Volume 3, Issue 4 - April 2025

President's Letter

Dear Friends,



Spring has arrived, and with it comes a renewed sense of momentum and hope for the future of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse.

This season, are inspired by the energy and enthusiasm from every all corners of our community—from local volunteers and donors to lighthouse lovers reaching out from across the country.

In fact, as Steve Clements shares in this month’s newsletter, our recent participation in the U.S. Lighthouse Society Passport Program has sparked a wave of heartfelt connections. We’ve received letters, donations, and photos from lighthouse enthusiasts in nearly every region of the country—proving once again that this beacon on the lakefront continues to inspire far beyond Chicago’s shoreline.

We’re also celebrating the quiet but critical work of the U.S. Coast Guard Aids to Navigation Team (STANT) Kenosha, the modern-day stewards of the lighthouse’s light and fog signal. While FOCHL prepares to take on ownership and restoration of the structure itself, the STANT team will continue to maintain its essential role in navigation. We’re grateful for their dedication and proud to share more about their essential work in this issue.

Last month, Steve and I had the honor of attending the USLHS 25th Anniversary Conference of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act (NHLPA). This virtual event brought together lighthouse managers, federal agencies, and preservation advocates from around the country. It was a powerful reminder that while every lighthouse has a unique story, we’re all part of a larger community working to preserve our maritime heritage.

Speaking of preservation, in this issue, you’ll also find a call for educators, writers, illustrators, and curriculum designers to join us as we develop our future education programming. Our goal is to transform the lighthouse into an actual “classroom on the lakefront,” a place where students and visitors alike can explore Chicago’s maritime history through hands-on, meaningful experiences. This is a ground-floor opportunity to shape something truly special—and we hope you’ll consider getting involved or sharing the opportunity with someone who might be a perfect fit.

Finally—and most excitingly—we’ve reached a significant milestone. The FOCHL team has officially delivered to the National Park Service our completed application for ownership of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse through the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act. This was no small feat, and we’ll be sharing more about the process and what comes next in a dedicated article this month. But for now, let me simply say: thank you. Your support has gotten us this far—and we’re just getting started.

And here’s a little extra reason to celebrate—April 9, 2025, marks the 22nd anniversary of the lighthouse’s designation as a Chicago Landmark by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks and approved by the City Council. Be sure to check out the article in this issue, which reflects on that moment and its implications for our future.

As always, thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you’re following us online, mailing in a passport stamp request, volunteering your time, or making a donation, you are keeping this light shining in more ways than one.

Here’s to Spring, progress, and the promise of what’s to come.

Be Safe and Be Well!

Regards,

Kurt Lentsch

Chief Dreamer and President

Milestone Achieved: NHLPA Application Delivered!

After three years of research, planning, and dedicated effort, we are thrilled to announce that our application to acquire the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse through the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act (NHLPA) is officially complete and has been submitted to the National Park Service for review!

The final documents were freshly printed and carefully packaged, and the application was shipped out just days ago—right on time to celebrate the NHLPA's 25th anniversary. It’s a fitting moment to reflect on how far we’ve come as we await the next steps in the process.

This submission represents more than paperwork—it’s a symbol of the incredible support from donors, volunteers, experts, and lighthouse lovers who believe in the mission to preserve, restore, and celebrate the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse. This moment belongs to all of us.

As we like to say, It takes a Village to Save a Lighthouse—and we’re proud of the community we’ve built together.

Stay tuned for updates in the coming months as we continue this journey.



Thank you for helping us illuminate the future!

Happy 22nd Anniversary of Chicago Landmark Status, Chicago Harbor Lighthouse

On April 9, 2003, the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse was officially designated a Chicago Landmark—a well-deserved recognition of its historic and architectural significance on the lakefront.

This milestone was made possible thanks to the dedicated efforts of the City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development, whose commitment to preservation ensured that this beacon would be protected and celebrated for generations to come.

Now, 22 years later, we’re honoring that landmark designation and preparing to take it one step further. With the NHLPA application submitted and restoration planning underway, we’re getting closer to the day when in-person tours will allow the public to step inside this iconic Chicago treasure.

To all the lighthouse lovers and preservation advocates out there—happy anniversary! Here’s to celebrating the past and building an even brighter future for our landmark on the lake.

