Restoration of the Burnt Coat Harbor Light Station

"Keeper of the Light" AwardThere are four buildings at the light station. When the Town undertook its restoration program, all four were in need of serious attention. The restoration has been guided by a Historic Preservation Plan prepared by Historic Building Architects of Princeton, New Jersey. In 2017, the restoration work received the Keeper Of The Light award from the American Lighthouse Foundation, for “provid[ing] the national lighthouse community with a shining example of preservation excellence.” In 2022, the restoration project received an Honorable Mention in the annual Maine Preservation Honor Awards, for “[bringing] together the local and summer communities on the island to honor local history and maritime traditions.” The preservation work carried out to date is summarized below:

 

The Keeper’s House

Tasks completed:

  • Sealing and stabilization – a new roof deck and new roof sealed the house from water intrusion. First floor framing required stabilization. Portions of the foundation had to be rebuilt. Chimneys needed repair.
  • Exterior renovation – new clapboards; restored soffits, trim and door frames; new gutters and drainpipes; new entrance doors. Window sashes removed, restored and repainted; window frames repaired, sashes reinstalled, storm windows installed.
  • Interior renovation – the three main downstairs rooms are restored and in regular use in the summer season for historical displays, art displays, and special events. We also designed and installed a new kitchen and handicapped accessible bathroom.
  • Hazmat removal – following guidelines in a professionally prepared report on hazmats, each room was cleared of hazardous materials such as lead paint prior to restoration.
  • Upstairs apartment – the upstairs rooms have been transformed into a small apartment that is available for summer rentals.

The Light Tower

For renovation of the light tower, we are following a detailed engineering cost study and workplan commissioned by the Town in 2013 and prepared by Resurgence Engineering of Portland. The plan is being carried out in phases. Phase 1, interior wood and metal, was completed in 2016. Phase 2, exterior masonry, catwalk, railing and foundation, was completed in 2019. Phase 3, interior masonry, remains to be done.

Tasks Completed:

Phase 1
  • Cupola window panes removed, metal frames and astragals repaired, panes returned and professionally reglazed, window frames and metal exterior wall beneath the windows repainted.
  • Wooden wainscoting in the lantern room was removed, restored and returned to the lantern room.
  • Leaks in the metal shell of the cupola were repaired.
  • Rust and lead paint were removed from all wood and metal surfaces in the lantern room and the watch room, and from the stairs.
  • Lantern vents were removed, repaired, restored and reinstalled.
  • All wooden and metal interior surfaces were refinished with architecturally approved paints in historically accurate paint colors.

“Before and after” photos of the tower restoration can be seen in the photo gallery, Tower Restoration Phase 1.

Phase 2

Phase 2, restoration of the exterior masonry, catwalk, railing and foundation, was completed in summer 2019. This major project was made possible by a generous grant from the National Maritime Heritage Program, which was administered by the National Park Service and the Maine Historic Preservation Commission, and a grant from the Davis Family Foundation. These grants were matched with funds raised by the community. Scaffolding went up in early May. Repairs to the masonry required removal and replacement of damaged and failing bricks, plus extensive repointing. Bricks were temporarily removed to allow rust abatement and treatment of the underside of the catwalk. The ventilation ball at the top of the tower was removed to a metal shop, repaired and replaced. The railing around the catwalk was replaced with a stainless steel replica of the original cast iron one, and the foundation and drainage system were repaired. Finally, the tower was primed and repainted with a special industrial strength coating that should stay bright white for many years. Photos of the Phase 2 Restoration may be seen in the Photo Gallery. Tower Restoration Phase 2

Final work on the tower was completed in 2021, and included repairs to interior masonry and replacement of the damaged glass block windows with historically correct, 6 over 6 double hung sash windows.

Other buildings and landscaping

Exterior restoration of the Fuel (Oil) House and Bell Tower has been completed. Work remains to be done on the paths around the light station buildings.

Volunteers

We are so grateful to our dedicated volunteers! If you would like to help out at the lighthouse, these are the volunteer opportunities:

  • Be an on-site volunteer when the Keeper’s House is open for visitors, answering questions, managing donations, and making sure everything runs smoothly.
  • Volunteer for a work day on the trails or at the Keeper’s House, or volunteer to be on call for maintenance tasks during the summer months
  • Join the Lighthouse Committee or become a Board Member of the Friends of the Swan’s Island Lighthouse
  • Research and writing: Help develop informational materials, research the history of the light station, look for grant opportunities
  • Help with fundraisers

Information about volunteer opportunities is occasionally posted on Facebook, or send us an e-mail.

Thank you to Our Donors

So many people have helped make things happen at the Light Station and Lighthouse Park. We would especially like to acknowledge foundations and other grantmakers that have helped make so much progress possible:

  • Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation
  • MBNA Foundation Conservation Grants Program
  • Hart Family Fund for Small Towns, administered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation
  • State of Maine, Maine Historic Preservation Commission, New Century Community Program
  • Walmart Foundation
  • Maine Humanities Council
  • Davis Family Foundation
  • Maine Recreational Trails Program/Maine Conservation Corps
  • Maine Community Foundation, Belvedere Fund
  • Maine Coast Heritage Trust
  • Maine Seacoast Mission
  • Maine Department of Transportation, Small Harbor Improvement Program
  • National Maritime Heritage Program of the National Park Service

Key Planning Documents For The Restoration

Your Gifts Keep Us Going….

