Support our Mission
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.
Support the Ongoing Restoration Effort
Eagle Light Caretakers has remained unmanned for over 60 years since it was automated in 1959. This solitary neglect can take a toll on any building, especially those exposed to Penobscot Bay’s extreme weather conditions. Our trustees are full of passionate historians and volunteers but restoring, preserving, and sharing this lighthouse takes time, money, and effort. These projects are made even more challenging since access to the lighthouse is only possible by boat and a steep ascent.
Our restoration efforts have been made possible by donors to the Eagle Light Caretakers. Since 2017, we have completed three phases of restoration and hope to undertake our final restoration project in 2026.
Phase I was completed in 2017 and focused on securing cracks and leaks that allowed salt air into the tower, as well as a new exterior paint job.
Phase II was finished in 2018 and involved restoring the lantern house’s ceiling and painting the outside decking.
Phase III, completed in 2024, addressed one of the more urgent structural problems: the deterioration of interior metal elements that provide access to the lantern house. In particular, the iconic and beautiful cast-iron staircase was scraped, repaired, and painted. The staircase superbly represents the architecture and social era of lighthouses in 1857. 167 years later, Eagle Light Caretakers were excited to bring the staircase back to preservation condition [see image of the newly repaired stairs]. The tower also received a new exterior paint job, top to bottom.
Phase IV: We Need Your Help
Phase IV, to begin in 2026, estimated to cost $45,000, will restore interior brickwork. Work will include removing algae growth on walls, scraping away carefully the old lime coat plaster, refilling joints with new suitable mortar, and replastering the interior walls with two coats of natural cement lime-based coating followed by a final topcoat of pulverized quartz.
Donation Information
Tax ID Number:
13-3391233
Send Donations by Mail to:
Questions? Email:
Eagle Island Light Gear
Eagle Light Caretakers have a variety of apparel and accessories to offer you, produced in Deer Isle by Maine Camp Outfitters. Explore adult and youth tee shirts, hats, canvas boat bags, and sweatshirts.
All proceeds benefit restoration efforts.
