Bontempi Secures $100K Grant for Huntington Lighthouse

By Niall Fitzgerald

The restoration project for the historic Huntington Lighthouse has received a significant boost thanks to a $100,000 grant secured by Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport).

"The Lighthouse is a historic gem and I am so happy to be able to help in its restoration," stated Stephanie Bontempi. "It is part of our community and maritime history."

The first Huntington lighthouse was built in 1857, and the current lighthouse was built in 1912.

Until 1949, the lighhouse was manned by a "Lightkeeper" and his family, who lived in the lighthouse until 1949. The family lived - in tight quarters - in the lighthouse during all seasons. The Lightkeeper's children used to board a rowboat to row into Huntington each morning - to go to school.

In 1949, the lighthouse was automated, so the navigation lights did not need to be manually set or manned.

The Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society is restoring the lighthouse, and hosts the annual MusicFest where bands play music from the top deck of the Lighthouse for thousands of boats and revelers on the nearby beaches.