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January

Sunday
1

New Years Day Hike & Lighthouse Tower Tour
Meet at the Robert Moses State Park Field #5 at 10 am. Join us for a NPS Ranger led walk around the western end of the National Seashore. Learn about how the beach reacts to erosion and how the flora and fauna interact with the winter weather. Bring binoculars if you have them. No fee for the walk. Regular fee for the Tower Tour applies. Reservations required.

Sunday
8

Evening Tower Tour
Experience the sunset from a new perspective. View the night sky from the top of the Lighthouse. 4:15 pm - $20 per Person Reservations Required. Sunset 4:42 pm and Moonrise 4:24 pm.

Saturday 14 Light Keepers Behind the Scenes Tour
9 am – Follow one of our present day Lighthouse Keepers on his rounds.  This bottom to top tour takes you from the auxiliary generator and the Light Keepers workshop in the basement of the Keeper’s Quarters to the beacon in the lantern room of the lighthouse tower. Learn how lighthouse Keepers in the 1860’s to 2012 maintained the light.  Includes a tour of the new Lens Building which houses our original first order Fresnel Lens.  $20 per person – Reservations required. Limit 12 people.
Sunday 15

Lecture series
2 pm- In the Lens Building
Presentation by USCG Auxiliary Bill Nelson.  The history of the Life Saving Service.  Followed by a tour of the Fire Island Light Station compound. 

Sunday
29

Lecture series

  2 pm- In the Lens Building

Stony Brook University Professor Frank Turano presents his pictorial history of Fire Island 1850-1950

February  

Saturday
11

“Lighthouses are for Lovers”
                                    4-6 pm - Come enjoy the sunset with your “someone special”.  Climb the Tower and enjoy “Light” refreshments served at sunset on the terrace.   Reservations suggested.  A free flower and chocolates will be given out to couples with reservations.  Meet in the new Lens Building.  $40 per couple.

Sunday
12

Lecture series
2 pm- In the Lens Building
Retired NPS Chief Ranger Jay Lippert will display his hand made half ship models.  He will be on hand to discuss the process of carving. 

Sunday

18

Fire Island National Seashore’s Great Backyard Bird Count
10 am – noon at the Fire Island Lighthouse
11 am – 1 pm at the Wilderness Visitor Center, Smithpoint
Help us contribute to this year’s Great Backyard Bird Count, an annual bird tally conducted across the U.S. and Canada.  After a brief introduction to winter birds on Fire Island, we’ll visit maritime habitats from ocean to bay looking for our feathered friends.  Our bird count will help scientists tell the story of winter birds here on Fire Island and elsewhere along their migratory routes.  A Great Backyard Bird Count will also be taken place at the William Floyd Estate today, check www.nps.gov/fiis for more details.  Bring binoculars and dress for the weather.

Monday-Friday 20-24 Celebrate Presidents Week at the Fire Island Lighthouse
Friday 
Looking for something to do with the kids?  Come visit us!  Reduced Tower Tour fees for children under 12 years old (must be 42 inches tall to climb). Special activity stations and scavenger hunt for children.  Come visit our new addition-The Fire Island Light Station Fresnel Lens Building, which houses our original First Order Fresnel Lens.
Special Features-In the Lens Building
Tuesday, 11 am- Origami
Wednesday, 11am - author Vivian Farrell will do a dramatic presentation on her book, “Roberts Tall Friend”.
Friday, 11 am -“Light” magic!
Sunday
26

Lecture series
2 pm- In the Lens Building

In her presentation, author Cheryl Dunbar Kahlke will share some of the personal recollections of those in her book, Reminiscing About Ocean Beach and Fire Island.  All took place during the winters on Fire Island, in a bygone era and way of life, from the 1920s to the early 1940s.  She will recount these episodes in their words, idioms, and vernacular, and will include their own vintage photographs, which also enhance her book.  Her book will also be available for purchase and signing

March

Saturday
10

Light Keepers Behind the Scenes Tour

9 am – Follow one of our present day Lighthouse Keepers on his rounds.  This bottom to top tour takes you from the auxiliary generator and the Light Keepers workshop in the basement of the Keeper’s Quarters to the beacon in the lantern room of the lighthouse tower. Learn how lighthouse Keepers in the 1860’s to 2012 maintained the light.  Includes a tour of the new Lens Building which houses our original first order Fresnel Lens.  $20 per person – Reservations required. Limit 12 people
Saturday
10

Junior Ranger Night Sky Program
6 pm- Become a Junior Ranger Night Explorer.  Learn all about the Moon, Solar System and Star Constellations.  For ages 8 to 12.  NPS Ranger led program-Free.  Reservations required.

