Presque Isle Township Museum Society

Presque Isle Township Museum Society We tell the story of the 1840 and 1870 lighthouses, Presque Isle Township's rich maritime history, a

Looking for expert fishing advice or a beautiful slice of local history, stop by the 1905 Keeper's House Museum to see t...
06/06/2026

Looking for expert fishing advice or a beautiful slice of local history, stop by the 1905 Keeper's House Museum to see this 1945 hand-drawn map of Grand Lake and the surrounding area.

We are incredibly grateful to Cincinnati resident Brandon Cordes for his generous donation of this fascinating piece of local history: created by his grandfather, Walter W. Cordes, in 1945!

From the 1920s through the 1950s, the Cordes family were fixtures of the Presque Isle community, building a family cottage on Grand Lake near the area locally known as “the dip.” Walter Cordes wasn't just a community member; he was an avid fisherman who knew these waters like the back of his hand. His 1945 map is an absolute masterclass in local lore, featuring:
• Expert Fishing Tips: Detailed instructions on the best trolling spots for black bass, pickerel, northern pike, and yellow perch.
• Insider Secrets: Preferred bait selections and the most productive areas for casting or still fishing.
• Practical Guideposts: Notes on the best swimming beaches, scenic walking paths, and even a heads-up on where the local porcupines liked to hang out!

Brandon remembered his grandfather as a man of incredible talents. Walter was:
• A WWI bomber pilot who served in Italy and France, earning the prestigious French Croix de Guerre for distinguished service.
• A talented musician and artist.
• A skilled architect who designed many notable buildings in Cincinnati, as well as our very own Grand Lake Chapel!

We are deeply honored to preserve this colorful record of the Cordes family legacy and the vibrant history of Grand Lake.

Visit the Walter W. Cordes Archive at https://www.presqueislelighthouses.org/lighthouses/walter-w-cordes-archive

What a PERFECT day at the Lighthouses!You couldn't ask for better conditions—blue skies, crystal blue water, and absolut...
05/29/2026

What a PERFECT day at the Lighthouses!

You couldn't ask for better conditions—blue skies, crystal blue water, and absolutely gorgeous weather! Today, we had the pleasure of hosting two amazing groups-

20 awesome students from Sanborn Elementary, along with their wonderful teachers and chaperones AND a beautiful family of 21 from Ohio and Pennsylvania, celebrating their matriarch’s 60th birthday with an epic road trip to our little corner of the world!

The Sanborn students have been diving deep into our Michigan Lighthouse History Lesson Plans. After wrapping up 9 classroom lessons using our educational travel bins, they brought their learning to life today! They tackled 4 hands-on activity stations at the New Lighthouse, including the ultimate highlight—a climb to the very top of the tower!

🙌 A HUGE thank you to ALL of our incredible volunteers! Your hard work made today an unforgettable experience for these kids. We couldn't do it without you!

Lesson Plans: https://www.presqueislelighthouses.org/books-and-more/3rd-grade-lesson-plans

📸 CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS! 📸It’s time to dust off your lenses, chase the perfect light, and capture the magic of Presq...
05/22/2026

📸 CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS! 📸
It’s time to dust off your lenses, chase the perfect light, and capture the magic of Presque Isle, MI! The Presque Isle Lighthouses Annual Photo Contest is officially OPEN!

Whether you’re a seasoned pro, an amateur hobbyist, or just happened to snap the perfect smartphone shot while visiting, we want to see your best work.
🗓️ Contest Dates
• Starts: May 22
• Ends: September 7

🏆 Two Divisions to Enter
You can submit your stunning shots in two distinct categories:
• New Lighthouse Division
• Old Lighthouse Division

Show us how you see these historic landmarks—whether it's framed by a glorious sunrise, wrapped in morning fog, or capturing a unique architectural angle.

Winners will receive bragging rights, feature spots on our page, and 1st place juried winners in both Divisions will receive a print of their winning photo. graciously donated by B. B. Wolf - Fine Art Photography. Thank you, Bev Wolf!

📲 How to Enter:
Ready to share your masterpiece? Click the link below to view the official rules, submission guidelines, and submit your photos!
👉 https://www.presqueislelighthouses.org

Tag your favorite photography buddies in the comments below and let the friendly competition begin! Good luck! 👇

Quick reminder- if you want to hear about new projects we are planning for this year, or if you may be interested in vol...
05/16/2026

Quick reminder- if you want to hear about new projects we are planning for this year, or if you may be interested in volunteering with the Museum Society, join us tomorrow (Saturday, May 16) from 10 - 11 am in the Banner Room at the Grand Lake Library.

We are looking for folks to work two 2.5 hr. shifts a month from Memorial Day to Labor Day (you pick the shifts that work for you) as greeters in the 1905 Keeper’s House Museum. It is a great opportunity to meet visitors from around the world and share your L❤VE of Presque Isle and our lighthouses.

If you can't make it tomorrow- please email Joni Rogers at [email protected] or leave Joni a message at 989.787.0814.
https://www.presqueislelighthouses.org

Happy Birthday to the man who saved a thousand ships!If you’re a fan of lighthouses, you’ve heard of a Fresnel Lens. Bor...
05/11/2026

Happy Birthday to the man who saved a thousand ships!

If you’re a fan of lighthouses, you’ve heard of a Fresnel Lens. Born on this day in 1788, Augustin Jean Fresnel, invented the catadioptric (reflective/refractive) Fresnel lens and pioneered the use of "stepped" lenses to extend the visibility of lighthouses.

