Fairport Harbor Marine
Museum & Lighthouse
Opening Day 2026
Saturday, May 23rd
Our Lighthouse is part of the Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail for America-Ohio 250
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Lighthouse Museum
History
1825 – 1871 1871 – 2026
The museum was founded in 1945 by the Fairport Harbor Historical Society, which is devoted to preserving and perpetuating the historic tradition of Fairport Harbor and the Great Lakes area.
The original lighthouse was completed in 1825. The tower stood thirty feet high, capped with an octagonal-shaped iron lantern. The lighthouse was accompanied by a two-story keeper’s house. Due to deterioration the tower and keeper’s house had to be replaced. Rebuilt in 1871, the tower now stands sixty feet high and has a spiral staircase of 69 steps which leads to an observation platform. In 1925 the light in the tower (a third-order Fresnel lens) was discontinued.
It was replaced by a combination light and foghorn station which was built on the west breakwater pier head.
The museum houses a number of artifacts pertaining to life on the Great Lakes and other maritime exhibits. Attached to the museum is the former pilothouse from the Great Lakes carrier the “Frontenac”.
Light Hearted episode 334 – Marty O’Gara and
John Ollila, Fairport Harbor, OH
Edmund Fitzgerald
Chadburn
Tower 69 Spiral Steps
Fresnel Lens
Pilot House from the Frontenac
Keepers Log
Indian Village Artifacts
Restored painting of the Jeptha Wade
Mast from the USS Michigan
Mormon Marker
Since 1945 the keeper’s dwelling has been home to the museum’s outstanding collection of Fairport Harbor and Great Lakes maritime history. As you tour the various exhibit rooms, you should note some of the important artifacts in our collection. Items on current display are thematically arranged and may be temporarily removed in a given season to ensure ‘new’ visitor experiences.
Recent Additions
People and
personalities
Shipwrecks and other Disasters
Legends and
ghosts
Collections
The Museum is located on the first floor of the old Lighthouse Keepers House built in 1871. The space is small and the Fairport Harbor Historical Society has a rotating physical collection. The online archives are permanent and are being constantly updated .
Mardi Gras Archives
The Historical Society has the pictures and files from the Mardi Gras Committee that was disbanded in 2025
Diamond Alkali
AlkaLines was the monthly newsletter of the Diamond Alkali Co. located in Fairport Harbor. The issues online are during WWII. Many local residents worked there and also served during the war.
Col. Donald Blakeslee
Fairport Harbor resident and Fighter Group Commander.
Tall Ships Visit
The Tall Ships Festival was moved to Fairport Harbor from Cleveland because of the Republican National Convention in 2003
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Event Calendar 2026
Events in May 2026
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May 22, 2026
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May 23, 2026(1 event) –
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May 24, 2026(1 event) – |
May 25, 2026(1 event) – Regular Hours |
May 26, 2026
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May 27, 2026(2 events) – Regular Hours – Regular Meeting |
May 28, 2026
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May 29, 2026(1 event) – Regular Hours |
May 30, 2026(2 events) – Regular Hours –
Folk and Country Fest 2026 |
May 31, 2026(1 event) – Regular Hours |
Fairport Harbor was home to one of the lost crew members and has many other connections to the ship.
Edmund Fitzgerald 50th Remebrance Ceremony
The Historical Society’s remembrance ceremony was held November 10, 2025 at the VFW Post 7754 in Fairport Harbor. Highlights of the evening were, Bill Simko Fairport resident, who sailed on the Fitz in earlier years. Bill shared his photos and memories of his years onboard the Fitz. Fran Gabor and Debbie Kunsman, nieces of Eddie Bindon, gave a touching eulogy/remembrance of their Uncle Eddie.
Location
Fairport Harbor, Ohio
Street
129 Second Street
City / State
Fairport Harbor, OH
Zip code
Phone
44077
(440) 354-4825
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Hours – Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Legal Holidays
Memorial Day thru September (Click for Calendar)
Admission to the Museum & Tower – $10
Children 10 and under – Free (When accompanied by an adult)
Blue Star Museum Member
Active / Retired Military – Free w/id
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