Spectacle Reef Lighthouse, MI, mystery: Air Force pilot crashes, leaves heartbreaking note before disappearing
A remote lighthouse left abandoned in mid-winter. A missing pilot whose private plane crashed-landed nearby on Lake Huron. And a heartbreaking note found when the lighthouse crew returned in the spring.
The story of a U.S. Air Force pilot who vanished over Lake Huron and his last words being found a month later inside the Spectacle Reef Lighthouse is a Great Lakes tragedy that marks its 67th anniversary this winter.
Click here to see more of Spectacle Reef on the USLHS Research Catalog
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Presque Isle Lighthouse, PA, becomes latest miniature model added to Kamin Science Center exhibit
The Kamin Science Center recently unveiled the newest model on the museum's iconic Miniature Railroad and Village exhibit.
Visitors had a chance to vote on what model from the region they wanted to see added to the display. They chose the Presque Isle Lighthouse from Erie, affectionately known by locals as "the flashlight."
Click here to see more of Presque Isle on the USLHS Research Catalog
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Cape Lookout Lighthouse, NC, Stabilization Project - Winter 2026 Update
On-site work began in September 2025 for the $15.2 million lighthouse stabilization project.
National Park Service (NPS) and Stone and Lime Historic Restoration Services, Inc. (North Brookfield, MA) are working in partnership to repair deteriorated materials and finishes that improve safety and enhance the visitor experience.
Click here to see more of Cape Lookout on the USLHS Research Catalog
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Walk to the top of Florida's tallest lighthouse in Ponce Inlet
It's one of the oldest and most recognized structures in Volusia County.
The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is the second tallest brick lighthouse in the country, standing 175-feet tall.
Click here to see more of Ponce Inlet on the USLHS Research Catalog
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Fresnel lens display coming to McGulpin Point Lighthouse, MI
McGulpin Point Lighthouse in Mackinaw City will soon have a new display that shines a light on maritime history in the Straits region.
The Emmet County Board of Commissioners recently approved securing the Grays Reef 3.5 Order Fresnel Lens as a loan from the United States Coast Guard.
Click here to see more of McGulpin Point and here for Grays Reef on the USLHS Research Catalog
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Rose Island Lighthouse, RI, trust names new executive director as organization enters 40th year
The Rose Island Lighthouse and Fort Hamilton Trust has named Amanda Kay Ritchie as its new executive director, the Newport-based nonprofit announced Friday.
The board's selection was unanimous, capping an eight-week regional search led by the organization's People and Culture Committee.
Click here to see more of Rose Island on the USLHS Research Catalog
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'Twilight at the Tower' at Crooked River Lighthouse, FL, included plein air painting demonstration
The Crooked River Lighthouse will be hosting Twilight at the Tower this Sunday, March, from 4-7p.m.
This special event invites visitors to enjoy after-hours museum visits, gift shop browsing, a glowing bonfire, tower climbs, and the gorgeous natural surroundings of St. George Sound and Carrabelle Beach as evening falls and the moon rises.
Click here to see more of Crooked River on the USLHS Research Catalog
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March 30 is 132nd-Year Celebration at Oregon Coast's beloved Heceta Head Lighthouse
Oregon's famed Heceta Head Lighthouse is about to turn 132 years old, and she doesn't look a year over 100.
Those who run the lighthouse and next door BnB (once the keepers quarters) are inviting the public to head out to Heceta Head on March 30 for the 132nd Birthday of Heceta Head Lightstation.
Click here to see more of Heceta Head on the USLHS Research Catalog
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Milwaukee N. Pierhead, the only active lighthouse in Milwaukee county, WI
Things have gotten safer over Pierhead lighthouses 120 years of service, no longer are lighthouses the sole beacon of hope to not crash into the land.
Today the Pierhead Lighthouse continues to shine bright, both to keep boats safe, and as a symbol of Milwaukee.
Click here to see a 3:58 video about the lighthouse
Click here to see more of Milwaukee N. Pierhead on the USLHS Research Catalog
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Visits to Estonia's historic lighthouses saw a 5-year low in 2025
Visitor numbers to Estonia's lighthouses, many of them historic, reached a five-year low in 2025.
The lighthouse at Sörve, on the southern tip of Estonia's largest island, was most visited in 2025 and drew over 25,000 ticketed visitors.
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U.S. Lighthouse Society News is produced by the U.S. Lighthouse Society to support lighthouse preservation, history, education and research.
If you have items of interest to the lighthouse community and its supporters, please email them to Ralph Krugler at ralph@uslhs.org