Boston Light Property Offered to New Owners
The federal government is seeking new stewards for the historic site on Little Brewster Island.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in National Parks
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Following the 2023 retirement of Sally Snowman, the final official U.S. lighthouse keeper, the federal government has announced it is offering the Boston Light property to eligible organizations at no cost. The historic site, which includes the 1783 tower, is considered excess to the needs of the Department of Homeland Security and the Coast Guard.
Why it matters
The transfer process represents a significant shift for the site, which has been staffed for centuries despite the automation of its beacon in 1998. By opening the property to local governments or nonprofits, officials aim to ensure the preservation of the station on Little Brewster Island.
Located on Little Brewster Island, the property features a current tower structure built in 1783, standing 89 feet tall with an 11-foot-tall lens. The entire island spans 7 acres, with the initial lighthouse site dating back to 1716.
The players
Sally Snowman
She served as the keeper of Boston Light for 20 years and was the last individual to hold that official title in the United States.
U.S. Coast Guard
This federal agency remains responsible for the ongoing operation of the beacon and foghorn at the Boston Light site.
Department of Homeland Security
This cabinet department oversees the Coast Guard and has deemed the Boston Light property to be excess to its current needs.
The details
The U.S. Coast Guard will continue to maintain responsibility for the light and foghorn operations at the site regardless of the new ownership. Interested entities have until October 2 to submit their formal letters of interest to the government for consideration.
Timeline
The first lighthouse tower was lit on September 16, 1716.
Beacon operations were automated in 1998.
Sally Snowman retired as the final lighthouse keeper in 2023.
Federal officials announced the transfer offer in August 2026.
The deadline for letters of interest is October 2.
Travel Outlook
The transfer follows the standard federal process for the disposal of maritime assets like Boston Light, which has been utilized since the colonial era. This transition marks the end of a long-standing tradition of human keepers while ensuring that the site remains a protected historical landmark for future visitors.
Travelers should note that the Coast Guard retains operational control of the active light, meaning standard navigation safety protocols remain in effect. Prospective visitors interested in the site's future should monitor upcoming announcements regarding which local group is awarded the stewardship of Little Brewster Island.
The takeaway
The end of the lighthouse keeper era underscores a broader move toward technological automation in historic maritime preservation. Maintaining these sites now requires collaborative partnerships between federal agencies and public-interest organizations to sustain their legacy.
What happens next
Organizations interested in assuming control of the Boston Light site must finalize and submit their letters of interest to the federal government by the October 2 deadline.
Further reading
For more background on regional maritime heritage sites, visit the National Parks section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Economic Times.
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Should the federal government keep owning historic lighthouses instead of transferring them to local organizations?
