Article by Shoshanna McCollum • Video by Matt Lawlǝss • Music: “Innerbloom” by RÜFÜS DU SOL
Winter, spring, summer or fall, Fire Island Lighthouse keeps watch all hours – waiting for guests and travelers who make the journey.
Here are some key things to know about South Shore Long Island’s iconic lighthouse:
· Its construction was completed in 1858 to replace a predecessor that once stood and constructed only 32 years before.
· The tower, which stands 168 feet tall, was a tan color up until 1891, when the black and white day-mark bands we know today were added.
· In 1973 it was decommissioned, then transferred to National Park Service jurisdiction six years later. By 1981, it faced the threat of demolition.
· A group of dedicated Long Islanders banded together to form the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society (FILPS) in 1982. FILPS advocacy got it entered on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, and the beacon was relit in 1986. Fire Island Lighthouse has remained in commission ever since.
In early 2023, Fire Island faced its first major challenge in a long time as wind damage forced FILPS to close the tower to public tours for nearly six months, but Fire Island Lighthouse weathered that storm too. Now getting the best view on Long Island is possible once again.
Fire Island Lighthouse also includes grounds and museum facilities that are open to the public free of charge, a quality gift shop and a wealth of public events throughout the year For more history on this maritime treasure, and guidance to better plan your visit, logon to fireislandlighthouse.com .
