A few years ago, we did an article highlighting the history of the Burrows Island Lighthouse. The Northwest Schooner Society has been busy working hard to rehabilitate the lighthouse since then. They have some fun updates, including how you can help raise funds to complete the needed work to preserve this historic lighthouse by attending their benefit dinner this June.
Burrow Island Lighthouse Deeded to Northwest Schooner Society
One of the exciting developments for the Northwest Schooner Society was finally getting the deed to the buildings from the United States Coast Guard. The Society applied for custodianship to manage the lighthouse in 2005 and it was awarded in 2010. “Initial efforts at clearing brush, trees and securing the building were begun at that time,” shares Dan Call, project supervisor for the Northwest Schooner Society.
However, the title was not deeded to them at that time due to remediation that the US Coast Guard had to complete, which included lead and asbestos in the soil and the PCB-contaminated oil that was drained from a long-gone transformer that was one site, adds Dan.
The US Coast Guard finished the cleanup, and, in November 2025, deeded the property to the Northwest Schooner Society, which has continued to work on rehabilitating the working lighthouse.
Historic Lighthouse in Anacortes Continues to Get Repairs
The transfer of the title will speed up the diligent work of the Northwest Schooner Society, which is to get the lighthouse buildings ready for overnight visitors, Dan explains. “With the transfer of title, we can deal directly with agencies having oversight of our action,” he adds. “This results in much faster response time and reduces communications problems. It ensures that the light continues to serve as an active aid to navigation for as long as the US Coast Guard wishes to maintain [the light].”
While the light had been maintained, the buildings on the property had not been for over 40 years. Two buildings were removed by the Coast Guard before the Northwest Schooner Society took over custodianship.
Dan said there are pages of work to be done. “Imagine a house in a marine environment that was abandoned for over 40 years and vandalized extensively,” he explains. “Everything from broken windows (150+ panes) to missing parts of stairways and failing paint and plaster.”
They are currently in the process for applying for a grant to install a septic system at the site. “While we are focused on preserving and restoring the buildings, our long-term plan is to have the quarters available for overnight stays, the light/fog signal building to house an interpretive center and the boathouse to be converted to an environmental and historical learning facility,” shares Dan.
Currently, the Burrows Island Lighthouse is open to monthly tours in the late spring and summer.
June 6 Burrows Island Lighthouse Fundraiser Celebrating 120 Years
This history Burrows Island Lighthouse is 120 years old! Help the Northwest Schooner Society restore it and allow future visitors to enjoy the incredible area overnight.
“Opening it to overnight stays is dependent on developing water, power and septic systems, which are all destroyed or obsolete or both,” shares Dan. “That in turn is dependent on funding, which we are actively seeking. We have not gotten, nor do we anticipate, any funding from the USCG or the federal government.”
To help, the Northwest Schooner Society is having a benefit dinner on June 6, 2026, at 4 p.m. at the Fidalgo Yacht Club in Anacortes. There will be a silent auction, a scrumptious meal by Gere-a-Deli accompanied by Lighthouse Ale on tap from Rockfish Bar & Grill.
During the dinner, you will get to watch the debut video on the Burrows Island Lighthouse history and a background presentation on the restoration project.
“The funds will be devoted entirely to the renovation and restoration of the station,” shares Dan. The Northwest Schooner Society operates with volunteers only, no paid staff.
To sign up for the dinner, visit the Burrows Island Lighthouse website.
