Photo: Jon Cunningham, Compass Light Productions
January 2026 Update
This has been a pivotal year for Curtis Island Light Station. We’ve made incredible progress. We have enhanced our vital partnership with the Town of Camden to advance the restoration goals for the Light Tower and the Keeper’s House. We’ve designed safer access stairs and a natural ramp, and after 55 years, we’re bringing the Curtis Island fog bell back home to the island!
Thanks to your generosity and the community’s commitment, in 2025 the Foundation has raised over $200,000 with more than 250 gifts and has just received a second $25,000 grant from the Maine Lighthouse Trust.
In 2026, restoration will become more visible. With Foundation support, the Town will advance efforts for the Light Tower, pursuing a major $250,000 grant from Maine Historic Preservation Commission. At the same time, the Foundation will forge ahead to restore the Keeper’s House exterior—from basement to rooftop—an undertaking estimated at $450,000.
To sustain our momentum, we need to raise an additional $350,000 before May 2026 when restoration of the Keeper’s House will begin.
Issue 6 of our Island Lighthouse Journal describes current Island activity and plans for 2026. Please reach out to me or any Board Member if you have questions or are interested in getting involved. With your help, this restoration work will begin Spring 2026.
Stay connected, get involved, and help us keep the light shining bright!
Steve Pixley, with help from Parks and Recreation, placed a temporary roof patch that should protect the Keeper’s House from water intrusion.
Community Visioning Report
During the winter of 2025, more than eighty Camden residents participated in the Curtis Island Community Visioning process. Two workshops were held, and many others completed the Visioning Survey Workbook on the our website.
Preservation Plan
We have now received our Historic Building Conditions Assessment and Historic Preservation Plan from Historic Building Architects, LLC. The Executive Summary of this report outlines current conditions and the work needed to historically restore and preserve the island buildings and light station as well as outlining associated costs.
Our plan for the first year focuses on creating infrastructure for the Foundation’s operations; creating safe access to the island for volunteers, contractors, equipment, and building supplies.
Volunteers get involved on Curtis Island
As a volunteer, you can play a crucial role in the restoration. You'll have the chance to contribute your skills and time in a way that suits you. Whether you're interested in hands-on work on the island or behind-the-scenes tasks on the mainland, there's likely a place for you on our team.
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