About Eagle Island Light
Eagle Island Light shines brightly to this day and remains a classic example of early Maine lighthouses. Commissioned in 1838 with President Martin Van Buren’s signature, Eagle Island Light has been cared for by 23 lightkeepers until it was automated in 1959. The Light consists of a granite block and rubble tower topped by a metal lantern house, located on Eagle Island overlooking East Penobscot Bay.
The nearby wooden bell tower was erected in 1932 and was used to sound warning to mariners in the fog. The bell tower still stands and is one of only three such towers left on the Maine coast. In 1964, the government decided to demolish other buildings at the station, including the lightkeeper’s house that adjoined the tower.
Lighting Penobscot Bay
Since 1838

Eagle Light Caretakers
Eagle Light Caretakers (ELC) is a non-profit (501.c3) organization committed to the restoration and protection of Eagle Island Light, a unique landmark in East Penobscot Bay, Maine. The Light endures through our efforts and your contributions, providing a navigational beacon to fishermen and recreational sailors alike while inspiring pride in Maine’s maritime heritage. ELC was constituted in 1996 as a result of the Maine Lights Program, where the federal government turned over the majority of Maine lighthouses to nonprofits.
Board of Trustees
Sam Howe
President
Hester Earle
Secretary
Eliza Earle
Treasurer
Virginia Gresham
Trustee
Justine Henning
Trustee
Catherine Howe
Trustee
Krista Odom Radford
Trustee

Restoration
Renewed restoration efforts by the Eagle Island Caretakers began in 2015. The improvements have focused on restoration of the lighthouse in three phases, with two phases completed and the last awaiting funding.
Phase I
Completed in 2017
Secured the structure from the destructive marine elements by reconstructing the doorway, repointing the outer granite blocks, and applying high-end architectural paint.
Phase II
Completed in 2018
Replaced and painted the paneling, restored the ceiling inside the lantern house, and refinished the outside deck that affords East Penobscot Bay’s best views.
Phase III
Awaiting Funding
The remaining projects include repointing the inside brick walls and refinishing the original wrought-iron staircase. The final phase, estimated to be $50,000, is on hold until Eagle Light Caretakers can raise further funds.
Eagle Light on Instagram
@eagleislandlight