Why Should You Get Involved?

That's a very good question. We all have plenty of work to do already, and more than enough places to send our hard-earned money, right? Let's take a quick look at some reasons that many of us have become involved in lighthouse preservation and education:

Fun

Yes, lighthouses are fun. They are usually located in beautiful areas, and run by friendly people. It's fun to climb a tower, see the view, learn some history (perhaps even some funny old stories), view some artifacts from many years ago, and buy some souvenirs. Lighthouse fans are always going on cruises, taking tours, meeting new people with similar interests, and enjoying history and nature.

Respect

An odd word to see, perhaps. Especially in a world which often seems to have forgotten the word. But we believe it is important to respect history, and the work of those who helped to get us where we are today. Lighthouse preservation is an act of respect for our history, our families, our neighbors, our country, and the human spirit.

Education

Lighthouses are very educational. Involvement with lighthouses will teach you much about history, nature, humanity, architecture, optics, the value of hard work and dedication, and many other subjects. If you spend any time around lighthouses, you can't help but learn.

Preservation

Yes, preservation, in and of itself, is a good reason for getting involved. Without great efforts to preserve our lighthouses, many will be lost. Along with them will be lost the stories they hold, the lessons they teach, the history they represent, the symbolism they bring to life, and the entertainment they provide.

On Long Island, several lighthouses have been lost to neglect or destruction, or are in danger of being so:

• The beautiful, grand, and historically important Shinnecock lighthouse was demolished in 1948, but could have been saved by public support.

• The original Lloyd Harbor lighthouse was destroyed by fire in 1947, but would probably still be standing on Lloyd Neck had there been a group caring for it.

• The Sands Point lighthouse, while still in existence on private property, could have been preserved in a historically correct manner and could be part of a public park today had the support been there in the 1920s.

• The same goes for the Cold Spring Harbor lighthouse, which now resides on private property after being decommissioned in 1965.

• The Cedar Island lighthouse was gutted by fire in 1974 and has sat as an empty shell ever since, its oak interior and the stories it contained a distant memory.

• The Plum Island sits on federal property, threatened by neglect and erosion since it was decommissioned in 1978.

Lighthouse preservation is a real issue, and your actions contribute greatly to the final outcome.

Local groups, such as the Montauk Historical Society, Southold Historical Society, East End Seaport Museum and Marine Foundation, Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society, and Save Huntington's Lighthouse, Inc., have done great work, and continue to do so. But they need our help, as do the lighthouses that lack a preservation group to care for them.

It's up to us to make sure the endangered Plum Island and Cedar Island lighthouses are not lost forever. And to keep historic lighthouses, such as the Eaton's Neck tower, available to the public.

If the above reasons aren't enough to make you think about getting involved, then you probably haven't read this far, anyway. But if you have read this far, you may be ready to go to our membership page, or e-mail LILighthouses@aol.com for more information.

Your efforts and donations are as appreciated as they are needed. Thank you for helping to preserve Long Island's wonderful lighthouse heritage.