Each summer we offer our lighthouse friends an opportunity to contribute to FOSIL. You may have heard about our annual appeal already – and if you have already contributed, please know that we are so appreciative! Everything we do depends on the generosity of our friends – and every dollar contributed goes directly into the Swan’s Island lighthouse restoration and management programs.

This has been an extraordinary year, as it has been for all of us. For the last several years, for 3 months each summer, we have provided activities and exhibits for visitors to the light station. With some trepidation, and with careful COVID-19 protections in place, the Town continued that tradition in 2020, opening the keeper’s house and tower for summer visitors starting in July. It was the right decision. Although days and hours were curtailed, we saw a steady flow of visitors who came to visit the keeper’s house, to admire the art and the history displayed there, to climb the tower and walk the paths around Hockamock Head.

At the same time, the building restorations continued. We have been working on the restoration for almost 15 years, and it is so close to completion! Work on the light tower continues including repairs to the exterior, glistening new exterior paint, and a railing around the lantern catwalk have been completed. Work awaits on the tower’s interior masonry, the bell house, fuel house, and paths. We count on you to help us complete this final phase.

In this difficult year, our Annual Appeal is particularly important! If you are able, please help us move ahead by writing a check to FOSIL and sending it to FOSIL Treasurer, PO Box 213, Swan’s Island, ME 04685, or you may donate online here. THANK YOU FROM THE FOSIL BOARD!