Sunday 11

Lecture series
2 pm- In the Lens Building

Book signing and presentation by Jack Whitehouse author of “13 Legends of Fire Island” and “Fire Island Heros
Saturday 17 Early Morning Tower Tour
6:30 am— Come enjoy the scenery from the top of the tower as the sunrises. Tour includes a “light” breakfast and souvenir mug- $25per person.  Reservations required.  Sunrise 7:02 am.
Tuesday 20

Evening Tower Tour
6:15 pm – Celebrate the beginning of Spring, the Vernal Equinox.  View the night sky from the top of the Lighthouse.  - $20 per person, Reservations Required.  Sunset 7:05 pm.

Sunday
25

Lecture series
2 pm- In the Lens Building
“A Master Mariner Remembers Pre-GPS Navigation”.    Retired ship captain and lighthouse volunteer Harold Stumme presents his experience of passing a Lighthouse at sea by Terrestrial Navigation and Approaching the Port of New York plus other sea stories.        


April
Sunday
8

Early Morning Tower Tour-Easter Morning
6 am - Come enjoy the scenery from the top of the tower as the sunrises. Tour includes a “light” breakfast and souvenir mug- $25 per person.  Reservations required.  Sunrise 6:26 am.  The Lighthouse will remain open until 12 noon.

Saturday
14

Historic Area Lighthouse Trek
8 am—Meet at the eastern end in Field #5 of the Robert Moses State Park.  Join us for a guided walk around the historic surrounding area of the Fire Island Lighthouse that takes you to the boat house, the Surf Hotel site and the Western Union Sites.  Free tee shirt and “Light” refreshments.  $15 per person--Reservations required.

Saturday
21

National Park Week- National Junior Ranger Day
11 am to 4 pm-For children 7 years old and up.  Ranger led program under the tent at the Lighthouse.  Complete the Jr. Ranger booklet and receive a special patch. “Let’s Move Outdoors”-Three mile hike round trip from the Lighthouse to Saltaire.  Limited to 20 children, bring lunch.  Reservation only, call 631-281-3010 or 631-687-4765.  Other special programs also offered.  For more information check the National Park Website-www.NPS.gov.fiis.  Free


May
Saturday
5

Horseshoe Crab Program
7 pm – Learn about Horseshoe Crabs and watch them come ashore to lay their eggs while reveling in the beauty of the evening on a June beach. $4 per person -Free for FILPS members.  Reservations required.  Tower tours will be available at regular fee.

Saturday 12

Light Keepers Behind the Scenes Tour
9 am – Follow one of our present day Lighthouse Keepers on his rounds.  This bottom to top tour takes you from the auxiliary generator and the Light Keepers workshop in the basement of the Keeper’s Quarters to the beacon in the lantern room of the lighthouse tower. Learn how lighthouse Keepers in the 1860’s to 2012 maintained the light. Includes a tour of the new Lens Building which houses our original first order Fresnel Lens.  $20 per person – Reservations required. Limit 12 people.

Saturday 19 Armed Forces Day
Free Tower Tour for those who served in the armed forces.  Thank you for your service!
Sunday
20

2:00pm.  Shoshana McCollum will be at the Lens Building to introduce her new book “Fire Island; Beach Resort and National Seashore” There will be a short discussion of the book and book signing by the author.


June

Saturday 15

Sunset & Starlight Lighthouse Cruise
Special Fundraiser - 6 pm – 10 pm aboard the Lauren Kristy.
The Lauren Kristy is a 65 foot turn-of-the-century style riverboat.  It sails from the Bay Shore Marina located at the end of Clinton Avenue in Bay Shore.  Cruise around the Bay while dancing and dining.   Reservations required-limited to 100 people.  $65 for FILPS members and $75 for the general public.

