OSWEGO, NY – The H. Lee White Maritime Museum will offer tours of the city’s iconic National Register Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse beginning Friday, June 23.
Tours will be available on nearly all Fridays and Saturdays, on Thursdays in July and August and on Sunday, July 30 during Harborfest. All tours require a boat ride from Wright’s Landing to and from the lighthouse.
Tours cost $30 for adults and $20 for children age 12 and under. Free admission to the museum is included in the ticket price. Tours are not recommended for children age 5 and younger. Register for tours at hlwmm.org or directly at: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/hlwmm/items/241018/calendar/2023/06/?flow=418050
The lighthouse is easily the most recognizable symbol of Oswego, appearing in hundreds of photographs and many paintings and drawings each year. People taking part in the tour will enjoy hearing stories of the history of the lighthouse and the men who operated it. The current lighthouse, built in 1934, is the fourth to protect marine traffic since 1822 when the first lighthouse was erected near Fort Ontario.
“The West Pierhead Lighthouse brings us back to a time when Oswego was the major port on Lake Ontario and when pleasure boating and commercial shipping could turn dangerous. There are so many great stories to be heard on the tour, and at the museum, that I encourage everyone who loves a great tale to take a tour,” said Mercedes Niess, Executive Director of the H. Lee White Maritime Museum.
Visitors should reserve two hours for the tour, which includes a boat ride from Wright’s Landing to the lighthouse and back. Boat capacity is limited to six visitors per transit. Other rules include:
- The captain is in charge while underway and can cancel or shorten a trip at his or her discretion due to weather or safety concerns.
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Children under 5 years old not recommended
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Children under 12 MUST wear a life jacket during transit
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All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult
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There are no restrooms at the Lighthouse
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Please arrive at Wright’s Landing 15 minutes prior to departure
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Flat, rubber-soled shoes highly recommended
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No smoking, alcohol, or food is permitted on site
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The lighthouse is not accessible for people with mobility issues
The H. Lee White Maritime Museum is located in Oswego’s Historic Maritime District at the end of the West First Street Pier. Regular admission is $12 for adults and $6 for teens, with children ages 12 and under admitted free. Hours are daily 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. with expanded hours of 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. during July and August.
For more information, visit www.hlwmm.org or facebook.com/hlwmm for upcoming events or call (315) 342-0480.
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