ExploringMaine.com
A rare glimpse inside the lights
To view a list of lighthouses scheduled to be open Saturday, go to our interactive map.
SOUTH PORTLAND — Jack Roberts, the unofficial keeper of Bug Light in South Portland, has tidied up the three-story beacon for its big debut.
He washed the windows, swept out the dust and admired the recent paint job.
"It looks fantastic," he said.
Known formally as Portland Breakwater Lighthouse, Bug Light will be one of 29 lighthouses open to the public for Open Lighthouse Day, held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
The Coast Guard, the state and the American Lighthouse Foundation are holding the event to raise awareness of Maine's maritime heritage and the rich history of its lighthouses and their keepers.
Bob Trapani, the foundation's executive director, said it's a great opportunity to take a peek inside historic Maine lighthouses and walk in the footsteps of their keepers.
"It's a first-of-its-kind event," Trapani said. "It will raise awareness for Maine lighthouses and their preservation and pay tribute to the Coast Guard's heritage for keeping a good light since 1939."
Roberts is a self-proclaimed lighthouse fanatic who for more than 20 years has had an affection for Bug Light, drawn to the light's history and unique structure.
Bug Light was built to replace an 1855 wooden lighthouse atop the Portland Breakwater. It is made of cast iron and brick, with a design inspired by the Choragic Monument to Lysicrates in Athens, Greece. Roberts said there's no other lighthouse in the world like it.
"It's the unique design on top ... the columns on the side. It's got flair to it," he said. "It's got a nice commanding view of Portland Harbor. It's a gorgeous view. I love taking care of this light."
The last time Bug Light was opened to the public was in 2002, after the Coast Guard installed a solar-powered light and it gleamed again for the first time since World War II.
In other cities and towns along Maine's coast, guided tours and events will highlight the history of local lighthouses. Trapani said the day will help boost Maine's economy.
"We have all these great coastal communities with lighthouses," Trapani said. "This will show off what's great about Maine, especially this time of year."
Jim McPherson, commander of the Coast Guard Sector Northern New England, came up with the idea to open the lighthouses, although weather and sea conditions may require keeping some of them closed.
"The history of the Coast Guard in Maine is incredible," McPherson said. "It will be a great day. Already, we have received such a positive response from communities."
The Coast Guard owns and operates many of the 52 lighthouses in Maine. Recently, the service gave Whaleback Light off Kittery to the lighthouse foundation. Now the Coast Guard wants to give away Ram Island Ledge Light off Portland Harbor.
McPherson said anyone can take over the lighthouse, but it will be costly to maintain.
"Some lighthouses are in danger. The public has the opportunity to get a group together to take one," he said.
Staff Writer Melanie Creamer can be contacted at 791-6361 or at:
mcreamer@pressherald.com