We so appreciate every donation!

A Photo History of the Keeper’s House Restoration

View Gallery

Tower Restoration Phase 1

View Gallery

Tower Restoration Phase 2

View Gallery

Volunteers

We are so grateful to our dedicated volunteers! If you would like to help out at the lighthouse, these are the volunteer opportunities:

  • Be an on-site volunteer when the Keeper’s House is open for visitors, answering questions, managing donations, and making sure everything runs smoothly.
  • Volunteer for a work day on the trails or at the Keeper’s House, or volunteer to be on call for maintenance tasks during the summer months
  • Join the Lighthouse Committee or become a Board Member of the Friends of the Swan’s Island Lighthouse
  • Research and writing: Help develop informational materials, research the history of the light station, look for grant opportunities
  • Help with fundraisers

Information about volunteer opportunities is posted on the website, or on Facebook, or send us an e-mail.

What Visitors Have To Say

Our stay at the lighthouse keepers apartment was lovely. the place has been decorated in a simple and serene way and the kitchen had all we needed. The view and location is splendid and all involved with the property were friendly.

- Teresa, September 2023

Our stay at the lighthouse — and our week on Swan's Island — exceeded expectations. We packed light, arrived via bikes, and easily navigated the island without a car. Tracy and everyone we met welcomed us and went out of their way to make us feel at home. We felt very privileged to stay in this thoughtfully restored historic building. Kudos to the tireless volunteers! We look forward to returning.

- Tekla, September 2023

The Lightkeeper’s apartment is a unique and beautiful treasure, not to be missed! I feel like I want to tell everyone I know about this cozy, charming little place, yet at the same time keep it a secret; to be shared only amongst those who know. You get to live in a lighthouse, on an island, off the coast of Maine!!! Need I say more?!?

- Dillon September 2023

This was the trip and stay of a lifetime! New England and island life at its best. We had the opportunity and fortune to meet some of the nicest people ever! Swans Island people gave us a giant welcoming hug!!

- Susan and family, July 2021

Our hosts were WONDERFUL and helpful, and being able to go up into the lighthouse tower was amazing. An all around unforgettable experience. THANK YOU!

- Michael and Kurt, June 2021

This is our first time to Swan’s Island and the Keeper’s House Apartment….How lucky we are to have found this treasure! We loved our week of peace, nature, and beauty. The shimmering water, the ever-changing sky and clouds, the trails in the woods …made for a restorative week.

- Paul and Bonnie, August 2020

This place quietly, simply, intoxicates you. Senses are full; smell, sights, sounds … yet not enough to overwhelm, just enough to soothe, just enough to make you fully aware of the natural gift Hockamock offers.

- Conrad and Michelle, August 2020

What a perfect holiday!! … Heaven on earth …lobster every night for dinner, fabulous hikes, amazing kayaking, spectacular sunsets…But perhaps the most cherished memory is the kind and lovely people of this island….

- Mary Beth & Michael, Sept. 2020

I have always wanted to stay at a lighthouse and now my dream has come true! The keeper’s quarters and the entire lighthouse park completely exceeded my expectations! Thanks for providing everything my son and I needed for a perfect stay and such amazing hospitality….

- Kristin and Izak, Sept. 2020

What a magic place. Sun and moon glinting off the water. The lighthouse beam in the trees, the sound of a gentle surf when the tide is in. The bell buoy ringing in the channel. Wonderful sunsets.

- Mike and Kathy, September 2019

The view out our window - moonlight on the ocean, porpoises, giant owls - plus the sound of the gong, and the wild berries…truly a special experience.

- Rebecca and Rich, August 2019

The apartment is beautiful. And the view is amazing! We could not have asked for a better vacation. We plan to return!

- Ann and Dave, September 2018

Thank you to ALL who made our stay so wonderful and relaxing. To the Islanders who told of trails to explore, thank you! We look forward to returning to this little piece of heaven on earth.

- Heather and Jamie, September 2018

From the amazing Light Keeper’s House to the beautiful view from the porch of the same, the amazingly friendly people, and our daily hikes along this rugged Maine Coast. Everything was perfect.

- Leesa and Howard, August 2018

Everything is magical! This is one of the best vacations! Ever!

- Ronald and Janet, July 2018

The beauty you offer is immeasurable. The clarity of light, wind, and Downeast character here recharged me.

- Lee, June 2018

What a wonderful place! We were in awe the moment we arrived. What a quiet and peaceful location for a vacation.

- David and Lorie, June 2018

You truly have a treasure perched out here atop the rocks with the vast sea at the doorstep. We watched a bright moon spilling its light onto the water, listening to the music of the waves, and wondering anew at the stars emerging in the dark sky.

- Susan, September 2017

This has been a lifetime experience! The beauty of Swan’s Island can’t be described in words or photographs, for they just don’t do it justice. I look forward to coming back again next year!

- Lacy, September 2017

We just stayed there and it is tremendous. The view and setting are amazing. The quality of the Keeper's house (2nd floor) is excellent. It is fresh, well decorated, and spacious.

- Mary, July 2017

We are fortunate to have traveled to many places in this world, but still contend, by far, this is the prettiest place on earth. Stay in the keeper's house. You will not be disappointed!!!! It is special.

- Spencer, July 2017