Fairport Harbor Mardi Gras 2014 Photo by Brian Fowler

The Fairport Harbor Marine Museum is the first Great Lakes Lighthouse Marine Museum in the State of Ohio, as well as the United States. The museum, which also has a small gift shop, is located at 129 Second St., Fairport Harbor, OH 44077. For more information as to when the museum is open call (440) 354-4825.

2014 FHHS Events Calendar     July 25 Christmas in July (with Lake Metroparks) July 25-27 InstaTour with the Lake County Visitors Bureau July 27 Lighthouse Triathlon with Lake Metroparks August 17 Third Annual Free Concert / FHLH Art Fest 1:00pm Sept. 21 Community Day October 8 Ghost Stories Full Moon Tour* (fundraiser)         7:00pm Dec. 6 Harbor Holidays & Grinch Visit at Lighthouse     6:00pm ** Red Hatter Days* – every Wednesday afternoon in August and September * must pre-register, spaces are limited to approx. 30

Admission to the Museum and Tower Adults - $4.00 Seniors - $3.00 Ages 6-12 - $2.00 Children Under 6, FHHS Members, & Active military with I.D. are FREE Tours Available May 1st- Nov. 1st FHHS Tour guide fee is $20   Minimum Charge - $20.00 click here for more information & forms

 

The museum was founded in 1945 by the Fairport Harbor Historical Society, which is devoted to preserving and perpetuating the historic tradition of Fairport Harbor and the Great Lakes area. The original lighthouse was completed in 1825. The tower stood thirty feet high, capped with an octagonal-shaped iron lantern. The lighthouse was accompanied by a two-story keeper's house.Due to deterioration the tower and keeper's house had to be replaced. Rebuilt in 1871, the tower now stands sixty feet high and has a spiral staircase of 69 steps which leads to an observation platform.In 1925 the light in the tower (a third-order Fresnel lens) was discontinued. It was replaced by a combination light and foghorn station which was built on the west breakwater pier head.

The museum houses a number of artifacts pertaining to life on the Great Lakes and other maritime exhibits. Attached to the museum is the former pilothouse from the Great Lakes carrier the "Frontenac". More info.......

Reference to other lighthouse web addresses:

• The Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association
• The United States Lighthouse Society
• Northeast Ohio Inter-Museum Council
• Links Page