Open Lighthouse Day this Saturday

Sen. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, is encouraging Maine residents and visitors to participate in the state’s annual Open Lighthouse Day on Saturday, September 10.

Open Lighthouse Day sees lighthouses throughout the state opened to the public for visits, free of charge. The event, now in its eighth year, is sponsored by the United States Coast Guard, the Maine Office of Tourism and the American Lighthouse Foundation.

“Maine’s lighthouses are an iconic reminder of our seafaring past,” said Sen. Millett. “I hope Mainers and visitors alike will take advantage of this day to learn more about the continued importance of our local lighthouses and maritime industries and snap a selfie at Portland Head Light, which is America’s most photographed lighthouse.”

The daylong event draws up to 18,000 visitors annually. All participating lighthouses will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth will have approximately 280 tickets available to climb the tower on a first-come-first-served basis. In addition to being the most photographed lighthouse in America, it is Maine’s oldest lighthouse.

According to Maine Tourism, Maine has more coastal lighthouses than any other state and is often referred to as “The Lighthouse State.” Beginning in 1791, lighthouses were built to help navigate mariners through dangerous waters and Maine’s many small islands, ledges and shoals. By the turn of the 20th century, at least 70 lighthouses guarded Maine’s coast, deepest rivers and even one lake. Today, 64 of these lighthouses still stand.

Go to www.visitmaine.com for itineraries, packages and participating lighthouses. For comprehensive information, visit: http://www.lighthousefoundation.org/openlighthouseday.htm.