Letters from the Lighthouse, Vol. 4
Photography by David Oliver
Summer is in full swing at the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse, and there's plenty happening on the river.
In this month’s blog:
👋 Meet Joe Kenneally: Hear from one of the original volunteers who helped save the lighthouse.
💦 Waterfront Wednesdays Are Making a Splash: Read highlights from our community gatherings this summer
⚓️ Saturday tours are on! Reserve your spot for a guided visit to the lighthouse.
Lighthouse Lover: Joe Kenneally
Joe Kenneally has been part of the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse story for more than 40 years. As one of the original volunteers who helped save the lighthouse, Joe has witnessed its incredible transformation, from a neglected building at risk of being lost forever to the beloved landmark.
How did you become involved with HALPS?
I was born in Hudson, so the lighthouse has always been part of my life. It wasn't until the early '80s that I got to go inside. At that time, there was talk of removing the lighthouse and replacing it with a channel marker. People from both sides of the river came together to save it, forming what would become the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society. I was proud to be part of that original group.
What do you wish people knew about those early restoration days?
Going to the lighthouse wasn't easy. There was no dock. We landed on the rocks in a small open boat, climbed a fixed ladder, and used crowbars and hammers to get inside. The windows were boarded up, the building had been vandalized, birds had taken over, and there was extensive water damage. Little by little, volunteers repaired the damage and brought the lighthouse back to life.
What does the lighthouse mean to you today?
The friendships are what stay with me most. We accomplished an incredible amount with a small group of dedicated volunteers, and many of the people I met while working on the lighthouse have become lifelong friends. I hope the lighthouse stands for generations as a tribute to everyone who helped save it.
Waterfront Wednesdays Bring Our Community Together
This month, Waterfront Wednesdays invited visitors to experience the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse in new ways. Families explored interactive art activities, shared what the lighthouse means to them, and boarded free boat tours to discover the lighthouse's history from the very place where it unfolded. The evening also gave our strategic planning partners, Sarah and Susan, an opportunity to experience firsthand the deep connection our community shares with the lighthouse.
Our partners at Wingo NYC also joined us for the evening. After visiting the lighthouse, their Director of Digital Engagement, Alan Quinn, shared this reflection:
“Standing at the top of the lighthouse was both peaceful and unforgettable. What stayed with me most, though, was seeing that same sense of wonder reflected in the eyes of young visitors experiencing the lighthouse for the very first time too. It left me hopeful for the future of this special place and for the preservation efforts that so many people are committed to supporting."
— Alan Quinn, Wingo NYC
Book a Saturday Tour Today!
Experience one of the Hudson River's most iconic landmarks this summer. Guided Saturday tours offer a rare opportunity to step inside the historic Hudson-Athens Lighthouse, hear its remarkable story from our knowledgeable volunteer guides, and enjoy spectacular views of the Hudson River along the way.
Tours depart from both Hudson and Athens on select Saturdays throughout the season:
August 8 | August 22 | September 12 | September 26 | October 10 | October 24
Departures are available every 20 minutes throughout the morning. Whether it's your first visit or you've been before, we hope you'll join us on the river this season.
Thank you for being part of our community and for helping preserve the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse. We hope to see you on a Saturday tour!
