Southport Light Station Museum


Focus of Kenosha's New Lighthouse and Maritime Heritage Museum

Kenosha's newest museum, the Southport Light Station Museum, consists of the 1866 Southport lighthouse and the 1867 Lighthouse Keeper's residence. The lighthouse tower, former lightkeeper's residence and surrounding grounds represent the fourth gallery space of the Kenosha History Center. The Kenosha History Center, located just below the hill from the Light Station, leases the buildings and grounds from the City of Kenosha. The Kenosha History Center undertook restoraton of the Keeper's residence in order to preserve the history of local light keepers and Kenosha's fishing and shipping heritage. The lighthouse was previously restored and is open weekends from May through October each year. Click here for times and dates the tower will be open in 2010. The Lighthouse Keeper's Dwelling has been being restored since 2001 and has recently been completed, pending installation of new exhibits in Spring, 2010.

The first floor and exterior of the Lighthouse Keeper's Dwelling has been restored to a 1908 time period. The 1908 time period was chosen since several building additions were in existence by that period and historic photos from this period substantiated details necessary to carry out the building's restoration. The interior space is now awaiting installation of wall panels and exhibits set to be installed later this Spring. The museum will open to the general public on May 15, 2010. Click here to learn more about the restoration.



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