In 2006, Keepers of the Erie Lights, a newly formed committee began working to uncover information about the three light stations on our shores. The structures include the Presque Isle Lighthouse, the Land Lighthouse and the North Pier Light. The committee’s focus for 2006 thru 2009 is on the Presque Isle Lighthouse. 

In June of 2007, the Historic Structures Report for the Presque Isle Lighthouse was completed through a grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. The Report outlines the restoration and preservation process and describes the chronological timeline in the development and operations of the light dating back to 1872.

The restoration of the exterior of the lighthouse and surrounding area is the committee’s main goal because it will remain a private residence for park staff.  The focus for the immediate future includes replacing the roof, repairing the windows, repointing the bricks/foundation, repairing and restoring the porch, oil shed, oil room, the tower, lantern room and the fence.

The development of a Lighthouse Museum is an important element in the preservation process and will be done in cooperation with the Maritime Museum and other local agencies.

The goal is to sell 5,000 plates in the next 5 years to Pennsylvania residents throughout the entire state.  Applications are available on line at www.discoverpi.com lighthouse menu or at the Maritime Museum and the Tom Ridge Environmental Center. The fee for the plate is $39.50 of which $15.50 goes directly toward the preservation efforts and the promotion of maritime lighthouse history in Erie, PA.

This project is being done by volunteers who make up the committee, Keepers of the Erie Lights and in cooperation with the Presque Isle Partnership and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The Historic Structures Report is supported jointly by a grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and funds from the Presque Isle Partnership.