Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne recently signed official papers that will transfer Holland Harbor South Pierhead Light in Michigan to the Holland Harbor Lighthouse Historical Commission. Dubbed "Big Red," the fire-engine-colored lighthouse is a well known sight where Black Lake (Macatawa Lake) empties into Lake Michigan.

There is a mystique to lighthouses, almost an aura of reverence for their lifesaving function. People from every corner of the country have made important efforts to rescue lighthouses from either disrepair or neglect.

Under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000, the Department of the Interior is charged with recommending the transfer of historic lighthouses (at no cost) to federal agencies, state and local governments, nonprofit corporations and community development organizations. The law places preservation of the historic light station first. In cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard and the General Services Administration, the department and its National Park Service are working to find the best stewards for long-term preservation

So far the Secretary of the Interior has recommended 36 lighthouses for transfer and a number of these have already been transferred to new owners. Other lighthouse decisions are pending as shown in "Lighthouses recommended for transfer" under the information section that follows. If you are interested in learning what lighthouses may become available in the future, check out http://www.cr.nps.gov/maritime/nhlpa/nhlpa.htm. You can also register to receive notices of lighthouse availability at http://propertydisposal.gsa.gov/Property/Lighthouse. Questions pertaining to the program can be directed to NPS_MaritimeHeritage@nps.gov.

The department especially appreciates the work of volunteers in saving lighthouses and will continue to encourage it as these lights are transferred to various groups throughout the nation. The National Lighthouse Preservation Program is a classic example of how the public and private sectors can work together effectively as partners to preserve historic treasures.

For more Information:

• Lighthouses Recommended for Transfer to New Owners Under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Program
• National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000
• Inventory of Historic Lights stations (most likely to be transferred under NHLPA)
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Organizations and Sources
• Program Details

News and Information:

• Other Lighthouses Nationwide under Consideration, February 8, 2007
• Secretary Announces Transfer of Pigeon Point Lighthouse to California State Parks, May 25, 2005
• Secretary Norton Transfers Point Sur Lighthouse to California Parks, April 23, 2005
  
• Jupiter Lighthouse Park Patent Transfer Ceremony, October 20, 2004
• Secretary Norton Announces Transfer of St Simon's Lighthouse, May 26, 2004
  
• Secretary Norton Announces Thomas Point Lighthouse, May 1 , 2004
  
• Secretary Transfers Alaska Lighthouse to Historical Society, April 26, 2004
• Secretary Norton Announces Next 20 Lighthouses Available Under National Preservation Program, September 28, 2002
• Munising Range Lights and Little River Lights to be protected Under National Lighthouse Preservation Program, June 11, 2002
• Secretary Norton Announces First Lighthouses Selected Under National Preservation Program, June 10, 2002
• Secretary Norton Travels to Savannah to Launch National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Program, June 7, 2002
• Secretary Norton Travels to Michigan to Launch National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Program, June 7, 2002
  
• National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000
• Inventory of historic lights stations (most likely to be transferred under NHLPA)

Contact Us:

Questions regarding the program should be addressed to NPS_MaritimeHeritage@nps.gov

Maritime Heritage Program
National Park Service, Department of Interior
1849 C Street, N.W. (NRHE-2280)
Washington, DC 20240-0001

Property Disposal Program
General Services Administration
1800 F Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20405