Friday 28

12th Annual Benefit Art Show-through July 19
Local artists display their nautical artwork in the Keepers Quarters at the Lighthouse.  Opening reception will be held on June 27- 6pm9pm (take a shuttle bus from Field #5 RMSP).  All artwork is for sale with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Lighthouse by the artist.  Admission free.


July
ALL Saturdays
ALL

Lighthouse is open late – 8 pm
Enjoy the early evening at the Lighthouse.  Beat the parking fee after 6pm. Tower tours are available until 7:30 pm at regular fee. Weather permitting please call ahead
 (631) 661-4876.   Every Saturday in July.

Wednesday 10 Jr. Lighthouse Rangers” Summer Program
Six week program that meets Wednesday mornings from 10am until noon, July 10 through August 14, 2013.  A fun & informative experience of children ages 7 – 14 years old.  Learn about life on a barrier beach in the days of sailing ships.  Climb the lighthouse!  Participate in a mock US Life Saving Service rescue.  Seining in the Great South Bay offers children an opportunity to explore the myriad of marine life.  Nautical crafts round out the program.  Call for an application.  $85 per child.
Saturday
13

Light Keepers Behind the Scenes Tour
9 am – Follow one of our present day Lighthouse Keepers on his rounds.  This bottom to top tour takes you from the auxiliary generator and the Light Keepers workshop in the basement of the Keeper’s Quarters to the beacon in the lantern room of the lighthouse tower. Learn how lighthouse Keepers in the 1860’s to 2013 maintained the light.   Includes a tour of the Lens Building which houses our original first order Fresnel Lens.  $20 per person – Reservations required. Limit 12 people.


August
Wednesday
7

National Lighthouse Day
Reduced Tower Tour fee all day. 



Saturday
10

27th Annual “Barefoot Black Tie Dinner Dance”
6:30 – 11 pm.  Enjoy a catered dinner and dance to the sounds of the live band, Tradewinds. Open bar and silent auction.  Prizes will be given for best theme attire.  A great romantic evening on the Lighthouse terrace – $125 per person--tickets are very limited; call (631)321-7028 for tickets.

Saturday- Sunday 17-18

Amateur Radio Lighthouse Weekend
The Great South Bay Amateur Radio Club set up their radios to communicate with other radio operators around the world.

Sunday 25

Early Morning Tower Tour
5:15 am - Come enjoy the scenery from the top of the tower as the sunrises. Tour includes a “light” breakfast and souvenir mug- $25 per person.  Reservations required.  Sunrise 6:15 am.  Bring a flashlight for your walk to the lighthouse. FILPS members receive a 10% discount.


September

Sunday
8

Early Morning Tower Tour
5:45 am - Come enjoy the scenery from the top of the tower as the sunrises. Tour includes a “light” breakfast and souvenir mug- $25 per person.  Reservations required.  Sunrise 6:27 am.  Bring a flashlight for your walk to the lighthouse. FILPS members receive a 10% discount.

Saturday 14

Light Keepers Behind the Scenes Tour
9 am – Follow one of our present day Lighthouse Keepers on his rounds.  This bottom to top tour takes you from the auxiliary generator and the Light Keepers workshop in the basement of the Keeper’s Quarters to the beacon in the lantern room of the lighthouse tower. Learn how lighthouse Keepers in the 1860’s to 2013 maintained the light.  Includes a tour of the Lens Building which houses our original first order Fresnel Lens.  $20 per person – Reservations required. Limit 12 people.

Saturday
21
Evening Tower Tour
6pm- Experience the sunset from a new perspective.  View the night sky from the top of the Lighthouse. Bring a flashlight for your walk back to the parking field. - $20 per person, Reservations Required.  Sunset 6:53 pm. FILPS members receive 10% discount.
Sunday
29

12th Annual “Cruise to the Light” Auto Show
10 am – 3 pm.  Robert Moses parking field #4.
Come check out over 400 Show Cars or register your own car for the show!  Pre-Registration is $10; Day of show registration is $15.  Spectator fee is $5 per person, children under 12 years old free.  Food is available at the concession stand. 


