Dear Editor:

It's been quite a year for the Keepers of Burnt Island Light having hosted two major celebrations that honored the lighthouse's 200th Anniversary - one on Aug. 19 and the other on Nov. 9, the actual anniversary night of its commissioning. Both events were a huge success with Governor Mills providing a keynote address and artist Jamie Wyeth accepting a Lighthouse Preservation Award for his unwavering support of not only Burnt Island Light Station but for his sponsorship of the Maine Lights Program (a transfer of 28 lighthouses) and Maine Lighthouse Museum in Rockland.

On Nov. 9, USCG officials and former lighthouse keepers Paul Kelly, Randy Griffing, Hank Sieg and the son of James McCullogh (Steve) returned to manually relight the beacon for the 73,000th night. (Boothbay Register article - https://www.boothbayregister.com/article/burnt-island-lighthouse-200-years-and-counting/153970) On the other side of the bay, 250 community members gathered at the Spruce Point Inn to provide the relighting countdown and enjoy activities, student artworks, and a spectacular fireworks display.

Thanks to generous donors, $500,000 was spent on the extensive restoration of the lighthouse and dwelling so that it might shine for another 200 years. Therefore, we are presently in need of funds to help purchase a work-boat in order to continue our exemplary stewardship and educational programming. Every contribution, whether large or small, powers our mission and sustains Burnt Island's future. We appreciate your support and thank you in advance for your end-of-year, tax deductible donation.

Please donate online at: https://keepersofburntislandlight.com or mail a check to Keepers of Burnt Island Light, P.O. Box 738, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538.

Thanks again for your generosity and Happy Holidays.

Elaine Jones and the Keepers of the Burnt Island Light