Lighthouses on Lockdown

Race Point Light, Cape Cod, MA, photo courtesy lighthousefriends.com Closed for overnight stays summer 2020.

With the threat of the COVID virus pandemic, most everyone has been affected in some way.

Our lives have changed, and our futures questioned. For those of us housebound, we’ve hoped for summer vacation as an escape from work and homeschool. Unfortunately, many of us have had to cancel or adjust our vacation plans as well.

Thankfully, there’s been some letting up on restrictions, and we’re seeing some national and state parks reopen. Amusement parks may still open at some point this summer, but some places may not open this year at all.

Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, FL, photo by Chuck Turk. Now open

Among those are many lighthouses. Each state has its own regulations, and lighthouses are subject to them. What’s important to remember, however, is that not all lighthouses are under the same management. Some are state-run, some belong to national parks, while others are privately funded and maintained. Most all of them are supported by volunteers who contribute their time and effort out of their love for lighthouses.

Cape Hatteras Light, NC, photo by Chuck Turk. Currently closed.

Lighthouses that normally open for the summer depend heavily on the income gained by fees for climbing as well as museum and gift shops. These fees provide much-needed funds to make repairs, paint, and supply the lighthouses with necessary equipment.

If you were planning on visiting a lighthouse this summer, please check their respective websites or Facebook pages to see if they’re open. So far, a few in Florida have opened with social distancing restrictions. Others may open a bit later than normal.

If you can’t visit, please consider giving a donation to the entity that manages that particular lighthouse and do your part to keep the lights shining.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16