As a result of the U. S. Coast Guard's decision to excess over seventy historic lighthouses in the state of Michigan, numerous individuals representing federal and state agencies, federal and state legislators, and national and regional nonprofit organizations convened in Lansing in the spring of 1998 to address the need for preserving these treasured structures on behalf of the public. In order to more effectively resolve the various exigencies accompanying the transfer and preservation of such a large number of lighthouses, these governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations established the Michigan Lighthouse Project. In August of 1999, these same public and nonprofit entities signed a Memorandum of Agreement setting into motion the grand project of facilitating the transfer and ensuring the preservation of Michigan's historic lighthouses for generations to come.

The primary focus of the Project is the timely transfer of the historic lighthouses in Michigan to stewards capable of preserving the structures for the enjoyment of the public. Following the spirit and guidelines of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000, the Project seeks to transfer lighthouse property at no cost to federal agencies, state agencies, local governments, nonprofit corporations, or community development organizations. In most cases where a governmental entity takes ownership of a historic lighthouse, that entity will sign a lease with a nonprofit organization for the preservation and maintenance of the property. Furthermore, the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act specifically declares that lighthouses are to be used only for education, park, recreation, cultural, or historic preservation purposes. The best procedure for securing public enjoyment of and support for preserving and exhibiting a Michigan lighthouse is to support policies and programs that mobilize and include community-wide interests, regardless of what governmental or nonprofit entity owns the light station. A successful transfer and preservation of a lighthouse depends, therefore, on the active involvement and cooperation of the Project with local communities and nonprofit organizations.

The Project also serves as a clearinghouse for all information concerning Michigan lighthouses and provides various types of assistance to all nonprofit and public entities owning, operating, preserving, or maintaining a historic lighthouse in the state of Michigan.

Current members of the Project include:

Federal
	U.S. Coast Guard
	U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
	General Services Administration
	Bureau of Land Management
	National Park Service
	U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
	U. S. Senator Carl Levin
	U. S. Senator Debbie Stabenow

State
	Department of Environmental Quality
	Department of Natural Resources
	State Legislators

Members of the Project provide expertise in numerous areas, all of which are directed towards facilitating the transfer of historic lighthouses and ensuring the preservation of these structures for future generations. These areas of expertise include steward development, regulatory functions, legislation, funding sources, technical assistance, real property transfer, and preservation guidelines. These capacities, when brought to the table by the various member agencies, determine the functions, operations, and policies of the Project.

The Project is overseen by a full-time manager, employed by the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office. For information on the Michigan Lighthouse Project, Michigan lighthouses, or addresses for the above members, contact the Manager at the following address:

State Historic Preservation Office
Michigan Historical Center
Department of History, Arts and Libraries
P.O. Box 30740
702 W. Kalamazoo St.
Lansing, MI 48909-8240

This program is financed in part with federal funds from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. However, the contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of the Interior. This program receives federal financial assistance for identification and protection of historic properties. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age in its federally assisted programs. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility as described above, or if you desire further information, please write to: Office for Equal Opportunity, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, DC 20240.

Updated 06/24/2005

Michigan Historical Center, Department of History, Arts and Libraries
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