The Great Neck Historical Society has opened up an exhibit within the Great Neck Library dedicated to the history of Stepping Stones Lighthouse, in hopes of telling its story.
First built in the 1870s to guide ships through rough waters along the North Shore, the lighthouse has served as a beacon to mariners for well over a century.
And to Alice Kasten, the president of the Great Neck Historical Society, the lighthouse – visible from Steppingstones Park and the Merchant Marine Academy – also serves as a beacon of the region’s history.
“I hope they understand, first of all, the importance of the lighthouse, the long tradition of the light house – this is part of our historical background, of the community,” Kasten said.
Now the walls within the Great Neck’s main library gallery are lined with photos, projects crafted by students at John F. Kennedy Elementary School and other media related to the lighthouse.
Kasten said the set-up is like “a storyline,” showcasing how the lighthouse began through its original plans, how it has changed, why it’s necessary and what might be in its future.
The exhibit is also dotted with interesting stories about many things, she said, ranging from the lighthouse’s missing fog bell to a woman actually born there.
There will also be a reception for the exhibit on Monday, Jan. 8, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This will then be punctuated with a talk by Bob Müller, a lighthouse advocate, historian and author.
“We figured that would be a nice thing to have a party, if you will,” Kasten said.
The exhibit has been up since Dec. 14, 2017 and will remain on display until Jan. 13, 2018, after which another gallery will go up.
It’s unclear if the lighthouse gallery will go elsewhere at this time.
The library gallery is a part of a larger joint effort by the Great Neck Historical Society, Great Neck Park District and Town of North Hempstead to restore the damaged lighthouse with the help of grants, fundraising and community events like a 5K race earlier this year.
Part of that equation has been raising awareness for the lighthouse’s existence and importance, Kasten said.
