Since the establishment of the Light Station in 1835, access to Curtis Island, although just a half mile from the Town Landing, has always been limited by the harbor’s 8 to 12 foot tides. Access to the island originally featured a dock with stairs usable at high tide and a boathouse with a slipway for all-tide access. These facilities were essential for the lightkeeper and his lifesaving dory.

On August 1st, Annabelle Radcliffe-Trenner of Historic Building Architects (HBA), presented the results of her team’s site visits during the past 5 months that form the basis of their comprehensive preservation plan for Curtis Island Light Station.

Site assessment reveals significant challenges ahead

In early 2024, CILF and the Town agreed to jointly fund a detailed restoration plan produced by HBA with proposed phases and associated budgets. This past spring HBA conducted site investigations of Curtis Island’s five structures, including technical analyses of wood, metals, mortar, paint and other historic building materials.

We are pleased to announce the launch of the Curtis Island Lighthouse Foundation (CILF) — a community effort to fully restore and preserve the Curtis Island Light Station, to document its history, and to establish educational programs and materials.