Michigan Lighthouses Receive $120K in Grants for Preservation Efforts

Historic Lighthouses in Michigan Set for Preservation Boost with New Grants

Lighthouses, the silent guardians of Michigan’s shoreline, are getting a new lease on life thanks to fresh funding aimed at preserving these maritime icons. The Michigan State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has announced the allocation of $120,000 through the Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program (MLAP), intended to support renovation efforts at two historic sites: the Grand Haven Entrance Light and the Keepers Quarters at Whitefish Point Light Station.

LANSING, MICH. – This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program, an initiative that has been instrumental in maintaining the state’s rich maritime heritage. State Historic Preservation Officer Ryan Schumaker expressed pride in the ongoing efforts, stating, “SHPO is pleased to support the ongoing efforts of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society and the City of Grand Haven and their partner at the Grand Haven Lighthouse Conservancy to steward these properties, as well as their continued commitment to investing in these two maritime resources.”

City of Grand Haven

Site: Grand Haven Entrance Light

Location: Grand Haven, MI

MLAP grant amount: $60,000

Match amount: $60,000

The City of Grand Haven, in collaboration with the Grand Haven Lighthouse Conservancy, will utilize the funds to conduct interior renovations on the Grand Haven Entrance Light. Projects will encompass door replacement, floor restoration, and the installation of new wall and ceiling sheathing. These efforts aim to enhance the historic character and improve public accessibility for educational tours.

David Karpin, chair of the Grand Haven Lighthouse Conservancy, emphasized the importance of this grant, saying, “This generous investment represents far more than financial assistance—it is a meaningful affirmation of our shared responsibility to preserve Michigan’s maritime heritage and protect the historic landmarks that tell the story of our Great Lakes.”

Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society

Site: Whitefish Point Light Station

Location: Chippewa County, MI

MLAP grant amount: $60,000

Match amount: $30,000

The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society will focus on the repair and partial replacement of the metal shingle roof at the keepers quarters of the Whitefish Point Light Station. This historic site, part of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, continues to educate the public about the significance of preservation. Sean Ley, the society’s development officer, highlighted the grant’s impact: “The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society is very pleased to have financial support from the Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program for essential repair of the lightkeepers’ quarters roof.”

Save Our Lights Initiative

The MLAP grants are funded through the sale of specialty Save Our Lights vehicle license plates and direct donations. Since its inception, the program has awarded over $3 million to preserve Michigan’s lighthouses as tourist attractions and educational sites. To contribute or learn more about these preservation efforts, visit http://www.michigan.gov/saveourlights.

Michigan’s shoreline, home to more than 120 lighthouses, boasts the highest number of lighthouses in the United States. Many of these structures are accessible to the public, offering tours, museum exhibits, and even overnight stays. For those looking to explore these historical beacons, more information can be found by visiting here.

About the State Historic Preservation Office

Dedicated to the preservation of culturally and archaeologically significant sites, Michigan’s State Historic Preservation Office offers technical assistance to local communities and property owners. They provide guidance in identifying, evaluating, and protecting Michigan’s historical resources, alongside administering incentive programs that include federal and state tax credits and grants.