Christina Comenos, staff assistant
from Senator Collins' Biddeford office, reads a letter from U.S. Senator Susan M. Collins
during the grand opening of the Museum of Lighthouse History on August
7, 2005
Photo by Ann-Marie Trapani
United States Senate
August 2, 2005
Dear Friends:
Congratulations on
celebrating the ribbon cutting of the Museum of Lighthouse History. I am
sorry that I could not join with you today for the opening of the newly
expanded museum. This facility will provide improved space to preserve a
fundamental aspect of Maine’s unique and rich history.
Scattered along
Maine’s 3,500 miles of exquisite coast are more than 60 lighthouses, each
with its own characteristics and stories. First there is our most southerly
lighthouse, Whaleback Light, which shares its design with England’s famous
Eddystone Lighthouse. Then we find the Boon Island Light surrounded by
treacherous weather and intriguing tales of shipwreck. Further up the coast
we find Seguin Light, which is located in one of the most foggy locales in
the U.S. with over 2700 hours of fog in one year. Next, the Marshall Point
Light in Port Clyde attracts those with an artistic eye searching for the
perfect picture. Lastly, if we travel as far east as one can drive in the
U.S., we will find the West Quoddy Head Light with its red and white bands,
which completes the tour of Maine’s lighthouse history.
Preserving these
lights that continue to keep our waters safe remains critical. The
accessibility of this museum to both Mainers and tourists will educate the
community about the importance of these landmarks, ensuring that our
lighthouses will be enjoyed and preserved for years to come. I commend your
efforts in documenting and preserving lighthouse heritage and restoring this
beautiful facility in which to house all of Maine’s lighthouse history.
Congratulations again
on the ribbon cutting of the Museum of Lighthouse History. I join you in
celebrating this day.
