RESTORE, PRESERVE, SHARE
The Eldred Rock Lighthouse Preservation Association (ERLPA) of Haines, Alaska was organized to restore, maintain, and preserve the historic Eldred Rock Lighthouse, placed into service in 1906. ERLPA strives to rehabilitate the lighthouse and make it safe to share with the local community and visitors. The lighthouse is located on a remote island approximately 55 miles north of Juneau and 17 miles south of Haines, in North Lynn Canal. In 2020, ERLPA received a lease agreement with the United States Coast Guard to begin the rehabilitation and restoration of the Light Station in accordance with the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000. Ultimately, a maritime museum will be established to educate the public regarding the history of the Lighthouse and maritime heritage of Lynn Canal and the State of Alaska. ERLPA hopes to open the lighthouse to limited public visits and rentals of the Keeper Quarters after a June 2026 ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the commissioning of Eldred Rock Light Station on June 1, 1906.
Built in 1905, Eldred Rock Lighthouse is the oldest original lighthouse in Alaska and the only remaining octagonal frame lighthouse of those built between 1902-1905. It was established in response to the many shipwrecks nearby, especially during the 1898 Gold Rush, when Lynn Canal was in heavy use. Eldred Rock was automated and left empty in 1973, gaining a listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. 50 years later, the Eldred Rock Lighthouse Preservation Association has begun the arduous task of restoring, maintaining, and preserving the light station to make it available for the public to safely visit. The buildings have fallen into disrepair and the lighthouse has been selected as one of the Ten Most Endangered Alaska Historic Properties by Preservation Alaska. Become a member to help Save Eldred Rock Lighthouse!
Acknowledgments
We thank the following national, state, and local supporters!
- Marine Exchange of Alaska (MXAK)
- Coeur Alaska-Kensington Mine
- Lynn Canal Corporation
- Eldred Rock Partners, LLC
- Goldbelt Transportation
- Rasmuson Foundation
- U.S. Lighthouse Society
- Dahlberg Design-Juneau, AK
- Home Depot-Juneau, AK
- Sherwin Williams-Juneau, AK
- Mercury Contracting-Juneau, AK
- Barnaby Brewing-Juneau, AK
- Chilkat Valley Community Foundation, Haines AK
- Alaska Association for Historic Properties
- State of Alaska, Office of History and Archaeology
- Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS)
- Alaska Center for Excellence in Journalism
- Pyramid Abatement – Juneau, AK
- Bald Eagle Foundation-Haines, AK
- Sheldon Museum-Haines, AK
- Hammer Museum-Haines, AK
Commissioner Level – Lifetime Members
- Michael Marks & Lorraine Dudzik
- Captain Ed Page, USCG Ret.
- Allie Peterman & VADM Brian Peterman, USCG Ret.
- Gary Sonnenberg
- Omar Cordes
- Donald Chase
- Sue Waterhouse
- Suzanne Sauerteig
- Keith McPencow
- Ron & Marlis Minor
- Eric Kocher
- Sigrid Dahlberg & Hal Geiger
- Judy Skagerberg
- Gary Gillette & Renee Hughes
- Sue & Matt York
- Glen Jacobson
- Richard & Leslie McManus
- Donna Lentz
- Miles Colwell
- Garth Stein
- Jennifer Peterman
- Sakari Sooklal Peterman
- Nilani Sooklal Peterman
- Rebecca Peterman
- Aven Powell
- CJ Langlois III
- Nicole Langlois
- Bobbie and David Marks
- Anne Puffer
- Tom & Mary Schmidt
- Laurie Ferguson Craig
- Diane La Course & Ron Jackson
- Edward Hallett
- Staci Augustus
- Randall and Susan Wood
- Patti Carlson
- Ralph Crane
Support
Please consider donating. We welcome money, time and ideas.
Contact us for more information about how you can help.
News
Lighthouse Friends has an excellent article about Eldred Rock, full of history and the endearing feelings that locals have for “The Rock.”
USLHS Passport Program
Eldred Rock Lighthouse participates in the United States Lighthouse Passport Program. Millions of cruise ship passengers pass by every year, and a photo of the Rock is all you need to collect a stamp. Our official stamp is yours with a small donation to help you fill your passport! You can purchase a passport at: USLHS Passport
