St. Simons Lighthouse

Ever wonder how the lens of the SSI lighthouse stays clean? Members of the US Coast Guard Aux come by every week to clean and test the lens and light to make sure it is functional.

This morning, Auxiliary members Chuck, Ted, and Dave climbed to demonstrate to our staff how to clean the lens and test the light. These photos show them cleaning the flash panels and lens with special gloves and cleaning the brass railing leading up to the lens room.

American Lighthouse Foundation United States Lighthouse Society

Looking to plan your dream wedding? Contact us today! 💍💡🏠

https://www.coastalgeorgiahistory.org/rentals/ Brooke Roberts Photography

MEMORIAL DAY SALE STARTS TOMORROW!!

May 25, 1977

While everyone else across the country was anxiously awaiting Star Wars: A New Hope's world premiere, newly appointed President Jimmy Carter was visiting the 1,800-acre Musgrove plantation on St. Simons Island.

“This was great place to end a campaign & to begin an administration.”

Jimmy Carter National Historical Park

https://www.nytimes.com/1977/05/26/archives/carters-island-retreat-great-place-to-visit.html

Views from the top and Smoke in the distance from the Brantley County fires. Stay Safe!

We are so excited experience this part of our local history!

Coastal Georgia Historical Society

Historical society to host RC250 events The Golden Isles is a land brimming with stories. And the Coastal Georgia Historical Society stands as a steward of these tales.

❤️In December 1892, St. Simons Island shopkeeper Robert Colin Smith was in love. He had met the object of his affection, Kate Milikin, that summer, when she visited her family’s island cottage. Kate was an annual visitor, but Robert was a resident. When the summer ended, Kate’s family returned home to Wayne County, and Kate began work as a schoolteacher in Atkinson, a town around forty miles from the island and from Robert.

The letters that Robert wrote to Kate before their marriage in April 1893 showcase just how much he missed her. He addressed this letter to “my dear sweet little Katrina.” While he enjoyed her letters, he wrote that he would “rather see [her, even] if it was only for five minutes” than receive a hundred-page message. These letters also reveal how deeply Robert loved St. Simons and the community around Ocean Pier. In his dispatches to Kate, he recalls walks along the beach, preparations for an island Christmas parade, and voyages on his sailboat (named, with obvious inspiration, Kate).

In his December letter, Robert recounted a visit to the Keeper’s Dwelling at the St. Simons Lighthouse, where he dined with the keepers, Mr. and Mrs. Peckham, and another young guest, Barney Postell. 💌

As the sunrises on a new year, what are some of your resolutions?

Happy 2026! 🎉

American Lighthouse Foundation The Brunswick News Friends of Historic Jekyll Island Coastal Georgia Historical Society

Lightkeeper C.O. Svendsen (keeper from 1907-1935) and his family, seen here in front of their tree, spent many Christmases on St. Simons Island. According to Mr. Svendsen’s son, Carl, a favorite tradition was going out into the woods with his father to cut down the Christmas tree. Ornaments typically included store-bought glass balls, strings of beads, and candles. Buckets of sand from the beach were kept at the ready in case of fire. Mrs. Svendsen prepared gingerbread cookies, fruit cakes, various pies and bread, and pork and beef were served for dinner.

The St Simons Lighthouse Museum and A.W. Jones Heritage Center will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas so our staff can celebrate with friends and family but will reopen December 26th at 10am. Happy Holidays!