Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse Museum - Port Hope, MI
N 44° 01.367 W 082° 47.607
17T E 356265 N 4875967
Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse is a maritime museum located at 7320 Lighthouse Rd, Port Hope, MI 48468.
Waymark Code: WM188BW
Location: Michigan, United States
Date Posted: 06/18/2023
Views: 1
The initial efforts focused on the structures (house and tower) themselves. Although the Keeper’s house was in relatively good condition, there was substantial exterior work necessary on both the house and 89-foot tower if they were to be preserved for prosperity. Through fund-raising efforts, available grants and the support and help of the Road Commission, a new cedar shake roof was installed, the exteriors of both structures were painted and new chimneys were constructed. Interior work was also undertaken, including repairing, sanding and sealing original wooden floors, repairing damaged plaster, removing fixtures that were not original such as radiators, pipes and a bathroom. In recent years, climate control has been added and a security system has been installed. The Road Commission has repaired the original windows and has worked with the Society to add a new ADA-approved ramp and new sidewalks. Permanent informational signs have been added to the sidewalk circle around the front of the Lighthouse.
In 2008, the Society petitioned the United States Coast Guard to return the original 3rd order Fresnel lens to its home in the Museum. This magnificent lens served at the top of the tower from 1872 until it was removed in 1969. In 2013, the lens was returned, restored and installed in the Museum where visitors can watch it rotate as it did for many years.
In the summer of 2015, the Society was approached regarding the return of two of the original Life-Saving Station buildings that were positioned 300 yards south of the lighthouse. This Station, the first on the Great Lakes, was active from 1876 until 1937. The buildings were transferred to the Huron County Road Commission, and on November 1, 2017 the buildings were moved back to Lighthouse Park and secured on new foundations. Restoration efforts have begun.
Over the years, the Society has also been active in acquiring historical artifacts for display in the Museum focusing on the lighthouse, the nearby life-saving station, Huron County and nautical history.
Although some grants are available, the great majority of the Society’s funding comes from membership fees, donations and fund-raising activities. The Society operates a gift shop on the premises. Our Heritage Festival is the first Saturday in August with food, tower climbing, music, and vendors.
The Museum is open every day from Memorial Day weekend until mid-October. The tower is open for climbing on special occasions during the season ($4.00 donation for adults 12 and up; $2.00 donation for children). Please visit the Events Calendar for the tower climb dates.
The Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse Society welcomes your interest and invites you to visit our Lighthouse on Lake Huron’s shores in Huron County’s Lighthouse Park.
-Museum website
Theme:
Nautical history is the prevailing theme here with a focus on the local area of Port Hope.
Street Address:
7320 Lighthouse Rd, Port Hope, MI 48468
Food Court: no
Gift Shop: yes
Hours of Operation:
7 days 0900 - 1700
Cost: 0.00 (listed in local currency)
Museum Size: Small
Relevant Web Site: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
In order to log this waymark in this category, you must be able to provide proof of your visit. Please post a picture of yourself or your GPSr in front some identifiable feature or point of interest either in the museum, or on the museum grounds.