HOW YOU CAN HELP
Educate Yourself
Read all you can on lighthouse history, preservation methods, and funding
sources. Become familiar with the laws and regulations governing the transfer
process and lighthouse ownership. Attend the various regional and statewide
workshops and conferences offered by the Michigan Lighthouse Fund and
other lighthouse groups.
Visit Lighthouses
One of the best ways to familiarize yourself with lighthouses is to visit as
many as you can. Tour their museums and climb the tower if open to the
public. Get a sense of the isolated life and work
of the lightkeeper. While you are there, offer a donation for the maintenance
of the lighthouse.
Get Involved
Join a local lighthouse preservation group, and donate your time, money,
or services to the restoration and maintenance of the facility. In addition,
join national and statewide nonprofit organizations directly interested
in preserving historic lighthouses.
Buy a Lighthouse License Plate
With its striking red-and-white stripes, the White Shoal Lighthouse
is set against the blue waters of Lake Michigan to symbolize the need
to
preserve Michigan’s lighthouses. The legend on the plate reads "SAVE
OUR LIGHTS." A portion of the cost of this Michigan fund-raising
license plate introduced in 2001 supports a State grant program called
the Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program. Order your Michigan Lighthouse plate today!
Donate
Donate to help support lighthouses. It's easy and secure!
Establish a Nonprofit Organization
If no lighthouse preservation group exists in your area or for your particular
lighthouse, start one yourself. Contact the Michigan Lighthouse Fund
or Michigan Lighthouse Alliance for information and guidance.
Network
Contact other groups that have successfully restored a lighthouse.
Learn from their experiences, both good and bad. Contact your national
and
state legislators and make them aware of your interest in and concern
for the
future of Michigan’s lighthouses. Convince your local government
(city, township, or county) to assume ownership of a lighthouse
and to work closely with an incorporated nonprofit preservation
group.
Mobilize community involvement in lighthouse preservation.
Spread the Word
Publicize your lighthouse preservation efforts. Tell your friends about
the crisis facing Michigan’s lighthouses. Contact the editor
of your local newspaper. No one will know you are out there if
you do not
tell them!
Identify Needs
What needs to be done to preserve your lighthouse? Is it in good or
poor condition? Will it require stabilization? Once you have
identified your
needs, create a plan and a budget. The State
Historic Preservation Office can help. Remember that any
plans for lighthouse rehabilitation must
follow guidelines established by the Secretary of the Interior’s
Standards for Rehabilitation,
and should always be
developed with a qualified preservation consultant and along
the parameters found in preservation manuals, such as those
published
by the National
Park Service.
Fundraising
Sharpen your fundraising skills! Sponsor a fundraising event. Contact
the MLF: We conduct annual training workshops in fundraising & marketing.
Begin to identify possible local donors and state funders.
Document
Record the lighthouse of your choice for posterity through written histories,
photographs, video or other means.
Lighthouse Facts
