- Categories:
- Arts & Entertainment
- Tags:
- Historical
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every August 7
- Holiday emoji:
- 燈塔
National Lighthouse Day shines a light on these iconic structures every August 7. From their vital role in maritime safety to their enduring beauty, lighthouses have captivated hearts for centuries. Visit a local lighthouse, learn about its history, or support preservation efforts to keep their stories alive.
Want to sponsor National Lighthouse Day? Learn how
Expected National Lighthouse Day Deals
As a Recognition holiday, National Lighthouse Day focuses less on commercial deals and more on appreciation and historical engagement. Many lighthouse museums and historical societies offer special tours, discounted admissions, or educational programs on August 7. Organizations like the American Lighthouse Council and the United States Lighthouse Society often host events or fundraising drives to support lighthouse preservation. Consider purchasing merchandise from lighthouse gift shops or donating directly to local preservation groups. We will update this page with confirmed live events and programs as August 7 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Lighthouse Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalLighthouseDay. Share stunning photos of lighthouses you’ve visited or historical facts about these iconic structures.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalLighthouseDay. Tweet about your favorite lighthouse, its history, or share news about preservation efforts.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalLighthouseDay. Post about local lighthouse events or share personal stories of visiting these historic beacons.
National Lighthouse Day Hero
George Washington
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Lighthouse Day
Local businesses, especially those in coastal towns, can celebrate National Lighthouse Day by highlighting nearby lighthouses. Restaurants could feature ‘Lighthouse Specials’ with seafood, while gift shops can stock lighthouse-themed merchandise. Tour operators can offer discounted excursions to lighthouses or boat tours that pass by them. Museums and historical societies can host special exhibits or lectures, encouraging community engagement and supporting preservation efforts for these historic structures.
National Lighthouse Day FAQs
When is National Lighthouse Day?
In 2027, National Lighthouse Day is observed on Saturday, August 7, providing a perfect weekend opportunity to visit a lighthouse or support its preservation.
How many lighthouses are there in the United States?
While the exact number fluctuates with preservation efforts, roughly 700 lighthouses exist in the U.S., with a significant portion open to the public for tours and educational experiences.
What is the history of National Lighthouse Day?
The day was officially designated by Congress in 1989, marking the 200th anniversary of the Lighthouse Act. It serves to honor the legacy of lighthouses and the keepers who maintained them, ensuring safe passage for countless vessels.
Are lighthouses still important today?
Lighthouses continue to hold immense value as historical landmarks, tourist attractions, and symbols of maritime heritage. They stand as educational sites, reminding us of past technologies and the enduring human connection to the sea, even as technology evolves.
How to Celebrate National Lighthouse Day 2021
Visit your local lighthouse
National Lighthouse Day calls for lighthouses, when possible, to be open to the public. If you're within driving distance to a coast, today's the day to make a trip to one of these beautiful structures.
Help preserve a lighthouse
The American Lighthouse Organization is dedicated to preserving and protecting these historic structures. If you visit a lighthouse, consider making a small donation to its operating organization in order to continue providing public access.
Paint a lighthouse
Lighthouses are beautiful and they make for great artwork. Paint or photograph a lighthouse and give your pic to that relative who has a collection of lighthouse postcards.
Why we love National Lighthouse Day 2021
They've been a beacon of light even before electricity
Originally, burning coal or even fires were used as the "lamp" or the source of light in a lighthouse. Lighthouses later made use of oil-burning lamps and finally, electric lamps in 1875.
The structures continue to stand the test of time
Located on coasts and cliffs, lighthouses are subject to storms, high winds and other extreme conditions. Yet, many remain viable and strong, even today. America's oldest operational lighthouse is the Boston Lighthouse on Little Brewster Island in Boston Harbor, MA built in 1716.
Lighthouses are beautiful
The cylindrical shape, coupled with the scenery of the surrounding coast or bay, makes lighthouses a popular photographic destination. It's no surprise — there's a quiet comfort in seeing a lighthouse standing tall on the edge of the ocean.
Social Media Tips for National Lighthouse Day
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