Over the years, the lantern room at Presque Isle’s New Lighthouse has housed three distinct Fresnel lenses: the original 3rd Order “beehive” lens from 1870 to 2003, 8 acrylic Fresnel lens panels in the VRB-25 Beacon from 2003 to 2022, and an acrylic 360° (cylindrical) Fresnel lens in the VLB-44 Beacon that is currently installed.

New Presque Isle Lighthouse 3rd Order Fresnel Lens Facts
Installed: 1870
Removed: 2003
Fabricated in France
Focal length: 19.69” (500 mm)
Height: 62” (1.58 m)
Weight 1,965 pounds (891.31 kg)
In 2012, after being restored it was placed on display in the entrance of the 1870 Keeper's House.

This Mother’s Day, we look back at the life of Mary Garrity, born in County Mayo, Ireland, on this day in 1830, matriarc...
05/10/2026

This Mother’s Day, we look back at the life of Mary Garrity, born in County Mayo, Ireland, on this day in 1830, matriarch of the Presque Isle Lights. For ten years (1872-1882), Mary officially stood watch and was paid $400 a year as Assistant Keeper of the New Lighthouse, but her unofficial duties were even greater. As a mother of seven, she raised a generation of lighthouse keepers who would go on to guard the shores of the Great Lakes just as she did.

Beyond the lantern room, Mary was celebrated for her kindness. Her 1912 obituary in The Alpena News reminded the community that no one—friend or shipwrecked stranger—was ever turned away hungry. Today, we honor the woman whose light shone just as brightly inside her home as it did from the tower. 💐🌷

From the storied bricks of the Old Lighthouse to the towering New Light and the 1905 Keeper’s House, Presque Isle stands...
05/06/2026

From the storied bricks of the Old Lighthouse to the towering New Light and the 1905 Keeper’s House, Presque Isle stands as a crown jewel of Great Lakes maritime history. We are seeking volunteers to serve as greeters at the 1905 Keeper’s House Museum for the May–September season. No expert knowledge is required—just a love for lighthouses and a friendly personality!

Volunteering offers a perfect, meaningful way to connect with neighbors while giving back to the community. The team welcomes everyone, whether you are a lifelong resident or just here for the summer. You are invited to join the effort in preserving and sharing the incredible maritime stories of Presque Isle. Volunteers choose the shifts and days that work best for them and training is provided.

To join our team at the 1905 Keeper's House, reach out to Joni Rogers at [email protected] or leave her a message at 989.787.0814. You can also sign up for more information directly at www.presqueislelighthouses.org.

We will be holding a volunteer information meeting on Saturday, May 16 @ 10:00 am at the Grand Lake Library- Banner Room. Come learn about the many ways you can help keep our maritime history alive!

For the sailors and the history buffs out there- you may enjoy this new content on our website.The United States Lake Su...
05/04/2026

For the sailors and the history buffs out there- you may enjoy this new content on our website.

The United States Lake Survey (USLS) began on March 31, 1841. Both Orlando M. Poe, who designed the New Presque Isle Lighthouse and the Poe Lock, and Patrick Garrity, Sr., who served as Keeper at both the Old and New Presque Isle Lighthouses starting in 1861, worked for the USLS.

On the 1858 "Harbors of Refuge Presqu’ile, False Presqu’ile and Middle Island, Lake Huron" chart the notation reads “Triangulation and Astronomical observations by Lieut. O.M. Poe Top. Engrs. assisted by Wm. Noble.” Of course, the New PI Lighthouse had not been built yet, so the Old Lighthouse is simply labeled Lighthouse. The 1894 Chart labels the Old PI Lighthouse as “Abandoned Lighthouse” and the New PI Lighthouse as “Presqu'Ile Light & Fog Whistle”.

Visit our website, https://www.presqueislelighthouses.org/lighthouses/historical-nautical-charts to view charts of Presque Isle Harbor, Presque Isle Lighthouses and the surrounding area from 1858, 1894, 1905, 1910, 1919, 1925, 1943, and 1976.

The charts are courtesy of the NOAA Office of Coast Survey's Historical Map & Chart Collection. The collection covers the land and waters of the United States of America, including territories and possessions (past and present).

Huge shoutout to the incredible team of volunteers who tackled the 1905 House spring cleaning yesterday! 🙌🧹 We are so lu...
05/03/2026

Huge shoutout to the incredible team of volunteers who tackled the 1905 House spring cleaning yesterday! 🙌🧹 We are so lucky to have a community that rolls up their sleeves to keep our history shining. We couldn’t have asked for a better crew!

Thank you, Mike Thomas, Eugene and Terry Cambre, Nancy Boerger, John Poch, Joni Rogers, Christian Kleber, Nancy Guregian, Stephen Kramer, Kirsten Amussen, Dick Lefevre, and Mark Rutenbar! You are the best volunteers, and we appreciate your hard work!

We have many volunteer opportunities- we will be holding a volunteer information meeting on Saturday, May 16 @ 10:00 am at the Grand Lake Library- Banner Room. Come learn about the many ways you can help. https://www.presqueislelighthouses.org

Address

4500 E Grand Lake Road
Presque Isle, MI
49777

Telephone

(989) 787-0814

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Presque Isle Township Museum Society posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Presque Isle Township Museum Society:

Shortcuts

Share