Lighthouse Research Tips

Conducting Research

1. Organize existing lighthouse documentation & establish reference lists.

   Before starting your research familiarize yourself with documentation already available and learn how the individual pieces relate. Common documents include: keepers list, keepers logs, timeline, series of similar documents (e.g. regulations for keepers), newspaper articles, photos, maps and architectural drawings. Once you obtain the overall picture, create reference lists of this information for your research purposes.

2. Define "keyword" search terms.

   Keyword searches often identify unexpected sources. Some useful lighthouse keywords: actual and previous names for the lighthouse/light station and location, governmental departments in charge of lighthouses, persons connected with the lighthouse (architect, Superintendent of Lighthouses, inspectors). Try different spellings. As your research progresses additional keywords will surface. Apply them systematically.

3. Consult online databases & contact research facilities to explain the research project.

   Announce and prepare your visit. Don't easily accept "Sorry, no information of interest to your lighthouse at our facility" for an answer. Don't get discouraged. Speak with different persons at the facility; ask if they have specialized archivists (lighthouses, maritime, cartography, photography). Request copies of relevant finding-aids; something might trigger your mind. Even though reference archivists are very willing to assist, only you know the exact scope of your research. If at all possible, visit the archives. Even if you don't find much, you have then eliminated this source with certainty. Often, however, you'll find more then you expected.

4. Think beyond obvious record groups.

   Some potential leads:

   • Office of the Chief of Engineers - waterways & shore works, transportation, shore erosion
   • War Assets Administration - (surplus) property management
   • Federal Property Resources Services - includes decommission files containing site history
   • WWII research - USCG (District) War Narratives as well as Naval District War Diaries. Generally Navy records are complete, detailed and have extensive finding aids.
   • National & State Parks in the vicinity of your lighthouse - Park research often provides a broad regional picture that may include information on your lighthouse site. Documents dating from the time a park was created contain extensive historical data about the area.
   • · Construction - the location of building materials or manufacturer. Start with the Historical Society in the place of origin, if known. Otherwise, the state or national professional material (e.g. marble) association, or the State Archives of the state you think the material and/or manufacturing may have originated.

Keep a Research Log.

It's amazing how quickly you'll forget. The log should include: contact name/institution/address/tel/email, subject/inquiry, nature of contact (email, phone, visit), date, and status (outcome and follow-up needed). The research log also serves to inform future researchers of research already performed, research status, and the researcher's identity

Organize the research material.

Use a format that maintains pages in the original order and prevents their loss. Each document must bear a reference and be filed by source (not subject) for easy tracing.

Use research reproduction tools.

Find out which research facilities allow digital cameras, laptops or scanners. However, remember most archives only allow paper and pencil. Research facilities generally provide lockers to store personal belongings, including cell phones, and research reference material.

Starting Points

• Local and regional historical societies & libraries. Good source for newspapers, photographs and oral history contacts
• State Archives & University Collections
• National Archives www.archives.gov
  
  • NARA I, downtown Washington DC - textual records, speak with a Maritime Archivist
  • NARA II, College Park MD - cartography & still photography
  • At NARA I & II start with Record Group 26 (USCG). Also look at the finding aids for RG 19, 29, 71, 75 (maps), 77, 181
  • NARA, St. Louis - national personnel records center
  • NARA Regional Office. If your light station was ever a part of the National Park Service, additional records may be found at NARA, Mid-Atlantic Regional Office in Philadelphia.
• Library of Congress www.loc.gov
• Government Publication Office www.gpoaccess.gov
  Locate the nearest Depository Library in your state. That library has all finding-aids available. Documents can often be requested through inter-library loan.
• Websites: USCG Historian's Office,Navy, Corps of Engineers, and US Lighthouse Society offer valuable information and links. The keyword "lighthouses" will provide you with many more links.