October 

Saturday
12

Early Morning Tower Tour
6 am - Come enjoy the scenery from the top of the tower as the sunrises. Tour includes a “light” breakfast and souvenir mug- $25 per person.  Reservations required.  Sunrise 7 am.  Bring a flashlight for your walk to the lighthouse. FILPS members receive a 10% discount.

Saturday 19

Lantern Light Tour
6 pm – 8 pm (tours leave at 15 minute intervals)-Meet in Field #5 RMSP
Enjoy an escorted lantern light walk along the beach & through the swale as stationed interpreters unfold the stories of the United States Life Saving Service & Fire Island Light Station.  $10 per person – Reservations required.  Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight for your walk back to the parking field.  The Tower will remain open until 9 pm at regular fees.  Sunset  6:08 pm/ Moonrise 6:33 pm.

Saturday 26

Ghost Stories & Legends of Fire Island
7 pm—On the Lighthouse Terrace.  Listen to tales of eerie happenings along the Barrier Beach.  Dress warmly; bring blankets and flashlights.  Free
Tower Tours will be available from 4 pm – 6 pm at the regular fee.


November
Sunday
2

Happy Birthday Fire Island Lighthouse
Come celebrate the 155th birthday of the lighthouse.  Reduced Tower tour fee- $6 adults $3 Seniors and children under 12 years old (must be 42” tall to climb).

Sunday
3

Happy Birthday Fire Island Lighthouse
Come celebrate the 155th birthday of the lighthouse.  Reduced Tower tour fee- $6 adults $3 Seniors and children under 12 years old (must be 42” tall to climb).

Saturday  
9

Light Keepers Behind the Scenes Tour
9 am – Follow one of our present day Lighthouse Keepers on his rounds.  This bottom to top tour takes you from the auxiliary generator and the Light Keepers workshop in the basement of the Keeper’s Quarters to the beacon in the lantern room of the lighthouse tower. Learn how lighthouse Keepers in the 1860’s to 2013 maintained the light.  Includes a tour of the Lens Building which houses our original first order Fresnel Lens.  $20 per person – Reservations required. Limit 12 people.

Monday 11

Thank you to all our United States Veterans!
Free Tower Tours during regular operating hours to all veterans who served in the military.

Sunday 17

Evening Tower Tour
3:45pm- Experience the sunset from a new perspective.  View the night sky from the top of the Lighthouse. Bring a flashlight for your walk back to the parking field. - $20 per person, Reservations Required.  Sunset 4:34 pm. FILPS members receive 10% discount.

Saturday 30

Tree Trimming Event
10 am – 3 pm.  Kick off the holiday season by helping us decorate our holiday tree.  Bring a handmade ornament relating to the sea, nature or the Lighthouse to hang on our tree.  Free hot chocolate and cookies.

Thanksgiving Weekend Evening Tower Tour

3:45 pm - Experience the Lighthouse at night while working off some of those holiday calories. Bring a flashlight for your walk back to the parking field.  $20 per Person – Reservations Required.  Sunset 4:27 pm.  FILPS members receive 10% discount.

December
Saturday
14

11th Annual Reenactment of the Flying Santa       
11:30 am to 12:30 pm– Relive this historic event with us.  Santa arrives at the Lighthouse.  Great photo opportunity!  Come early.  Free

Friday 21

Evening Tower Tour
3:45pm- Experience the sunset from a new perspective.  View the night sky from the top of the Lighthouse. Bring a flashlight for your walk back to the parking field. - $20 per person, Reservations Required.  Sunset 4:29 pm. FILPS members receive 10% discount.

Sunday
22

Early Morning Tower Tour
6:30 am - Come enjoy the scenery from the top of the tower as the sunrises. Tour includes a “light” breakfast and souvenir mug- $25 per person.  Reservations required.  Sunrise 7:14 am.  Bring a flashlight for your walk to the lighthouse. FILPS members receive a 10% discount.


© 2007-2012 Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society A Cooperating Association with the National Park Service
All rights reserved