On Sunday, July 20, 2025, family members, friends, and acquaintances gathered by the hundreds to honor the extraordinary life of George Harrington McEvoy. This kind, loving, and generous man was a visionary, philanthropist, and true guardian of maritime history. His grand visions, passion, and unending support left an indelible mark on his cherished hometown of Boothbay Harbor, Maine, and well beyond.  

A lover of all things historic, George saved and restored antique vehicles and vessels (Nellie G. and Sherman Zwicker), the Freeport Train Station (home of The Railway Village Museum), and the Ram Island Light Station. Through his nonprofit Grand Banks Schooner Museum Foundation, he created the Ram Island Preservation Trust – a conduit that saved an important piece of our nation’s maritime history for future generations. 

I met this fellow lighthouse keeper in 1998 while working as a civil servant, preparing the State of Maine’s application for ownership of the Burnt Island Light Station. What I didn’t realize then was that George wasn’t only a few steps ahead of me, and all other lighthouse property applicants, he was already a leading, lighthouse preservationist. Back in 1983, he had signed a lease agreement between his nonprofit organization and the United States Coast Guard (USCG).   

The visionary efforts exhibited by Ram Island’s new steward not only saved the keeper’s dwelling, but paved the way for two groundbreaking federal lighthouse preservation laws. The congressional act known as the “Maine Lights Program” transferred 28 lighthouses to new owners in 1998, and the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000 has thus far transferred more than 150 properties. 

Years later, I shared with George that I had never stepped inside the buildings on Ram Island. True to his generous spirit, he took action and arranged for us to spend the day exploring the island and sharing stories related to lighthouse preservation. Known to be one of the best storytellers in the Boothbay region, I took advantage of the moment and recorded the account of how he saved Ram Island’s buildings by having a federal demolition order reversed.  

As George told it: “In the spring of 1983, I was on a Coast Guard vessel and asked a seaman if I could visit the bridge. I was told yes, but to keep quiet as Admiral Bauman of the First Coast Guard District in Boston was on the phone and valued his privacy. A short while later, he joined me on the deck and before we even got to Portland, we were best buddies.” 

The conversation continued and McEvoy related, “We had our elbows on the rail looking off the port side while crossing the mouth of the Kennebec River, when I said, it’s a shame that you burned down that keeper’s house on Pond Island.” Rear Admiral Bauman responded, “Oh God, I hated to do it but orders are orders and next month we are headed to Ram Island to burn that down.” George, never one to sit idly by asked: “Really? How can I stop that?” Well, the rest, as they say, is history! 

Thanks to George’s passion, spirit, and leadership, Ram Island’s once dilapidated dwelling and outbuildings were stabilized and restored to historical accuracy. Under his watch, he rebuilt the 214-foot walkway between the lighthouse and land. His commitment not only provided safe access for Coast Guard personnel servicing the aids to navigation (light and foghorn), but created a vision of the past for mariners and visitors to enjoy.  

Sadly, the access bridge lasted only 22 years before being destroyed by the fierce January storms of 2024, when a combination of strong winds, heavy precipitation, and high tides created damaging conditions along the entire coast of Maine. Besides being an infrastructural loss, it was an emotional loss for the members of the Ram Island Preservation Trust and the hundreds of people who supported and cherished this iconic beacon.  

As fate would have it, the memory of the walkway lives on thanks to the McEvoy Foundation’s generous support of nighttime photography captured before the storms swept it away. In connection with the U.S. Lighthouse Society’s initiative called “USA Stars and Lights,” photographer David Zapatka travels across country to document America’s operational lighthouses under the Milky Way. Zapatka described his solitary October night on Ram Island as “magical.” One of his stunning images was featured in the memorial service’s commemorative exhibit of photos, models, hats, and treasured memorabilia.  

Honoring George Harrington McEvoy was a heartfelt celebration of a life well-lived. His beloved daughters, Elizabeth M. Henderson, Sarah M. Hodgdon, and Kate M. Rice, shared personal reflections of their father. Childhood companions and longtime friends added treasured memories of his spirited nature and unwavering love for his hometown. Together, their stories covered the life and times of a man “larger than life,” who will be long remembered. 

The final tribute, delivered by his devoted wife Nancy, was met with a long-lasting standing ovation. She recalled George’s words from a past memorial service when he leaned over and whispered, “Shouldn’t we all be clapping to honor the difference this person made to society?” And so, with those words, the crowd rose and clapped loud and long for George Harrington McEvoy – a remarkable man who truly impacted the lives of so many in the Boothbay Harbor region and touched lives around the world.  

The McEvoy family remains steadfast in their commitment to honoring George’s enduring legacy at Ram Island. They will continue to preserve and maintain the light station while sharing the stories of its past with the public. In the spirit of George’s stewardship, they will safeguard this treasured symbol of Maine’s maritime heritage.

Farewell, dear George - your legacy will shine on as steady and true as the Ram Island Light. Thank you for your kindness, your stories, your courage, and your love of people and historic places. Fair winds and following seas, my friend - until we meet again!