Presque Isle Township Museum Society - Presque Isle Township Museum Society

Historical photo of 1905 Keeper's House and New Presque Isle Lighthouse

1905 Keeper's House and New Presque Isle
Lighthouse, early 20th century

Presque Isle Township Museum Society

The mission of the Presque Isle Township Museum Society (PITMS) is to collect, preserve, enhance, and display artifacts of Great Lakes maritime history in the Presque Isle area; to inform and educate the public about our lighthouses and other aids to navigation, and about the service rendered by keepers and their families; and to engage in other activities that contribute to the well-being of our community.

Learn more about PITMS finances and activities in the most recent annual report (below).

History

The Presque Isle Township Museum Society was created in 1997 by a group of citizens who sought to preserve and restore the 1905 Keeper’s House at Presque Isle’s New Lighthouse. Restoration of the Keeper’s House was a labor of love which took more than five years. Now operated as a museum, the 1905 House remains our core responsibility and primary passion.

Presque Isle Township owns, manages, and maintains the Presque Isle Lighthouse Parks–including the buildings and grounds of the Old Presque Isle Lighthouse, the New Presque Isle Lighthouse, and the Presque Isle Range Lights. Working in concert with the Township, PITMS helps to interpret the lighthouses’ history and to present educational exhibitions in the lighthouses and the 1905 Keeper’s House Museum.

Leadership

A Board of Directors is responsible for guiding the Museum Society in accordance with its By-Laws. The Board oversees volunteer staffing of the 1905 House, ensures the care and safekeeping of property and artifacts, and manages publicity and promotion. In addition, the Board maintains a strong partnership with the Presque Isle Township to benefit the lighthouse parks, visitors, and local residents. Current board members are listed here.

Funding

As a 501(c)3 organization, the PITMS relies upon income from memberships and donations, as well as grant funds, to carry out its mission. Contributions to the PITMS are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Membership

Upon payment of annual dues, members of the Presque Isle Township Museum Society are qualified to attend the Annual Meeting, elect members of the Board of Directors, and vote on Museum Society business. Membership dues are an important source of income and make it possible for PITMS to pursue its mission. As a token of our gratitude, members receive a biannual newsletter, announcements of upcoming events, and invitation to the Annual Meeting. See our Become a Member page for information.

Donations

Your financial support will help us fulfill our mission. Unless specified otherwise by the donor, all donations are applied to the General Fund and are used to purchase or restore the artifacts we display in our Museum, offer educational programs and events, and promote the Presque Isle area and its Lighthouses. See our Make a Donation page for information on how to make a gift.