DNRE seeking lighthouse keepers at Tawas Point Lighthouse

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is seeking volunteers during the 2011 season to spend a week or two at the Tawas Point Lighthouse as lighthouse keepers. This opportunity could lead to a unique vacation for those longing to turn back time to experience the quiet, slow-paced lifestyle of a Victorian-era lighthouse keeper. The chance to enjoy spectacular views and the unique lodging has enticed vacationers to seek out this experience during the first two years of the Lightkeeper program. During 2010, the entire summer season was booked by lighthouse keeper volunteers. ''The lighthouse has been in operation since 1876, it is one of only nine lighthouses on the Great Lakes with a working fresnel lens, and is still an active aid to navigation,'' said Chuck Allen, Tawas Point State Park supervisor. As a lighthouse keeper, volunteers would primarily be responsible for greeting guests, leading visitor tours, providing guests with historical information about the museum and the area, working in the museum's gift shop and performing light maintenance of the buildings and grounds. Volunteers will also be required to learn basic historical information about the lighthouse. The Tawas Point Lighthouse is located on the grounds of Tawas Point State Park, 686 Tawas Beach Rd., along the shores of Lake Huron in East Tawas. The Lightkeeper program is open to singles and couples 18 years and older, between March 4 and Dec. 23. Allen suggests that volunteers should be physically able to lead tours through the lighthouse and tower, perform housekeeping duties and light maintenance or lawn care. Volunteers can stay in the newly renovated lighthouse keeper's quarters for $250 per person, per week in exchange for their volunteer contribution. The living quarters include two bedrooms and a modern kitchen and bath. Dates and prices are effective through 2011. For more information about the Tawas Point Lighthouse, the Lightkeeper program, to read up on the lighthouse's rich maritime history, or to download an application, visit www.michigan. gov/tawaslighthouse, or call 989-362-5658 (TTY/TDD711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired). For more information about the park, accessibility or events, contact the park at 989-362-5041 or visit www.michigan.gov/tawaspoint. Published: Thu, Feb 24, 2011