This event has been postponed due to the COVID-19 crisis. We hope to re-schedule it once the crisis is passed and social gatherings are allowed once again.
The Point Arena Lighthouse Celebrates the 150th Anniversary of the Lighting the Way on the Coast!
Friday, May 1, 2020
Events Throughout the Day and Evening
The original Point Arena Lighthouse Tower was first illuminated on May 1, 1870. To celebrate the sesquicentennial of this key date in the Light Station’s history we will be offering our visitors several very special events from morning til night, capped off by a ceremonial lighting of the Tower to emulate the original single lens that shone brightly all night long from 1870 until 1906.
All visitors will enjoy free admission to the grounds, Gift Store and Museum from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. with discounted $5 Tower Tours being offered to those guests that want to climb to the top of the tallest Lighthouse on the Pacific Coast.
Presentation of Resolutions
Several elected representatives have been contacted to create official resolutions recognizing this seminal event in California’s maritime history, and these resolutions will be presented during this special day.
Special Stamp Cancellation
The United States Postal Service will be on hand to offer one day only cancellations recognizing this anniversary. Created by the winner of the 150th Anniversary Logo contest, Drew Fagan, this unique cancellation stamp can be applied to your own envelopes, post cards or documents, or you can purchase special 150th Anniversary postcards and envelopes in the Gift Store.
Other daytime events may be added, keep checking this page for details.
150th Anniversary Celebration & Tower Lighting
$50 per person 21 and over, $35 under 21
As the sun begins to set west of the Lighthouse, a special party will start in the Fog Signal Building. Guests will be invited to dine on delicious hors d’oeuvres created by local chefs, accompanied by special Lighthouse cocktails. All guests will receive one cocktail or mocktail, a 150th Anniversary cloisonne pin and a 150th Anniversary postcard with the one day only USPS cancellation stamp. Additional cocktails can be purchased throughout the evening, and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available.
The evening’s festivities will start with the unveiling and dedication of a 150th Anniversary display in the Whale Watch Room of the Fog Signal Building Museum. This special display will chronicle the 150 year history of the Point Arena Light Station #496 ad will remain on display throughout 2020. This display will also include all of the 150th Anniversary logo designs submitted by local artists.
This will be followed by the presentation of awards to Drew Fagan, the winning designer of our 150th Anniversary logo.
The highlight of the evening will be the ceremonial relighting of the current tower with the original light signature of a bright white light constantly illuminated. This tribute to the original light will shine from the lantern room for 30 minutes.
As the ceremonial relighting takes place, guests will also be treated to the illumination of new floodlighting of the Tower to commemorate 150 years of lighting the way on the coast.
More information is available by calling the Lighthouse at 877-725-4448, ext. 1 or 707-882-2809, ext 1.