The Hudson- Athens Lighthouse, originally starting as the Hudson City Light, is a Second Empire , 2-story, 8-room family style dwelling made of brick and stone. It's located in the Hudson River, just south of the City of Hudson and the Village of Athens, almost equal distance from their shores. This gem of the Hudson River , with its spiral staircases , working fog bell and wonderful architecture , is the furthest north, of only 7 remaining lighthouses on the river.
Construction began in 1873 and completed in November 1874, when it began its service as a sentinel for the busy shipping traffic of the river. It guided the water vessels around the hazards of Middle Ground Flats, then a sand bar between Hudson and Athens. Now an island with vegetation and wildlife , due to dredging for the shipping channel, the lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation for shipping and other water traffic. |
Since 1874, there have been 9 lighthouse keepers. Regulated by the US Coast Guard until a recommendation of the Hudson River Valley Commission, established by then NY Governor, Nelson A. Rockefeller, in 1967. The commission explored possible uses for the Hudson River Lighthouses.It recommended to lease the structures to the public or not for profit organizations. Not until 1982, did a group of citizens from Columbia and Greene counties express interest and formed the Hudson Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society. ( HALPS ) The Society signed the first lease agreement between a government agency ( US Coast Guard) , and a public or private group. In July of 2000 the deed was transferred to the group.The Hudson Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society took over restoring , maintaining and preserving the lighthouse, as being it's sole owner.The US Coast Guard only continues to maintain the light today.
Through the efforts of the HALPS organization, its possible for the public to continue to enjoy learning the history , importance and beauty of the Hudson Athens Lighthouse.
Through the efforts of the HALPS organization, its possible for the public to continue to enjoy learning the history , importance and beauty of the Hudson Athens Lighthouse.
Membership in the HALPS organization, a not for profit 501(c) (3) , is open to anyone interested in helping keep the Hudson Athens Lighthouse right where it is , for the unseen future. New members are welcomed and needed. Volunteer hours of the members and community organizations are very important, along with grants and donations, which help fund maintaining the enjoyment of the lighthouse for all people .
One of the ways the Society raises funds to help maintain the lighthouse is through tours. There are tours open to the public on the second Saturday of July, August, September and October. There are special events and tours given for community groups and schools. If you wish to become involved with the Hudson Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society and its goals, please become a member and volunteer some time to help .
One of the ways the Society raises funds to help maintain the lighthouse is through tours. There are tours open to the public on the second Saturday of July, August, September and October. There are special events and tours given for community groups and schools. If you wish to become involved with the Hudson Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society and its goals, please become a member and volunteer some time to help .
Phone: 518-828-5294
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Website: HudsonAthensLighthouse.org
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