June 2009 MAINE COASTAL NEWS Page 7.
Waterfront News
Lights Could Go Out At Maine Lighthouse Museum in Rockland
America’s largest lighthouse museum, reduce its budget and seek additional seum showcases the nation’s most signifi- can help by becoming members, making tax-
The Maine Lighthouse Museum, in sources of revenue, an immediate influx of cant collection of priceless Fresnel light- deductible donations and supporting up-
Rockland, Maine, is in financial trouble and cash donations is needed at once to keep the house lenses as well as numerous historical coming fund-raising events. The community
may have to close its doors unless immediate doors of the facility open. A special commit- artifacts from the United States Lifesaving did it for the Maine Lobster Festival, let’s do
financial help is received. tee of local citizens has been formed to help Service and the United States Coast Guard. it for the Maine Lighthouse Museum in its
Dot Black, a Board member of the Maine in this effort. Committee member, Ed This irreplaceable collection of maritime arti- time of need.”
Lighthouse Museum and the widow of the Komolsky, pointed out that “unless the com- facts and memorabilia is an inspiration to all The Maine Lighthouse Museum is a
museum’s founder, Ken Black, reported that munity and those nationally that have an who visit the museum. These items and dis- non-profit historical and educational organi-
“unless more financial help is forthcoming interest in lighthouses and maritime history plays represent the men and women who zation and much needed donations and of-
soon, the lights may go out in the largest and rally to save this gem, we may lose it.” Nearly guarded our shores, kept the lights bright and fers of help can be sent to them at: One Park
most important lighthouse museum in the two decades ago, Komolsky and a number of burning for all mariners, and saved the lives Drive, P.O. Box 1116, Rockland, ME 04841.
nation. others in the local area rallied to save and of countless fishermen and sailors in dis- 207-594-3301. For more information about the
The museum has its roots to Maritime reinvigorate the Maine Lobster Festival to tress. Now it’s our turn to help preserve the museum, you can call them at 207-594-3302 or
Exhibit at the Rockland Coast Guard Station the leading event it is today. According to memories of this heritage.” visit their website at
created by CWO Kenneth Black in 1972. Dot Black and others, a similar effort, both Tim Harrison went on to say, “Many of
www.MaineLighthouseMuseum.com.
Black, was appointed curator for First Coast locally and nationally, is needed to preserve the artifacts on display are one of a kind and
Guard District and when the exhibit outgrew and grow the Maine Lighthouse Museum a collection like this can not be viewed any- OTHER LIGHTHOUSE NEWS.
its location it was moved into the Shore today. where else in the nation. In fact, one can learn
Village Museum building owned by the City Tim Harrison, cofounder of the Ameri- more about early American history by study- Lighthouse Group Honors
of Rockland. Finally in 2005 thanks to the can Lighthouse Foundation and editor of ing lighthouses than from any other single “Man With a Vision”
concerted efforts of many community busi- Lighthouse Digest Magazine said, “If the source and a good place to start learning is at It seemed as though the entire popula-
nesses and friends the growing collection museum should close its doors it would be a the Maine Lighthouse Museum. If the mu- tion of Cutler showed up at a potluck dinner
moved to the old and restored Courier News- travesty to the lifetime dedication that its seum should close, the collection would most held on March 27, to honor 85-year old Cutler
paper building on the city’s waterfront. At founder and others put into saving some of likely be split up and disseminated all over the Jasper C. Cates, Jr. for his role in 1979 that
that time it had the largest collection of rare the most rare and invaluable artifacts in nation, perhaps some of the artifacts would saved the community’s historic Little River
lighthouse lenses of any museum in the na- America’s glorious lighthouse history, fall into the hands of private collectors and Lighthouse from being demolished.
tion. In 2007 the Museum of Lighthouse something that we must not allow to hap- never again be viewed by the general public, In the true “Downeast” Maine tradition,
History in Wells, merged its impressive col- pen.” which must not be allowed to happen.” members of the community brought in dish
lection with the Maine Lighthouse Museum Committee member Becky Gamage Currently, the museum has only one part after dish of casseroles and desserts donated
making it the largest lighthouse museum in stated, “Because, the history of the museum time employee and a small group of talented for the event. Local musicians sang and
the United States. is so closely linked to the U.S. Coast Guard, and loyal volunteers who keep it operating, played to the audience with a variety of
As with any museum, the educational, it’s imperative that this valuable historical but ongoing expenses of a mortgage, utilities, county and western tunes and students of
operational and curatorial aspects require and cultural institution remain open — espe- upkeep and lagging donations and other the Bay Ridge School led the singing of
capital. The museum relies primarily on mem- cially since Rockland recently received the rising costs are placing the collection in jeop- “Legend of the Lighthouse,” as the crowd
bership dues, admission fees, individual con- coveted designation as a ‘Coast Guard City,’ ardy and according to officials the museum joined in on the second verse.
tributions, and fund-raising events, all of one of the only nine communities in the barely paid its last electric bills, before the Although Cates was being honored pri-
which have been lagging lately. Moreover, nation to receive such a recognition.” power was about to be shut off. marily for his role in saving the lighthouse
the museum is not supported by any grants. Paul Dilger, chairman of the Maine Light- According committee member Joanne
Continued on Page 7.
Although the museum directors and house Museum Board and also a retired Billington, “area individuals and businesses
volunteers have already taken initial steps to Coastguardsman, reiterated that “the mu-
BUY A BOAT!
SATURDAY JUNE 13th
at the Penobscot Bay YMCA
(located on Union Street, Rockport)
Bidder registration begins at 9:00
Auction begins at 10:00
Check out the boats that are available on our
website
www.penbayymca.org
or call 236-3375 for more information.
Partial Inventory
25’ Montego Sailboat ..............................................$5,000
24’ C&C ....................................................................$3,000
Moose Island
30’ 1960’s Repco fiberglass Lobster boat .......... $12,000
24’ O’Day .................................................................$2,000
MARINE
and Many Many More!
853-6058
Commercial and Recreational Boat Supplies
Boat Storage
INDOOR · OUTDOOR · POWER · SAIL
16 to 45 ft. Haul out to 40 tons
Boat Winterization
INBOARD · OUTBOARD · STERNDRIVE
Boat Repair ·Restoration
WOOD · FIBERGLASS
Boat Repowering
Save on winter jobs.
The Ned Kyle
Shrink Wrap
Hours: M-F 8-4:30 · Sat. 9-2 Online store:
www.mooseislandmarine.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32