FOCHL Attends USLHS Conference Celebrating 25 Years of the NHLPA

In March, FOCHL board members Steve Clements and Kurt Lentsch had the privilege of attending the 2025 United States Lighthouse Society (USLHS) Virtual Conference, commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act (NHLPA).

This national gathering brought together lighthouse owners, federal agencies, and preservation professionals to reflect on 25 years of success stories and lessons learned in lighthouse stewardship.

Held online from March 25 – 27, 2025, the conference featured three days of dynamic presentations, expert panels, and collaborative discussions. More than 150 historic lighthouses have been successfully transferred under the NHLPA since its passage in 2000—ensuring the long-term preservation of these maritime icons.

Each day began with keynote remarks from leaders in federal lighthouse preservation, including:

• Ralph Conner, Director of Realty Services at GSA
•  Matt Stuck, Chief of the Waterways Office for USCG 1st District
•  Dr. Turkiya L. Lowe, National Park Service Principal Historian

Throughout the event, attendees explored practical topics such as:

• Seasonal and Remote Access Challenges: Insights from Alaska’s Five Finger Lighthouse.
• Restoration Without a Dock: A deep dive into the unique challenges faced at Bakers Island Light, Massachusetts.
• Modernizing Off-the-Grid Utilities: Innovative solutions shared by Fairport Harbor West Light in Ohio.
• Top 10 NHLPA Application Issues: Critical discussions led by National Park Service experts
• Community-Driven Restoration: The inspiring story of Port Austin Reef Light in Michigan.

One of the standout features was the small-group breakout sessions held at the end of each day. These sessions provided an intimate setting for sharing insights, asking questions, and connecting with fellow lighthouse caretakers on topics ranging from funding strategies to volunteer engagement and adaptive reuse.

In addition to the rich content and networking opportunities, the conference also served as a powerful promotional platform for the USLHS. We encourage all supporters of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse and lighthouse preservation to join the USLHS community. Together, we can help safeguard these historic beacons for future generations.

For more information and to become a member, visit www.uslhs.org.

We left the conference with new tools, strengthened connections, and renewed inspiration to carry our mission forward—many thanks to the USLHS for hosting such a well-produced and impactful event. We look forward to applying what we learned as we continue our efforts toward the restoration and stewardship of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse.

Who Keeps the Light Shining? Meet the U.S. Coast Guard’s STANT Kenosha Crew

Photo Credit: PA1 Tasha Tully, PADET St. Petersburg

Ever wonder who makes sure the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse still shines its guiding light and sounds its foghorn through the thickest fog? While lighthouse keepers of old may be gone, the tradition lives on through a modern-day crew of professionals: the U.S. Coast Guard’s Aids to Navigation Team (ANT) at Station Kenosha, also known as STANT Kenosha.

These are the unsung heroes behind the scenes, making sure the light doesn’t go out on Chicago’s most iconic beacon.

Located in Kenosha, Wisconsin, STANT Kenosha is a multi-mission shore facility with a talented crew and an impressive collection of small boat resources.

While their team is trained for a range of missions, their primary responsibilities are Search and Rescue (SAR) and Aids to Navigation (ATON)—two roles that are critical to safe boating and maritime commerce on Lake Michigan.

STANT Kenosha’s ATON area of responsibility is no small stretch of water. It spans from Sheboygan, WI, south to Calumet Harbor, IL and East to Burns Harbor, IN

That’s a massive section of Lake Michigan’s western and southern shoreline—and nestled right in the middle is the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse, proudly standing guard where the lake meets the Chicago River.

STANT Kenosha maintains:

•  Primary responsibility for 60 federal aids to navigation

•  Secondary responsibility for 20 additional aids (assigned to CGC ALDER and CGC MACKINAW)

• Oversight of 166 private aids to navigation, broken down into three classifications: Class I, II, and III

That’s a lot of lights, buoys, beacons, and fog signals to inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot!

The STANT Kenosha crew heads out in all conditions—sun, sleet, fog, or wind—to check that aids to navigation remain in top shape. If the light goes out or the foghorn falters at the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse, they’re the ones who fix it fast.

Their work ensures that recreational boaters, commercial vessels, and even those of us simply enjoying the skyline are aware that the lighthouse is still fulfilling its mission—keeping people safe on the water.

