Photo: Jon Cunningham, Compass Light Productions
Visitors had the opportunity to explore all of the Curtis Island Light Station historic structures this past September 12th, on Maine Open Lighthouse Day.
Fall 2026 Update
Thank you to everyone who came out to our very first, annual Maine Open Lighthouse Day!
We celebrated Maine Open Lighthouse Day for the first time by inviting community members to take advantage of a beautiful, sunny day on Saturday, September 12, at the historic Curtis Island Light Station in Camden Harbor.
For many visitors—this was their first time visiting the island providing them with a novel experience and a sense of what it is like to reach the island and visit the historic light station.
The day also included an educational program on island invasive plants presented by Restoration Ecologist Amy Thomas and her colleague Patricia Fulton of Wild Ones Midcoast Maine. The program introduced visitors to the iMap Invasives mapping program, identified examples of invasive species found on Curtis Island, demonstrated mechanical removal techniques, and discussed ways to protect and enhance the island’s ecology.
We also had the opportunity to provide visitors with an update on plans for the future of the light station.
Working with the Town of Camden, we are focused on raising the funds needed to historically restore and preserve the four structures on Curtis Island. The Foundation’s goal is to ensure that this important piece of Maine’s maritime history can continue to be enjoyed by the community and future generations.
Stay tuned for more updates in our next Lighthouse Journal, planned for late fall/early winter!
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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