2000 Montauk Highway
Montauk, N.Y. 11954
Voice: 631-668-2544
Website: www.montauklighthouse.com
E-Mail: keeper@montauklighthouse.com

Welcome to the Montauk Point Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in New York State. The Lighthouse was authorized by the Second Congress, under President George Washington in 1792. Construction began on June 7, 1796 and was completed on November 5, 1796. This 100 foot tower has been part of Long Island's land and seascape for over 200 years and still serves as an active aid to navigation.

On display in the keepers parlor are Montauk Point Lighthouse drawings and photographs from 1791 to 1939.

The Head Keepers bedroom was used from 1860 to 1947. Today it is used to display four models of the Montauk Point Lighthouse and its terrain. They depict the structural changes that occurred between 1796 and 1943. They also show the devastating effects of erosion on the bluff known as Turtle Hill. This room has been dedicated in honor of Giorgina Reid. Mrs. Reid initiated the "Erosion Control" program at the Lighthouse in 1970. Driving from Jackson Heights, N.Y. each week for more than twenty years, Giorgina and Donald Reid successfully fought off erosion with her patented method of reed-trench terracing.

The central hallway was first built in 1860 and later enlarged. It connects the Keepers Dwelling to the oil room and tower. On display is a one-of-a-kind museum exhibit, "Lighthouses Surrounding Long Island". The model, 15' long and 4' wide, depicts 28 light stations from Manhattan to Point Judith, Rhode Island.

Once used to store cisterns of oil and supplies for the lighthouse, this is the location of the only entrance and exit to the tower. On display is the original 3 1/2 Order Fresnel Bivalve Lens. The lens was placed into service in 1903 and removed on February 3, 1987.