 THE
Michigan Lighthouse Fund
As a result of the U. S. Coast Guard's decision to excess over
seventy historic lighthouses in the state of Michigan, numerous
individuals representing federal and state agencies, federal
and state legislators, and national and regional nonprofit organizations
convened in Lansing in the spring of 1998 to address the need
for preserving these treasured structures on behalf of the public.
In order to more effectively resolve the various exigencies accompanying
the transfer and preservation of such a large number of lighthouses,
these governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations established
the Michigan Lighthouse Fund. In August of 1999, these same
public and nonprofit entities signed a Memorandum of Agreement
setting into motion the grand project of facilitating the transfer
and ensuring the preservation of Michigan's historic lighthouses
for generations to come.
 The primary focus of the Project is the timely transfer of the
historic lighthouses in Michigan to stewards capable of preserving
the structures for the enjoyment of the public. Following the
spirit and guidelines of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation
Act of 2000, the Project seeks to transfer lighthouse property
at no cost to federal agencies, state agencies, local governments,
nonprofit corporations, or community development organizations.
In most cases where a governmental entity takes ownership of
a historic lighthouse, that entity will sign a lease with a nonprofit
organization for the preservation and maintenance of the property.
Furthermore, the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act
specifically declares that lighthouses are to be used only for
education, park, recreation, cultural, or historic preservation
purposes. The best procedure for securing public enjoyment of
and support for preserving and exhibiting a Michigan lighthouse
is to support policies and programs that mobilize and include
community-wide interests, regardless of what governmental or
nonprofit entity owns the light station. A successful transfer
and preservation of a lighthouse depends, therefore, on the active
involvement and cooperation of the Project with local communities
and nonprofit organizations.
The Project also serves as a clearinghouse for all information
concerning Michigan lighthouses and provides various types of
assistance to all nonprofit and public entities owning, operating,
preserving, or maintaining a historic lighthouse in the state
of Michigan.
Current members of the Project include:
Members of the Project provide expertise in numerous areas,
all of which are directed towards facilitating the transfer of
historic lighthouses and ensuring the preservation of these structures
for future generations. These areas of expertise include steward
development, regulatory functions, legislation, funding sources,
technical assistance, real property transfer, and preservation
guidelines. These capacities, when brought to the table by the
various member agencies, determine the functions, operations,
and policies of the Project.
The Project is overseen by a manager,
employed by the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office.
For information on the Michigan Lighthouse Fund, Michigan
lighthouses, or addresses for the above members, contact the
Manager at the following address:
Michigan Lighthouse Fund
Michigan State Historic Preservation Office
Department of History, Arts and Libraries
P.O. Box 30740
Lansing, MI 48909-8240
(517) 373-1630
lighthouses@Michigan.gov
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Most
expensive lighthouse (adjusted cost) - St. George’s
Reef, CA (1891)
Highest Lighthouse (above sea level) - Cape Mendocino, CA (515
ft)
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