Michigan City Historical Society celebrates 50th anniversary of Old Lighthouse Museum
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The Michigan City Historical Society celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Old Lighthouse Museum on Friday. The event, originally scheduled for March 3, had been postponed due to heavy snow. Visitors got to explore the museum, take tours and meet the staff and volunteers who keep the museum going.
- Photos by Donavan Barrier
Visitors had a chance to speak with the original lighthouse keeper, Harriet Colefax, portrayed by local author Sandra L. Young. She explained what life was like in Michigan City during her time, as well as her duties. Colefax was appointed to the federal position of lighthouse keeper in 1861. In 1904, after 43 years on the job, she was forced into retirement with the decision to modernize and electrify the old lighthouse.
Three visitors look over an exhibit that holds photographs of some of the many ships that have used the Michigan City Harbor over the years. Originally lit in December 1837, the lighthouse was rebuilt and expanded in 1861, and remained in operation until the new lighthouse was built in 1904.
Visitors peruse some of the historical items on display at the museum, including one of the original lights that was used in the tower to guide ships pulling into the harbor. When the thick glass panels surrounding and protecting the light are opened, visitors can see how small the light actually is, and how much the panels magnify it.
La Porte County Historian Bruce Johnson speaks to two visitors at the museum’s open house. Though no longer in operation, the structure remains one of the oldest remaining lighthouses on Lake Michigan.
Violinist Carrie Ann Carlson and a volunteer perform a song as an impromptu piano and violin duet as guests arrive at the event. More music was provided later by a quarter from the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra, including Carlson, cellist Morgan Sleeper, and Will and Olivia Muller on viola and violin.
- Photos by Donavan Barrier
Visitors could see everything the museum had to offer, including information on various nautical historical events, and even climb up to the loft where the light was originally situated.
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