Long Island is home to over 25 New York lighthouses, each with a history and story of its own.  According to the American Lighthouse Foundation, "It was on this day in 1789, that Congress approved an Act for the establishment and support of lighthouse, beacons, buoys and public piers." Congress also passed a resolution designating August 7th, 1989, as National Lighthouse Day. This recognition has encouraged communities and citizens groups to dedicate themselves to the preservation of these historic structures. As part of the anniversary, lighthouses, where feasible, are open to the public. It is in the spirit of public access that park staff and volunteers invite the public to explore the grounds with celebrations.

Throughout history lighthouses have not only played an important role in the safety of sea going vessels, but they have served as inspiration for hundreds of artists and collectors alike. Over the years, lighthouses have saved many ships, and an untold number of lives.  Lighthouses were once widely used as an aid to navigation for ship pilots through dangerous coastlines, reefs, or as beacons towards safe harbor entrances; however, due to maintenance costs and advanced navigational technology many are no longer operational.

Take the time to honor the beacons of light at these local lighthouses.

• Fire Island Lighthouse 
  Robert Moses State Park Field 5, Fire Island  (631) 661-4876
  From 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. take a guided tour around the 1858 lighthouse.
• Montauk Point Lighthouse
  2000 Montauk Highway, Montauk (888) MTK-POINT
  Tour the oldest lighthoue in New York from 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• Cedar Point Lighthouse 
  Cedar Point County Park, East Hampton (631) 207-4331
  This lighthouse was built to guide ships in Sag Harbor.
• Execution Rocks Lighthouse 
  347 Main Street, Port Washington (215) 906-5103
  The next tower climb will take place on Sunday, August 11th.
• Horton Point Lighthouse 
  Lighthouse Road, Southold (631) 765-5500
  Tours are offered on weekends from 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Huntington Harbor Lighthouse 
  324 W Shore Road, Huntington (631) 421-1985
  This lighthouse is celebrating 101 years of light.  Tours are offered from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. weather permitting.
• Latimer Reef Lighthouse
  Fisher's Island, (631) 207-4331
  Located on border between New York and Connecticut, it is best viewed by boat.
• Plum Island Lighthouse 
  West Side of Plum Island, Plum Island (631) 207-4331
  This lighthouse is not opened to the public.
•  Peconic Star Fleet 
  103 Third Street, Greenport (631) 875-2631 
  Tour Southold's 11 lighthouses with Captain Dave.
• Race Rock Lighthouse 
  West End of Fisher's Island, Fisher's Island (631) 207-4331
  The lighthouse is believed by some to be haunted and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  
   

Do you have a great photo of one of Long Island's iconic lighthouses? Be sure to email it to photos@longisland.com to be included in our gallery!

[Source: American Lighthouse Foundation]

Photo Credit: Jaimie from Freeport