Montauk Point Lighthouse

DONATIONS

AN INVITATION

Help us in
Our Effort to Preserve and Protect the
Historic Montauk Point Lighthouse

We appreciate your donations. You may elect to contribute to the Lighthouse Museum by sending a check made payable to:

MHS Lighthouse Museum
P.O. Box 943
Montauk, New York 11954

Or you may make a donation by credit card. The following credit cards may are accepted: American Express, Master Card or Visa.

All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

Phone: 1-888-MTK-POINT Toll Free Outside 631 Area Code
-or- 631-668-2544

We thank you for your support!

AN INTRODUCTION

The Preservation
of the
Montauk Point Lighthouse
MISSION

The Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum Committee's first goal was to save the Montauk Point Lighthouse from falling into the sea. Under the direction of Richard F. White, Jr. Chairman of the Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum Committee, Georgina Reid who discovered the process of preserving the bank of the Lighthouse, and Greg Donohue who along with Georgina Reid stabilized both the bank and base of this historic landmark, thereby halting it from falling into the sea. This project began back in the mid 1970's and was completed in April, 2000. In the spring of 2000 a second major project began and that was to completely restore the exterior of the Montauk Point Lighthouse Tower. This was the first restoration of the Montauk Point Lighthouse Tower in its over 200 year history.

It is the mission of the Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum Committee to preserve, protect, and maintain this national maritime landmark for future generations to come.

HISTORY

The Montauk Point Lighthouse was commissioned by President George Washington in 1792. Construction began on June 7, 1796 and was completed on November 5, 1796. The purpose of constructing the Montauk Point Lighthouse was to provide safe shipping for all ships headed toward New York City. The first lantern lit in the Lighthouse Tower was in March,1797. The 110' 6" Tower has been part of Long Island's land and seascape for over 200 years. It is the oldest lighthouse in New York State, and the fourth oldest operating lighthouse in the United States.

Automated in 1987, the Montauk Point Lighthouse no longer needs a lightkeeper; however a keeper of its history is essential. Under a program to provide for the continued maintenance and preservation of this historic lighthouse, the Coast Guard has transferred ownership of the lighthouse to the Montauk Historical Society.

GOALS

The Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum Committee seeks to preserve this historic structure for all to enjoy as a museum and scenic site. It is also important to the site and the historical exhibits within the museum so that everyone can learn about and appreciate this symbol of our maritime heritage.

Lighthouses have played an important role in our maritime history, symbolizing safety, security, heroism and faithfulness. We want to remain faithful to ourselves and preserve this important piece of our past, present and future.