>> Click to enlarge << Portland Head Lighthouse under wraps. Photo by: Debra Baldwin

The world famous Portland Head Lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth, Maine got itself a $65,000 makeover this past May and June.

>> Click to enlarge << Igor “Iggy” Jesjunins chips away at old paint on ... Photo by: Debra Baldwin

The general contractor for the project was CertaPro with the actual painting being done by Maine House Painters. According to sub-contractor Liam Noble, the project included removing old loose paint by scrapping, chipping, and water pressure spraying. In addition to painting the tower, the keeper’s house was also given a fresh coat of paint. The last time the tower and house was painted was eight years ago.

>> Click to enlarge << A lone seagull stops by to perch in the chimney ... Photo by: Debra Baldwin

Dating back to 1791, the Portland Head Lighthouse was the first lighthouse to be completed by the government of the United States of America. Today it is one of the most visited, photographed, and recognizable lighthouses in the world.

Owned by the Town of Cape Elizabeth, the lighthouse is operated as The Museum at Portland Head Light and the grounds are open to the public, but there is an admission charge to the museum. The beautifully maintained light station is located within the boundary of the 90-acre Fort Williams Park where you can also explore the remnants of the old fort. There is also a well- stocked gift shop next to the lighthouse.