As the Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse (FOCHL) continues the process of acquiring ownership of this historic landmark through the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act, we remain focused on our mission: to preserve, restore, and celebrate this iconic structure.

Even after FOCHL takes ownership, the U.S. Coast Guard—through the dedicated crew at STANT Kenosha—will continue to maintain the lighthouse’s light and fog signal, ensuring its essential role in navigation remains intact.

That means our work will be hand-in-hand with STANT Kenosha, in a spirit of stewardship and shared purpose. We’re proud to build a future where preservation and active service coexist—and the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse continues to shine, both as a symbol of history and a working aid to navigation.

So next time you see the flash of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse across the lakefront night sky or hear the moan of the foghorn on a misty morning, tip your cap to the skilled and hardworking crew at STANT Kenosha. They are the modern keepers of the light—quietly ensuring that one of Chicago’s most treasured landmarks continues to guide, inspire, and endure.

Calling All Educators, Writers, and Creatives: Help Us Build the “Classroom on the Lakefront”

Do you love Chicago history, creative storytelling, or sparking curiosity in young minds?

Are you a teacher, curriculum designer, writer, illustrator, or just someone who believes in the power of education?

The Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse (FOCHL) is launching an exciting initiative, and we need you!

As we move closer to owning the lighthouse and eventually opening it to the public, we’re beginning to lay the foundation for a dynamic educational program.

Our vision is to turn the lighthouse into a “classroom on the lakefront”—a place where kids (and grown-ups!) can learn about maritime history, Great Lakes ecology, architecture, STEAM, navigation, preservation, weather, climate change, and more.

To bring this vision to life, we’re assembling a creative and passionate team to help us imagine what learning at the Lighthouse could look like.

We’re looking for:

• Teachers and Educators to develop curriculum aligned with learning standards
• Creative Writers to craft engaging lesson materials and stories
• Illustrators and Designers to bring visuals to life
• Historians and Storytellers to shape content rooted in Chicago’s maritime legacy

This is a ground-floor opportunity to be part of something truly special—a chance to leave your mark on a historic Chicago icon and make a real difference. Whether you're a classroom teacher, homeschooling parent, museum educator, artist, or writer looking for a meaningful project, we’d love to hear from you.

Join us in creating something lasting, fun, and impactful. Let’s inspire the next generation—right from the base of this remarkable lighthouse on the edge of Lake Michigan.

Interested in being part of the committee? Email us at info@savethelighthouse.org and include “EDUCATION” in the subject line.

Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse Makes New Friends from Coast to Coast

The U.S. Lighthouse Society (USLHS) is a nonprofit historical and educational organization dedicated to saving and sharing the rich maritime legacy of American lighthouses and supporting lighthouse preservation throughout the nation. 

Through advocacy, education, and hands-on support, the society works to ensure these iconic navigational aids—once essential to maritime safety—remain a part of our cultural and historical landscape.

Among the USLHS’s most beloved efforts is the Lighthouse Passport Program, a nationwide initiative that invites enthusiasts to collect unique USLHS-designed stamps from more than 600 participating lighthouses, lightships, museums, and maritime organizations. Each stamp collected marks a visit or donation, turning lighthouse appreciation into a fun personal journey.

Participants can also earn commemorative patches and certificates as they fill up their passport pages, encouraging travel and support for lighthouse preservation across the country.    

We are thrilled to have recently joined this incredible program. Since we received our stamp, we’ve been delighted by the number of stamp requests from lighthouse lovers far and wide. What started as a fun new initiative has quickly blossomed into a heartfelt stream of letters, donations, a few stories of visits to Chicago’s lakefront and photos of the lighthouse taken during those visits.

It’s been a true joy to receive mail from passionate supporters in Alaska, Florida, Michigan, Colorado, and dozens of other places. Each envelope is a reminder that the love for lighthouses spans coastlines and communities. This map displays the locations of passport stamp requests so far, and has really surprised us with the wide variety of locations—a colorful testament to how one lighthouse can inspire connections from coast to coast.

Locations of Program Participants Requesting Chicago Harbor Lighthouse Stamps

Being part of the USLHS Passport Program has allowed us to meet and interact with people who love lighthouses and care about our mission. These new introductions have reinforced why we do what we do: to Preserve, Restore, and Celebrate the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse, not just as a historic landmark, but as a beacon that continues to inspire.

