Maine’s Boothbay Harbor was a busy fishing port in the early 19th century, so a lighthouse was built on Burnt Island at the west side of the entrance to the harbor in 1821. The original lighthouse still stands, making it one of New England’s oldest.

For much of its history Burnt Island Light was a much sought-after family station. The keepers took great pride in the attractive station. Coast Guardsman Joe Johansen, who maintained equipment at lighthouses, described a visit to Burnt Island while a civilian keeper still lived there: "We went to walk in the house to have a cup of coffee and we had to take our shoes off. You could see your face in the deck."

In April 1962, Burnt Island Light became the last lighthouse in New England to be converted from kerosene to electricity, and in 1989 it became one of the last Maine lights to be automated.

In February 1998, ownership of the Burnt Island Light Station was transferred to the Maine Department of Marine Resources. Under the Maine DMR the buildings at the light station have been gradually restored to the circa 1950 period. A three-hour public tour and educational program is offered Monday through Friday, twice daily at 10 a.m. and 12:45 p.m., from June 28 until September 3.

As part of the Living History portion of the tour, former Coast Guard lightkeeper Joseph Buotte portrays U.S. Lighthouse Service Keeper Joseph Muise, and it’s said there’s not a question he can’t answer. The "keeper’s children" lead guests on a natural history hike. This is a unique learning experience that’s also tremendously fun.

For more on this tour, see this official web site

For much more Burnt Island LIght HISTORY visit lighthouse.cc

Copyright 2005 by Jeremy D'Entremont,New England Lighthouses
Photos are the property of the author and may not be used without permission.
Photos above from Jeremy D'Entremont.