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The History of the Point Conception Lighthouse Reading and Discussion with local author, Willard Thompson
Where: SBMM 113 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara
When: Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 1:00pm Free and Open to the Public. Children welcome.
Register: online or (805) 456-8747

The countdown has begun…Just ten days until the 164th Anniversary of the Point Conception Lighthouse Lens original lighting! 

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, current home of the giant First Order Fresnel lens from the Point Conception Lighthouse, will celebrate the 164th anniversary of the lighthouse’s first lighting on February 1, 1856. From 1856 to 1973, when it was decommissioned and updated with a newer light, the Point Conception Lighthouse lens guarded the rocky and treacherous Pacific coast where the Santa Barbara Channel and Pacific Ocean meet on the western edge of Santa Barbara County. In 2013, the Coast Guard approved the transfer of the impressive First Order Fresnel light to SBMM for its preservation and public access.

SBMM is delighted to announce that award-winning historical fiction  author Willard Thompson will help us celebrate the 164^th anniversary of the Point Conception lighthouse’s first lighting on February 1, 1856 by reading from his book, Keepers of the Light: The History of the Point Conception Lighthouse. The 1:00 pm  reading and discussion of the lighthouse and its lens will be followed by a special birthday cake. Award-winning historical fiction author, lecturer and historian, Willard Thompson will lead the event and read from his book, Keepers of the Light: The History of the Point Conception Lighthouse. “For me,” Thompson says, “writing history and historical novels is not just about telling stories in historical time settings; it’s about bringing to life the people who lived, loved, and strove for meaning in their lives during those historical times. I hope we will have a good turnout of parents bringing their kids to learn about this aspect of our local history.”

Parents are encouraged to bring their children to learn the history of the lighthouse and the men and women who braved the rugged terrain, heavy fog, and strong winds of Point Conception to keep mariners safe.

In 2019, Thompson donated all rights to his book and proceeds from its sales to SBMM.