But by far the largest and most enduring project of the League is the
restoration of the St. Augustine Light Station. Beginning in 1981, the Junior Service League directed its efforts toward the acquisition, restoration, and operation of the Lightkeepers’ House and the St. Augustine Light. The League first restored the Keepers’ House and then opened a museum and gallery in the facility. In 1990, the League secured a thirty-year lease with the United States Coast Guard to allow public access to the Tower. Since that time, the League has worked on restoring the Lighthouse, including its historic efforts to save and repair the irreplaceable first-order antique lens that was damaged by vandals and in danger of being darkened forever. By 1994, the League had directed almost fourteen years of effort and one million dollars of resources to this historic treasure which will be preserved for future generations because of the League's work.
The League is still actively involved in supporting the Lighthouse through volunteerism and donations. However, as with other League projects, the JSL gave over responsibility to the Lighthouse and Museum to become separately incorporated and independent in 1998 so that efforts could be shifted to another vital project, Kids Bridge Family Visitation Center.
Through the efforts of the JSL, the museum has grown exponentially. Today, the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum welcomes over 200,000 visitors a year, 43,000 of which are school aged children. Regional educational programs for underserved children, scholarly research, an active boat building program, and opportunities for high school and college students to work with maritime archaeologists are just a few of the opportunities that are offered.
The First Light Maritime Society is the support organization for the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum, Inc., a Smithsonian affiliate and the Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program, Inc. is the research arm. Together it is the Premier Maritime Museum along Florida's Historic Coast!
