Friends of the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses Announce National Lighthouse Day Celebration

Friends of the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses Announce National Lighthouse Day Celebration with Aug. 7 Event and Capital Campaign Kickoff

The Friends of the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses have announced an upcoming celebration in recognition of National Lighthouse Day on August 7, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Coast Guard Station Portsmouth Harbor in New Castle, N.H. The event will mark the official kickoff of a capital campaign to raise $100,000 over the next 12 months to fund critical repairs to the historic Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses including the pathway for public access at the U.S. Coast Guard location.

“This year we’re celebrating National Lighthouse Day by bringing awareness to our beautiful lighthouses in the Portsmouth Harbor and addressing the urgent need for funding to help rebuild a new pathway at the New Castle location, crucial for public access,” said Michelle Shaw, Chairperson of the Chapter Leadership Committee of Friends of the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses. “We invite the community to join us in this effort to save, honor and celebrate our lighthouses.”

Since 2023, severe storms have caused significant damage to the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse’s pedestrian footbridge, resulting in its closure to the public. As no government funding is currently available for repairs, the Friends of the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses, a chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation, is rallying community support to restore safe access to this cherished maritime landmark.

Lighthouse Credit Union has stepped forward as the first donor, launching the campaign with a generous $5,000 contribution. Its support underscores the importance of preserving local heritage and ensuring public accessibility to these iconic New England lighthouses.

“National Lighthouse Day” Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, August 7, 2025
• Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
• Location: Coast Guard Station Portsmouth Harbor, 25 Wentworth Road, New Castle, NH
• Tickets: $25 per person and includes picnic-style sandwiches, side dishes, non-alcoholic beverages, historical presentations, a silent auction, and the debut of the “Save Our Lighthouse” t-shirt.

All proceeds from the event, silent auction, and merchandise sales will go toward fundraising, with the goal of reopening the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse to the public as soon as repairs can be completed.

To purchase tickets or make a donation, please visit www.portsmouthharborlighthouse.org.