In the summer of 2023, HGTV's hit show, Farmhouse Fixer, contacted Essex Heritage about helping to restore the historic Bakers Island Light Station, located on Bakers Island in Salem Sound, Massachusetts.
With the help of Jonathan Knight (of New Kids on the Block), designer Kristina Crestin, and an incredible team of dedicated volunteers, the crew spent almost 3 months working tirelessly against scheduling and environmental challenges to complete an incredible transformation of the Assistant Keeper's House at the light station.
For information about how to watch the episode (season 3, episode 1): https://www.hgtv.com/shows/farmhouse-fixer/episodes/island-lighthouse-renovation
For information about how to watch the episode (season 3, episode 1): https://www.hgtv.com/shows/farmhouse-fixer/episodes/island-lighthouse-renovation
A little bit of history to start:
An Act authorizing the erection of a lighthouse on Bakers Island in the State of Massachusetts, signed by President George Washington on December 7, 1795.
Bakers Island marks the safe passageway into Salem Harbor. The harbor entrance is obstructed by ledges and shoals. In stormy weather, in fog, or at night, it is extremely difficult to navigate into Salem as attested by the hundreds of shipwrecks nearby.
The Salem Marine Society erected an unlit beacon on the island in 1791, followed by twin lights in 1798. A storm severely damaged the twin lights in 1815. They were replaced by a single tower, but the wreck of the Union in 1817, along with other accidents, led to an outcry for a second light.
A second, taller light was constructed in 1820. The twin lights were nicknamed “Ma” and “Pa.” In 1926, “Ma” was torn down. “Pa” remains today.
In 2014, the US Government deeded the lighthouse and the surrounding 10-acre light station to the Essex National Heritage Commission. Since 2015, the Commission has made the light station accessible to the public during the summer season for their education and enjoyment.
To learn more about the history of Bakers Island Light Station, visit the online exhibition, The Beacons Are Lit: The Lighthouse Keepers of Bakers Island (MA)
The Salem Marine Society erected an unlit beacon on the island in 1791, followed by twin lights in 1798. A storm severely damaged the twin lights in 1815. They were replaced by a single tower, but the wreck of the Union in 1817, along with other accidents, led to an outcry for a second light.
A second, taller light was constructed in 1820. The twin lights were nicknamed “Ma” and “Pa.” In 1926, “Ma” was torn down. “Pa” remains today.
In 2014, the US Government deeded the lighthouse and the surrounding 10-acre light station to the Essex National Heritage Commission. Since 2015, the Commission has made the light station accessible to the public during the summer season for their education and enjoyment.
To learn more about the history of Bakers Island Light Station, visit the online exhibition, The Beacons Are Lit: The Lighthouse Keepers of Bakers Island (MA)