www.maine.gov/dmr/programs/education-division/burnt-island-lighthouse
We are saddened to report that these volunteer former keepers will not return this summer to share their stories and provide this very special living history program. These former keepers (who all live out of state) will not have permission from the Department of Marine Resources to reside in the Keeper's House as was offered last summer.
The Department of Marine Resources has opted for another approach for this summer, hiring two caretakers to reside in the Keeper's House.
Check their website for further information: https://www.maine.gov/dmr/programs/education-division/burnt-island-lighthouse
A New Approach to Our Living History Program
By former Burnt Island Keepers
Board the "Novelty" at Pier 8 in Boothbay Harbor
mondays and Thursdays in July and August
Departure 1:45 PM & return 4:30 PM
Make a reservation with balmy days cruises
Transportation and Tour - Adults $34 & Children $24
call (207) 633-2284
Come Listen to Stories by Keepers Randy Griffing, Hank Sieg, Paul Kelly and Keeper McCullough's son Steve.
Keeper Tom Norton's wife Betsy Shares beloved Memories Steve McCullough's Childhood Stories are Captivating
BICENTENNIAL celebration
was A HUGe success!
thanks to generous donors - THE PEOPLE’S LIGHT WILL SHINE ON!
On August 19, 2021, a very memorable celebration took place on Burnt Island to commemorate its 200 years of service to mariners and to pay tribute to the Keepers who served and the donors who paid for its restoration.
Maine's Governor Janet Mills provided the keynote address and renowned artist and lighthouse supporter Jamie Wyeth received a Maine Lighthouse Preservation Award.
On Nov. 9th, magnificent fireworks lit the sky to celebrate the exact night of its 200th Anniversary.
Maine's Governor Janet Mills provided the keynote address and renowned artist and lighthouse supporter Jamie Wyeth received a Maine Lighthouse Preservation Award.
On Nov. 9th, magnificent fireworks lit the sky to celebrate the exact night of its 200th Anniversary.
Capt. Amy Florentino & Crew - USCG Sector Northern New England Governor. Mills & Elaine Jones present Maine Lighthouse Preservation Award to artist Jamie Wyeth
Maine’s oldest “original” tower returned to its glory in time to celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2021. The restoration project also included the exterior of the keeper’s dwelling, shed, and boathouse.
The "Keepers of the Burnt Island Light" is truly appreciative of the generosity and support from people near and afar. By answering our call, you saved Boothbay Harbor’s guiding light for generations to come.
To read the full report, click on the link below.
The "Keepers of the Burnt Island Light" is truly appreciative of the generosity and support from people near and afar. By answering our call, you saved Boothbay Harbor’s guiding light for generations to come.
To read the full report, click on the link below.
burnt_island_lighthouse_restoration_2020.docx.pdf | |
File Size: | 5579 kb |
File Type: |
J.B Leslie workers removing old Mortar.
Revealing old board and batten.
Removing siding from the Keepers House.
Installing new Marvin Windows.
Your tax-deductible donation can be mailed to:
Keepers of Burnt Island Light
Post Office Box 738
Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
or
Make a secure online donation on this website.
Make your gift in honor or memory of someone special.
If your employer will match your gift, please provide us with
the appropriate form.
visit Burnt Island light station
Visiting Burnt Island with your own boat
The island is open to recreational boaters from 10 AM to 5 PM, however, the dock will be reserved Monday and Thursday at 2:00 PM and 4:15 PM for the water taxi to drop off and pick up tour participants. There is a drop off/pick up zone (yellow rail) on end of float, 3 moorings, and beach access for paddlers.
Please do not anchor off the island as there is a cable area that connects Burnt Island with Mouse and Capitol Islands.
Picnic areas, hiking trails and bathroom facilities are available on the island, but camping & fires are NOT permitted. Please be aware that the Keepers request that you leave a donation in the donation box to help support the maintenance and upkeep of the Burnt Island Light Station and the five-acre island.
Please do not anchor off the island as there is a cable area that connects Burnt Island with Mouse and Capitol Islands.
Picnic areas, hiking trails and bathroom facilities are available on the island, but camping & fires are NOT permitted. Please be aware that the Keepers request that you leave a donation in the donation box to help support the maintenance and upkeep of the Burnt Island Light Station and the five-acre island.
Board the Novelty at Pier 8 in Boothbay Harbor
for a scenic cruise to Burnt Island.
for a scenic cruise to Burnt Island.
2022 Summer Schedule
Beginning June 26th and ending September 1st
Mondays and Thursdays
Departure at 1:45 PM
Return at 4:45 PM
Advance Reservations are Highly Recommended
Tickets - Adults $34 and Children $24
Balmy Days II Cruises
(207) 633-2284
www.balmydayscruises.com
Private group tours available
For information and fees, email:
keepersofburntislandlight@gmail.com
Beginning June 26th and ending September 1st
Mondays and Thursdays
Departure at 1:45 PM
Return at 4:45 PM
Advance Reservations are Highly Recommended
Tickets - Adults $34 and Children $24
Balmy Days II Cruises
(207) 633-2284
www.balmydayscruises.com
Private group tours available
For information and fees, email:
keepersofburntislandlight@gmail.com
The Burnt Island Living Lighthouse program is an unparalleled educational opportunity awaiting all who wish to learn about its maritime heritage. The restored buildings serve as a "living" history museum where former Burnt Island Keepers share their life experiences. Come learn from the "real deal" as they recount their daily activities and share their stories of joy, sorrow, dedication, and survival.
A natural history walk on an island trail will familiarize you with the flora and fauna, as well as the geological features of this picturesque island. During the final segment of the tour, visitors can climb the spiral staircase into the lantern room, view the historic photographs and documents in the covered walkway museum, admire the beautiful scenery and purchase an item or two in the gift shop - cash or check only.
A natural history walk on an island trail will familiarize you with the flora and fauna, as well as the geological features of this picturesque island. During the final segment of the tour, visitors can climb the spiral staircase into the lantern room, view the historic photographs and documents in the covered walkway museum, admire the beautiful scenery and purchase an item or two in the gift shop - cash or check only.