New Interpretive Posters to be Installed Ahead of 2025 Lighthouse Tours
- Jake Heffernan
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
The most visible project we've tackled over the winter months is the creation of 10 new interpretive posters for the interior of the lighthouse. Acting non-profit President and historian Jake Heffernan designed the posters using a blend of historic and modern photographs to help our visitors better understand the building's use and changes over time. After consultation from other members, the posters were ordered and have arrived. Until now, our displays have been a mix of posterboards and printed photos, with no real uniformity in their appearance.
Some of the posterboards are more than 7 years old, originating from events before the lighthouse was even open to the public and have not stood up well in the changing climate inside the building. This project is the first major step in providing a clean, crisp, uniform look to our displays throughout the entire building.
Perhaps most exciting, is the use of 7 photos from the 1970s, given to us by former keeper Gary Nall. Gary recently provided photos of the interior of the lighthouse, with each photo giving us valuable information we previously did not have. Those photos have been worked into the new displays and each will be mounted in the room featured in the photograph.
The new display posters cover a variety of topics, such as: the 1st floor machinery space, the 2nd floor radio room, entry door, galley, and watch spaces, and the 3rd floor horn room. A poster showing the exterior changes the lighthouse has seen over time, and the removal of the Fresnel Lens will also be on display, as will a map of the Great Lakes Radio Beacon system as it was in 1938. Finally, a new poster discussing the Lightkeeper's Quarters on shore will be displayed, alongside the wooden boards that previously hung outside the house - noting the entrance for "Quarters A" and "Quarters B." The boards were previously on display at the Kewaunee Jail Museum, but were recently loaned to the lighthouse for display in a more fitting environment.
These posters are printed on a high quality vinyl, suitable for outdoor use and enclosed in poster frames. The displays are expected to last many years, despite the changing temperature and humidity conditions found inside the building.
We expect to install the new displays inside the lighthouse during our spring cleaning day on Saturday, May 17th. The following Tuesday, we will be welcoming our first guests of the season when two groups from the UWGB Lifelong Learning Institute come and tour the lighthouse.
To see the new displays, stop in to one of our 5 public tour dates throughout the summer, or for a more personal and immersive experience you can book one of our Harbor Walking Tours on Saturday, June 7th. Each walking tour is limited to 15 guests and includes special admission to the lighthouse.
Tickets are also still available for the Evolution of Fog Signal demonstrations on Friday, June 6th. At this event, you'll hear a cannon fire, a steam whistle, and a couple different types of horns and learn about each sound signal's role in the history of maritime navigation. This presentation is suitable and fun for the whole family!
We hope to see you at the lighthouse!