As the iconic lighthouse inches closer to its bicentennial celebration in 2021, the non-profit organization, Keepers of Burnt Island Light, continue its mission to assist the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) in the restoration, preservation, and maintenance of Burnt Island and its historic buildings.

Under the direction of DMR’s education director Elaine Jones and Keepers of Burnt Island Light’s Jean McKay, the popular island in Southport is a short boat ride away from Boothbay Harbor. It requires upkeep and maintenance beyond the normal scope of an average museum. Given the location and exposure to the ocean, repairs are needed and a necessary evil as the site ages.

“These are things that people don’t see from afar, a coat of paint can hide a lot,” said Jones. “The structure is in need of desperate work.”

The organization has identified a few areas of major concern. The lighthouse itself needs to be completely restored inside and out and the keeper’s dwelling also needs significant exterior work. Although a new roof and chimney have been installed on the house, limited funds have meant neglecting the rotting pine clapboards — held together by paint and wood filler — and the foundation which lacks mortar between its blocks.

In order to correct the problems the following will need to happen: new siding, historically correct windows, and the re-pointing of the foundation. While the lighthouse may look picturesque from a distance, looks can be deceiving, said Jones. The mortar has begun to crumble and the lantern room, spiral stairs, and astragals that hold the red glass in place have rusted. Both Jones and McKay said the repairs are non-negotiable and need to happen right away with an estimate that isn’t cheap and has been pegged at $190,000. The work would not interfere with the short summer season and would be completed piecemeal in the spring and fall.

In addition, the Keepers of Burnt Island Light hope to raise $45,000 for a solar power system to serve as the permanent power source for the island. The Coast Guard solarized both the lighthouse and foghorn but the submarine cable — the only power conduit — may be reaching the end of its life span.

While Portland Head Light is considered the state’s oldest lighthouse, Maine was part of Massachusetts when it was built, plus it has changed in height over the years.

“Burnt Island is Maine’s oldest ‘original’ lighthouse and is the same structure that existed 195 years ago,” said McKay.

On Nov. 9, 1821, Keeper Joshua B. Cushing lit up thelighthouse for the very first time. Like with most lighthouses in America, automation took away the last lighthouse keeper in 1988.

The lighthouse, one of 28 lighthouses along the coast of Maine offered for transfer through the Maine Lights Program, was acquired by the DMR in 1998 through the leadership of Jones. Tours of the island began in 2003 and include an educational program with actors playing a historically accurate narrative of a family who might have lived and toiled on the island. The living history lesson has become a major destination point for visitors in the summer.

The island is owned by the DMR. The Keepers of Burnt Island Light organization offers educational programs on the island on Mondays and Thursdays during July and August. Boat trips to the island are offered through Balmy Days Cruises at Pier 8 in Boothbay Harbor. The first trip is July 7 at 1:45 p.m.

“Our total fundraising goal is $250,000,” including $200,000 for the restoration and $50,000 for the solarization, said Jones. “With this we can properly return the island to her glory.”

The nonprofit continues to seek volunteers to assist in the island gift shop, to serve as interpreters, to help paint and repair the buildings, and to assist with trail maintenance.

For more information or to donate, please contact the Keepers of Burnt Island Light, P.O. Box 738, Boothbay Harbor, Maine 04538, or visit www.keepersofburntislandlight.com.