To all who have reached out so far—thank you. We can't wait to meet more of you through the shared pages of your passports. We look forward to the day (hopefully not too far away) when you can step into the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse and have your passport stamped on location! Until then… keep those cards and letters coming!

If you are interested in receiving your own USLHS Lighthouse Passport and beginning your quest to visit lighthouses on your travels, visit their website: https://uslhs.org/passports

If you’d like the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse Passport Stamp added to your passport, send your request and the USLHS-suggested $2 donation to:

Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse 

Attn: Stamp

122 S Michigan Ave, Suite 1390

Chicago, IL 60603

Or you may have your passport stamped in person at:

         Chicago Maritime Museum

         1200 W 35th Street

         Chicago, IL 60609

If you'd like to visit the Chicago Maritime Museum to have your passport stamped, please plan enough time to interact with the exhibits and collection. 

You’ll be treated to a chronological walk through local maritime history, including the eras of French fur traders, sail and steam-powered vessels, modern commercial Great Lakes frigates, recreational sailing, and the Ralph and Rita Frese Canoe Collection. 

The 10,000-square-foot museum serves as a window into Chicago’s maritime history.

Save the Date: A Night to Remember – National Lighthouse Day Fundraiser, Thursday, August 7, 2025

We can’t share all the details just yet, but trust us—you won’t want to miss this!

The Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse is planning a very special evening to celebrate National Lighthouse Day and support the restoration of our city’s iconic beacon. Our first annual National Lighthouse Day fundraiser event!

Expect an unforgettable night featuring live music, a silent auction, an exclusive restoration update, and a few surprises we can’t reveal yet!

This will be an event unlike any other, bringing together lighthouse enthusiasts and supporters for a meaningful and memorable cause.

Seating will be limited, so be sure to register as soon as details are announced in the coming months. Stay tuned, mark your calendars, and get ready to be part of something truly special!

The Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse (FOCHL) Online Store is LIVE!

Check out our fun new t-shirt design and pick up some extra pins and stickers to share with your friends and family. The Chicago Harbor Lighthouse Model makes a great holiday gift for your favorite Chicagoan!

All proceeds from the FOCHL Online Store support our mission to Preserve, Restore, and Celebrate the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse.

Visit www.SaveTheLighthouse.org/store today and show your support!

Book a Save The Lighthouse Presentation

If you are part of a group of 25 or more interested in learning more about the history of our lighthouse and our efforts, please contact Steve Clements (steveclements@savethelighthouse.org to discuss the possibility of scheduling a presentation for your group.

These presentations will discuss the Lighthouse’s rich history, present condition, and future plans to celebrate and share with the public, its significance to the legacy of Chicago history. 

Speakers Kurt Lentsch, President, FCHL and Edward Torrez, Preservation Architect, have engaged audiences throughout the city for many months with their thoughtful and inspiring presentations on the CHL.

Volunteer Your Time and Talent

Photo credit: Barry Butler

We would appreciate your help. Volunteer and join us in our mission to save the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse and keep its legacy alive for generations. 

We are a passionate organization dedicated to preserving, restoring, and celebrating the historic Chicago Harbor Lighthouse for future generations. Our mission would not be possible without the help of dedicated volunteers who share our passion and commitment to this iconic landmark.

As a volunteer with Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse, you will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience, meet new people, and make a meaningful impact in preserving a historic Chicago landmark cherished by our city.

If you want to donate your talents and join our team, please visit our volunteer page at savethelighthouse.org/volunteer to learn more.   

We are seeking talented and experienced part-time volunteers to assist us in fundraising (especially grant writing), construction, and community outreach, helping us build and maintain our connections to local and national organizations. 

Some of the talented volunteers, who are building this dream.

If you are part of an organization that has an interest in financially supporting our efforts to Preserve, Restore, and Celebrate the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse, please reach out to Nick Naber (nicknaber@savethelighthouse.org), our treasurer and a member of our fundraising working group.

Your contributions enable us to offset the start-up costs for the Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse and begin the preservation and restoration work that is greatly needed on this historic place... We are very grateful for your generosity.

The Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse is a 501c3 organization

so please make a tax-deductible gift to help us Save the Lighthouse!

www.SaveTheLighthouse.org

41°53'22"N 87°35'26"W

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