Standing proudly at the western entrance to Boothbay Harbor, Burnt Island Lighthouse represents more than two centuries of maritime history and has evolved into one of Maine’s most remarkable educational destinations. This historic beacon, among the most celebrated Maine lighthouses, offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time while enjoying modern educational programming and recreational activities.
A Rich Maritime Heritage
The story of Burnt Island Lighthouse begins in 1821, making it the second oldest surviving lighthouse in Maine and one of the most significant lighthouses near Boothbay, Maine. On November 9, 1821, Keeper Joshua B. Cushing lit the oil lamps for the first time, beginning a tradition of maritime service that would span over 160 years.
The lighthouse earned its distinctive name from the island’s fascinating history. The island took its name from the practice of burning the island’s vegetation in order to keep the land clear for sheep grazing. This agricultural practice had cleared the land perfectly for lighthouse construction, creating an ideal location for guiding vessels into one of Maine’s most important harbors.
The original structure stands 30 feet high and is constructed of granite rubble with four-foot-thick walls at its base. The thick walls at the tower’s base have given it such stability that it has never been rebuilt, a testament to the quality of 19th-century lighthouse construction.
Lighthouse Evolution and Operations
Throughout its operational history, Burnt Island Lighthouse underwent several significant modifications to improve its effectiveness as a navigational aid. In 1857, the lighthouse received a major upgrade with the installation of a fourth-order Fresnel lens and a new lantern room, dramatically improving the light’s visibility and efficiency.
The lighthouse continued to evolve with maritime technology. In 1889, mariners needed a way to distinguish the Burnt Island Lighthouse from the newly erected Ram Island Lighthouse. Burnt Island’s light switched to a flashing light to mark the difference thus allowing mariners to successfully navigate the rocky shores.
A 1,029-pound bell arrived in 1895 to serve as a fog signal. The tower holding the bell stood for 66 years until the advent of electricity on the island allowed for a small bell at the base of the lighthouse.
For 167 years, thirty dedicated keepers maintained this vital navigational aid until automation arrived in 1988. These lighthouse families became integral parts of the local community, with many keepers serving for decades and raising families on the island.
Accessing Burnt Island Lighthouse
Getting to Burnt Island requires a bit of planning, as the lighthouse is accessible only by water. The island sits approximately one mile from Boothbay Harbor’s mainland, making it one of the premier Boothbay Harbor lighthouses that visitors can actually visit and explore.
Primary Access Methods:
Scheduled Tours: Balmy Days Cruises offers ferry rides to the island for visitors. The ride takes approximately 15 minutes. After that, guests are able to take a guided tour and explore the island for two hours before returning back to Boothbay Harbor.
Private Boat Access: Burnt Island can only be reached by boat or kayak. The island is open seven days-a-week from 10 AM – 5 PM, May 15-October 15. Private boaters can visit independently, with the island providing docking facilities and moorings for visitor convenience.
Kayaking: Adventurous visitors often paddle to the island from Boothbay Harbor, enjoying the scenic water journey as part of their lighthouse experience. Visiting the island via kayak allows for flexibility in arrival and departure time. Go ahead and linger a little longer to rest your arms before paddling back to shore.
Educational Programs and Living History
What sets Burnt Island apart from many other island lighthouses in Maine is its comprehensive educational programming. In 1998, the Maine Department of Marine Resources acquired the lighthouse through the Maine Lights Program, transforming it into an exceptional educational facility under the guidance of Education Director Elaine Jones.
Educational Partnerships: Keepers of Burnt Island Light (KBIL) is a 501(c)3 charitable and educational non-profit organization that was formed in 2009. Its mission is to support the restoration, preservation and maintenance of Burnt Island and its historic buildings and nature trails. This organization works closely with the Maine Department of Marine Resources to provide comprehensive educational programming. This partnership allows for guided tours of the lighthouse, keeper’s dwelling, and museum.
Recreational Opportunities and Island Exploration
Beyond its educational mission, Burnt Island offers numerous recreational activities that make it a favorite destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Island Activities Include:
- Nature Exploration: The five-acre island features diverse habitats including rocky shores with tide pools, sandy beaches, meadows, and maritime forests.
- Photography and Art: Artists and photographers love to visit Burnt Island to capture the beauty of the lighthouse. It is common to see images of Burnt Island and other nearby lighthouses in the galleries around town. Visitors have also had the opportunity to witness artists at work on the island.
- Fishing: The waters around Burnt Island offer excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for striped bass.
- Picnicking: Recreational boaters often stop by for a break or to enjoy a picnic lunch. Taking the ferry to the island for a picnic is a fun and budget friendly way to spend a day.
- Trail Walking: Well-maintained perimeter trails allow visitors to explore the entire island while learning about local flora and fauna. Visitors often pause to enjoy the views from all sides of the island. Bring a compass to get the perfect northern, southern, eastern, and western viewing photograph.
Preservation and Future
The restoration of Burnt Island Lighthouse represents one of Maine’s most successful lighthouse preservation projects. Keepers of the Burnt Island Light celebrated the 200th anniversary of the historic lighthouse in true fashion. The lantern was restored and historically appropriate windows were reintroduced to recreate the lighthouse’s 1950s appearance. All of this was done while making some concessions to permit its continued use as a navigational aid. This careful balance between historical accuracy and modern functionality ensures the lighthouse will continue serving its educational, historical, and maritime functions for generations to come.
