Letters from the Lighthouse, Vol. 2

Photography by David Oliver

With summer just around the corner, preparations are underway at the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse for another busy season on the river.

In the months ahead, we’re looking forward to Saturday tours and our annual Magic on the River fundraiser, and more opportunities to gather along the waterfront.

In this month’s blog:

• 📌 A quick survey to ensure we’re sharing meaningful content with you

• 💙 This month’s featured Lighthouse Lover, community member Bill Palmer

• ✨ Learn more about our summer Magic on the River fundraiser

• 💧 Highlights from the Preservation League of New York State retreat

• 🛠️ Updates on our ongoing preservation efforts

Help Shape What You Hear About HALPS

We want to hear from you. Take our 5-minute survey and let us know what about the Lighthouse matters most to you. 

Whether you’ve toured the Lighthouse, attended an event, volunteered, or simply followed our work online, your feedback helps guide future communications and events.

Lighthouse Lover: Bill Palmer

Each month, we’ll spotlight members of the HALPS community who help keep the Lighthouse going. This month’s spotlight features longtime volunteer Bill Palmer.

What do you enjoy most about seeing people visit the Lighthouse for the first time?

Most people really have no idea what life on a lighthouse was like. The fact that the lighthouse is only accessible by boat, the hard work required to keep the light operating, and the isolation families experienced living there are just some of the things visitors learn.

For many visitors, stepping onto the Lighthouse for the first time changes the way they think about the river and the people who once lived and worked there, and their own lives.

What might people not realize about preparing for lighthouse events and programs?

There’s a lot of work behind the scenes to make each season possible. Our boat crew helps maintain the vessel, coordinate volunteers, transport staff and supplies, and make sure the Lighthouse is ready to welcome visitors throughout the season.

Preparation starts early, and there’s always work happening before the first guests arrive.

How do you see the Lighthouse helping build community?

The Lighthouse is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the region. Communities on both sides of the river understand that 150 years of ice, currents, and ship traffic have taken a toll.

What’s inspiring is seeing people come together around preserving something that belongs to the entire river community.

A Tale of Two Lighthouses

Earlier this spring, Michael Hofmann and I attended the Preservation League of New York State’s annual Colleagues Retreat in Cooperstown, where we had the opportunity to connect with preservation leaders from across the state.

One especially exciting connection was meeting Giulietta Fiore, the new Executive Director of the Historic House Trust of New York City, which oversees the preservation of the iconic Little Red Lighthouse in Manhattan.

Nestled beneath the George Washington Bridge, the Little Red Lighthouse has become one of New York City’s most beloved historic landmarks and was famously featured in the classic children’s book The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge. Like the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse, it has inspired generations of visitors while relying on passionate community support and ongoing preservation efforts to protect its future.

It was inspiring to share stories, challenges, and ideas with another organization stewarding such an important piece of waterfront history, and we’re looking forward to continuing the connection between our two “sister lighthouse” preservation efforts in the months ahead.

We’re Working to Keep the Lighthouse Safe

As we prepare for another active season, preservation work continues behind the scenes at the Lighthouse.

This spring’s restoration efforts include:

• New stairs to improve access on and off the Lighthouse

• Boiler and coal removal

• Asbestos abatement

• Installation of a new restroom system

One especially fun reminder of how much life at the Lighthouse has changed over the years: before modern plumbing, lighthouse families used an outhouse built directly over the river, as pictured.

These projects are an important part of ensuring the Lighthouse remains standing and accessible for future generations. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements, volunteer opportunities, and summer event dates in the weeks ahead.

We’re excited to welcome everyone back to the river soon for another season!