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After years, for the most part, of being off limits to the general public, the Essex National Heritage Commission opened the Baker’s Island Lighthouse Station for tours. Baker’s Island Lighthouse is located on an island off the coast of Salem, Massachusetts.
Ever since Coast Guard personnel left the island after automation, access to the island has been prohibited, other than to people who own property on the island.
Last year when Essex Heritage was awarded ownership of the light station, under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act, they were informed that they could not use the island’s wharf to land people on the island for tours. The problem was solved with a landing craft boat that could take people and supplies to and from the island.
Almost immediately after taking ownership of Baker’s Island Lighthouse, Essex Heritage embarked on a crowdfunding web site to help them raise money to paint the tower. Visitors to the lighthouse are now able to see an historic light station that is in pristine condition.
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