Are There Still Lighthouse Keepers In Ireland? Preserving A Maritime Tradition

The role of lighthouse keeper in Ireland came to an end on March 24, 1997, marking the conclusion of a two-century-long tradition. The Baily Lighthouse, which had faithfully guided ships across the Irish Sea for 183 years, saw its last keeper on this historic day. On that date, the lighthouse was automated, signifying a significant technological advancement in maritime safety. This event marked the end of an era, as lighthouse keepers had played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of sailors and ships navigating the Irish coastline for generations.

Is there a current presence of active lighthouse keepers in the United States and Canada? In 2022, the Coast Guard provided some insight into this matter, revealing that there are indeed individuals fulfilling the role of lighthouse keepers in the present day. Nationwide, a total of 90 individuals are employed in this capacity, and they are all considered federal government employees. Notably, a majority of these keepers, specifically 54 of them, are stationed in British Columbia, Canada. In the United States, the era of civilian lighthouse keepers effectively came to an end with the passing of Frank Schubert in 2003. This information helps shed light on the current status of lighthouse keepers as of August 4, 2023.

Are there still lighthouse keepers in the United States today? Most lighthouses in the United States have transitioned to automation, meaning they no longer require human keepers for operation. However, there is one notable exception to this trend, the Boston Light, which is situated in the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. In 1989, a law was enacted mandating that the Boston Light must continue to have a human keeper on-site. As a result of this legislation, a lighthouse keeper continues to reside and work at the Boston Light to this day, ensuring its continued operation and maintenance as of September 16, 2019. This unique case stands as a testament to the enduring tradition of lighthouse keeping in the United States, even in the face of automation.