National Lighthouse Museum

The National Lighthouse Museum is a maritime museum on Staten Island dedicated to the history of lighthouses and seafaring. Its collection features navigation equipment, lighthouse technology, and artifacts that show how ships were guided safely along the coasts.

The building dates to 1912 and was originally a foundry for the United States Lighthouse Service, which operated as a national depot from 1864 to 1939. This site was central to supplying and supporting lighthouses across the entire country.

The displays tell stories about the lives and daily work of lighthouse keepers and their essential role in protecting ships at sea. Visitors learn how these people contributed to American maritime safety and what their responsibilities meant for navigation along the coasts.

The museum sits near the St. George Ferry Terminal, making it easy to find. Visitors can join guided tours, take lighthouse boat trips from May through October, or attend monthly talks about maritime history.

The museum sits on the site of a former major supply center that equipped lighthouses across the entire nation. Few visitors realize this location was once the heart of how America's lighthouses were maintained and supported.

GPS coordinates: 40.64071,-74.07499

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:24