Accomplishments
Accomplishments
The Thunder Bay Island Lighthouse Preservation Society is a vital part of the local community. This all-volunteer organization has been instrumental in repairing the Thunder Bay Island Lighthouse and its attendant buildings to preserve them for future generations. The following are just some of the Society’s accomplishments over the last 27 years.
1996-2006:
In 1996, local citizens formed the IRS 501c3, non-profit organization- Thunder Bay Island Preservation Society. Develop a 5-year plan for island maintenance and present it to US Coast Guard and MI SHPO for approval.
1997, received a 10-year lease from the USCG to maintain the island as a historic maritime site, the lease would later be extended long-term. Began a collaboration with Alpena Township to apply for a MI-DEQ, “Clean Water Initiative Grant” for tower repairs. Grant approval was received in 2003, and engineering assessment for needed repairs was completed. In 2005, repairs to the tower were completed. Began the application process for “Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program Grant” for Keeper’s Quarters standing seam roof replacement. In 2006, a grant was received, and the roof project was completed.
2007-2010:
In 2007 prepared a scope of work on interior bedroom restoration, to be called “the Rehkopf Room”. Work approval was granted by SHPO, and interior work began. 2008 a fundraising partnership began between TBIPS, Alpena County Library, and Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The fine art calendar project is successful and an endowment fund is established for TBIPS. Formed a management agreement with Alpena Township, and applied for ownership of the southern 43.08 acres of Thunder Bay Island.
2014
Completed the transfer of the southern 43.08 acres of the island to Alpena Township, with TBIPS as their property managers.
2015
Received a grant from the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan for black wrought iron sign posts on which to install the beautiful sign presented by the US Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, during the transfer ceremony.
2018
Received a grant from the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan for black wrought iron sign posts on which to install the beautiful sign presented by the US Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, during the transfer ceremony.
Fog Signal Roof Replacement
Before
After
2019
Fog signal roof completed. Applied for 3 grants to restore and paint Lantern Room on light tower.
2020
Received grants from US Lighthouse Service, Besser Foundation, and Community Foundation to replace Lantern Room windows and strip and paint top of tower. Work on the lantern room is completed in August 2020. Application for remaining island property is submitted by Charter Township of Alpena.
2021
2022
Bureau of Land Management contracts for the removal of hazardous boathouse, project is completed to proceed toward remaining property transfer.
2023
Work is underway to strip and repaint the soffit, fascia, second story windows on the Keeper’s Quarters.
