United States Lighthouse Society

10/11/2026

Light Hearted Live #14 audio edition: Ben Ridings, curator at Cape May Lighthouse, NJ

This episode features the audio from our live stream on October 7. The guest is Ben Ridings, the curator for Cape May MAC in New Jersey. The organization manages the Cape May Lighthouse and two other historic properties.

The 1859 Cape May Lighthouse is at the southernmost point in the state of New Jersey, on the north side of the entrance to Delaware Bay. Today the lighthouse is a major tourist attraction, and more than 3 million people have climbed it since it opened to the public in 1988. Ben Ridings has been with Cape May MAC for 13 years and has been the curator since 2021. Ben makes history come alive by portraying historical characters for the public, and by simply being enthusiastic about his love of history.

Listen here:
https://uslhs.org/podcast/light-hearted-live-14-audio-edition-ben-ridings-curator-cape-may-lighthouse-nj

10/09/2026

Check out the stories that accompany these photos in the USLHS Bulletin / Lighthouse News!

https://dev.lighthouse-society.org/news/uslhs-bulletin-lighthouse-news-30

10/08/2026

What hope does this lighthouse inspire? 🌊✨

10/08/2026

This weekend, a new play, "Stag Light," premieres at the Bay College Besse Theater in Escanaba, Michigan. Remote Stannard Rock Lighthouse plays a key role in the story, both as a location and as a metaphor.

This heartfelt new play brings the story of the Frenell family to the Upper Peninsula as they navigate love, grief, and family with plenty of heart and quick wit.

See https://playersdenoc.org/ for more info and tickets.

We are in favor of more plays that involve lighthouses!

10/07/2026

Ben Ridings, curator at Cape May MAC, is our guest for this live conversation about the iconic Cape May Lighthouse in New Jersey and the stories behind it.

10/07/2026

Great shots by Dominic Trapani! There's no area in New England more beautiful than Midcoast Maine and Penobscot Bay.

10/06/2026

Congrats to our friends at one of the most iconic lighthouses anywhere, Cape Neddick "Nubble" in Maine, on the restoration of the tower!

10/06/2026

Our condolences to all our friends at the Horton Point Lighthouse on Long Island, New York. One of their leading volunteers, Ralph (better known as Ray) Nofi, passed away on Sunday. Ray couldn't have been nicer when we brought a USLHS tour group to Horton Point in 2023. He will be missed. The photo shows Ray talking to our group.

https://www.defriestgrattan.com/display.php?ID=3123

10/05/2026

Light Hearted LIVE!
Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m. eastern time

Ben Ridings, curator at Cape May MAC, is our guest for this live conversation about Cape May Lighthouse in New Jersey and the stories behind it. Ben also oversees the collections at two other historic properties: the Emlen Physick Estate and Fire Control Tower #23.

Ben's role extends beyond preservation. He crafts engaging tours and presentations, and he sometimes steps into the shoes of a Victorian gentleman, Dr. Emlen Physick, to provide a unique historical perspective at festivals and tours.

This podcast event will be live streamed on the USLHS YouTube channel and also on our page. There's no need to register in advance.

Come join us and take part in the live chat!

YouTube link:

Ben Ridings, curator at Cape May MAC, is our guest for this live co...

10/04/2026

Light Hearted Lite #45 – Richard Skidmore, longtime keeper of Gay Head Light on Martha’s Vineyard, MA

This is an edited version of an interview first heard in May 2020. The guest is Richard Skidmore, who was the modern day keeper of Gay Head Lighthouse on Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts for 31 years. The light station at Gay Head was the first on Martha’s Vineyard, beginning service in 1799. The light station at Gay Head was the first on Martha’s Vineyard, beginning service in 1799. The 1856 brick lighthouse tower that stands today is perched on the famous Gay Head cliffs, which were named for their bright, multicolored layers of clay.

Besides being a 21st century lighthouse keeper, Richard Skidmore is an award-winning experimental filmmaker whose work has been seen on television and in many festivals. He’s also a former book reviewer for the New York Times. He retired from his keeper position in 2021. His wife, Joan LeLacheur, a jewelry maker, shared the lighthouse keeping duties.

Listen here:
https://uslhs.org/podcast/light-hearted-lite-45-richard-skidmore-longtime-keeper-gay-head-light-marthas-vineyard-ma