The Eldred Rock Lighthouse, located 55 miles north of Juneau and 17 miles south of Haines, is set to open to the public next summer after years of preservation efforts.
The project was taken on by the Eldred Rock Preservation Association, a nonprofit organization, which began work in 2021.
The lighthouse was constructed in 1905 after a ship carrying gold and possibly dynamite ran aground on Eldred Rock. In 1973, it was automated and left empty, earning a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
The ERLPA has a “Leave a Legacy” program for its volunteers, allowing donors to sponsor projects and have their names displayed on-site. Brian and Allie Peterman recently took advantage of this with a restoration of broken lantern room windows.
The Petermans married in 1997 and were the first and only couple to be married on the island, according to the association. Brian Peterman is a retired U.S. Coast Guard vice admiral, and Allie Peterman served as a civilian in the Coast Guard. Brian oversaw two different teams who made repairs to the lighthouse during his time in the Coast Guard.
Volunteers can also serve as lighthouse keepers and stay at Eldred Rock for a week, provided they commit to four hours of restoration work a day, such as painting or refinishing.
Eldred Rock Lighthouse will hold a grand opening ceremony on June 1, 2026, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the light station and to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary as Alaska’s oldest original lighthouse.
The ERLPA is still looking for volunteers and more information can be found at https://www.eldredrocklighthouse.org/.
• Ellie Ruel can be contacted via editor@juneauempire.com.
Brian and Allie proudly present a Leave a Legacy donation to Eldred Rock Lighthouse Preservation Association President Ed Page and Executive Director Sue York, surrounded by volunteer keepers at Eldred Rock. (Photo courtesy of Eldred Rock Lighthouse Preservation Association)
Brian and Allie Peterman admire the newly replaced clear glass in Eldred Rock Lighthouse’s lantern room, a project they helped fund last year. (Photo courtesy of Eldred Rock Lighthouse Preservation Association)
Brian and Allie Peterman visit Eldred Rock in 2018, just before rehabilitation efforts started. (Photo courtesy of Eldred Rock Lighthouse Preservation Association)
Aug. 2, 1997: Brian and Allie Peterman had the first wedding on Eldred Rock Island. (Photo courtesy of Eldred Rock Lighthouse Preservation Association)
