SOUTH HAVEN, MI (WHTC) – With support from Michigan residents, the Historical Association of South Haven (HASH) has been granted a $60,000 matching grant from the State of Michigan to restore the exterior of the Lake Michigan lighthouse at South Haven. HASH received this grant through the Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program (MLAP), which was established in 2001 to aid in the preservation, rehabilitation, and protection of historic lighthouses in Michigan.
Last year, a local “Save the Light” fundraising initiative spearheaded by HASH brought in over $300,000 in donations for the project to restore the 113-year-old South Haven lighthouse.
Work on the beacon’s interior started last fall and is now in the final stages. Bids are still being sought for the exterior phase. Once that is worked out, labor will begin to restore the exterior of the light house. Public access to the end of the pier where the lighthouse stands will be limited for an estimated 9-12 weeks.
Support for the South Haven Lighthouse is still appreciated. HASH is selling personalized bricks that will form a walkway leading to the south pier. The purchase is considered a tax deductible gift to the lighthouse project. Information on the brick program can found at the website www: southhavenlight.org.
