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By Debbi Spiegel Published: August 06 2013

Honor the beacons of light that symbolize safety and security for boats at sea.

Long Island is home to over 25 New York lighthouses, each with a history and story of its own. According to the American Lighthouse Foundation, "It was on this day in 1789, that Congress approved an Act for the establishment and support of lighthouse, beacons, buoys and public piers." Congress also passed a resolution designating August 7th, 1989, as National Lighthouse Day. This recognition has encouraged communities and citizens groups to dedicate themselves to the preservation of these historic structures. As part of the anniversary, lighthouses, where feasible, are open to the public. It is in the spirit of public access that park staff and volunteers invite the public to explore the grounds with celebrations.

Throughout history lighthouses have not only played an important role in the safety of sea going vessels, but they have served as inspiration for hundreds of artists and collectors alike. Over the years, lighthouses have saved many ships, and an untold number of lives. Lighthouses were once widely used as an aid to navigation for ship pilots through dangerous coastlines, reefs, or as beacons towards safe harbor entrances; however, due to maintenance costs and advanced navigational technology many are no longer operational.

Take the time to honor the beacons of light at these local lighthouses.

Fire Island Lighthouse

Robert Moses State Park Field 5, Fire Island (631) 661-4876

From 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. take a guided tour around the 1858 lighthouse. Robert Moses State Park Field 5, Fire Island (631) 661-4876From 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. take a guided tour around the 1858 lighthouse.

Montauk Point Lighthouse

2000 Montauk Highway, Montauk (888) MTK-POINT

Tour the oldest lighthoue in New York from 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 2000 Montauk Highway, Montauk (888) MTK-POINTTour the oldest lighthoue in New York from 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Cedar Point Lighthouse

Cedar Point County Park, East Hampton (631) 207-4331

This lighthouse was built to guide ships in Sag Harbor. Cedar Point County Park, East Hampton (631) 207-4331This lighthouse was built to guide ships in Sag Harbor.

Execution Rocks Lighthouse

347 Main Street, Port Washington (215) 906-5103

The next tower climb will take place on Sunday, August 11th. 347 Main Street, Port Washington (215) 906-5103The next tower climb will take place on Sunday, August 11th.

Horton Point Lighthouse

Lighthouse Road, Southold (631) 765-5500

Tours are offered on weekends from 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Lighthouse Road, Southold (631) 765-5500Tours are offered on weekends from 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Huntington Harbor Lighthouse

324 W Shore Road, Huntington (631) 421-1985

This lighthouse is celebrating 101 years of light. Tours are offered from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. weather permitting. 324 W Shore Road, Huntington (631) 421-1985This lighthouse is celebrating 101 years of light. Tours are offered from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. weather permitting.

Latimer Reef Lighthouse

Fisher's Island, (631) 207-4331

Located on border between New York and Connecticut, it is best viewed by boat. Fisher's Island, (631) 207-4331Located on border between New York and Connecticut, it is best viewed by boat.

Plum Island Lighthouse

West Side of Plum Island, Plum Island (631) 207-4331

This lighthouse is not opened to the public. West Side of Plum Island, Plum Island (631) 207-4331This lighthouse is not opened to the public.

Peconic Star Fleet

103 Third Street, Greenport (631) 875-2631

Tour Southold's 11 lighthouses with Captain Dave. 103 Third Street, Greenport (631) 875-2631Tour Southold's 11 lighthouses with Captain Dave.

Race Rock Lighthouse

West End of Fisher's Island, Fisher's Island (631) 207-4331

The lighthouse is believed by some to be haunted and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. West End of Fisher's Island, Fisher's Island (631) 207-4331The lighthouse is believed by some to be haunted and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.



Do you have a great photo of one of Long Island's iconic lighthouses? Be sure to email it to photos@longisland.com to be included in our gallery!

[Source: American Lighthouse Foundation]

Photo Credit: Jaimie from Freeport