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The Lighthouse History Research Institute (LHRI) proudly announces the launch of its new website, www.LighthouseHistoryResearch.org, a step forward in preserving and honoring the legacy of the United States Lighthouse Service keepers.
The creation of the Lighthouse Digest Grave Marker Program was born out of Lighthouse Digest’s founding editor Tim Harrison’s desire to see the Lighthouse Keepers of the U.S. Lighthouse Service honored, as are other branches of the U.S. military. Tim realized that while lighthouses themselves were often celebrated, the personal histories of the keepers were fading into the dusty pages of time. He envisioned a platform that not only collected data but also served as an online space for sharing and preserving the rich history of these guardians of the light.
The homepage offers a link to the mission of the Institute—preserving the memory of those who kept the lights burning and ensuring their stories are not lost to time—by creating a searchable database of lighthouse keepers.
The core of the website is the Keepers’ Database, a compilation of records that includes dates of birth and death, locations of cemeteries where these keepers are interred, and photographs when available. Each entry is more than just a record; it’s a doorway into a life devoted to service of others. Users can browse through the list, or search for specific individuals, allowing for easy access, whether for academic research, genealogical inquiries, or personal interest.
Find the entry for Fredrick W. Morong. It will lead you to a link to the story about the ceremony on the placement of his marker in late 2015. Another interesting note you’ll find is that he had three sons who were also in the lighthouse service: Alonzo, John C., and Fredrick Jr. who wrote the famous poem “Brasswork.”
Thanks to Tim’s work to establish these ceremonies, several lighthouse groups, individuals, and keepers’ descendants from across the country have researched their keepers and place markers proudly acknowledging their service.
However, the website is still a work in progress. The major focus is the placement of more U.S. Lighthouse Service grave markers. Despite extensive research, many former keepers lie in graves, not yet acknowledged for their service. The Institute encourages descendants and historians to conduct ceremonies to place more markers and to provide leads on such keepers, ensuring every keeper receives their due honor.
Another feature is the link to planning grave-side ceremonies to place the markers. There are sample programs, poems, music and prayers to aid those in planning ceremonies.
The website also offers an opportunity for you to support us in our ongoing research and placement of markers.
Feedback from users has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing deep appreciation for the recognition of their ancestors’ service. As the database grows, the Institute hopes to expand its scope globally, tracing the stories of these keepers who shared the same spirit and dedication. Through www.LighthouseHistoryResearch.org, the Lighthouse History Research Institute not only hopes to shine a light on the past but also to ensure that the legacy of those who once kept the lights will guide future generations in understanding the profound human connection to the sea and the beacons that guard its shores.
This story appeared in the
May/Jun 2024 edition of Lighthouse Digest Magazine. The print edition contains more stories than our internet edition, and each story generally contains more photographs - often many more - in the print edition. For subscription information about the print edition, click here.
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