-> For hours, wedding reservations, etc. see the:
City of Pacific Grove
 No drones without permit -
No dogs except service dogs -
No riding bikes (walk bikes to bike rack)
The Heritage Society of Pacific Grove is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization formed in 1975 to foster an appreciation of the city's historical and architectural resources through preservation activities and public education. The Heritage Society also works to encourage the preservation and restoration of the buildings that contribute to the beauty and unique character of Pacific Grove. The last generation to remember what life was like before social media.
The Heritage Society of Pacific Grove owns this website
and is responsible for it's contents.
~~~ U. S. Coast Guard Organizational History 1789-2003 ~~~
U. S. Revenue Cutter Service (USRCS) established by Act of Congress, 4 August 1790.
U. S. Life-Saving Service (USLSS) formally named and organized as an independent service,
18 June 1878. The Newell Act had established the first federally funded shore-based life-saving
stations in 1848.
USRCS and USLSS combined by Act of Congress to form U. S. Coast Guard, 28 January 1915.
U. S. Lighthouse Service (USLHS) merges with USCG, 1 July 1939. USLHS initially established
by 7 August 1789.
Bureau of Marine Inspection merged with USCG, 28 February 1942. The Steamboat Inspection
Service (established 30 August 1852) had already combined with the Bureau of Navigation
(established 5 July 1884) in 1932.
USCG shifts to newly formed Department of Transportation after nearly 177 years of service in
the Treasury Department, 1 April 1967.
USCG moves to newly formed Department of Homeland Security, 1 March 2003.
Natural History
Birds - Monterey is on a major migratory path and is a highlight area for birders.
Bugs - We have em. Not as many as when I was a kid, but they are here!
Lichens - on stones, trees, and buildings. Often unnoticed and ignored.
Mammals - Deer, elk and wild boar fed many in our early years, as did squirrels, and even gophers.
Plants - Images and Wiki links to each species. Poison oak has been cleared for those of us who are allergic to it.
Each of the pages above has specific links to information for that group and species.
Turkeys, pigeons, sparrows, rats and pigs (feral and as livestock) came after California became a state, as 'introduced' species.
Highly recommended partner in our local museum group
They have quick guides for birds/butterflies and a larger guide for birds, for purchase.
Slide Shows
443 visitors covered by KSBW and KION news
Point Pinos Lighthouse is a favorite location for local artists to set up to do drawings and watercolors
The hours we are open is determined by available volunteer docent hours.
Think you might be interested?
See Application here.
Social Media plays a big part on how we get the message out that PPLH is a great place to visit. See us on our Facebook Page
Front Step Repairs 2023-26
Termites and water damage are facts of life this close to the ocean. The lighthouse is no exception. Thank you Restoration crew for taking this on.
Besides tickets to the museum proper, we also have a fine selection of items to help you remember your great time with us.
Ran aground in 1905 when the pilot mistook a flashing red trench sign for the harbor buoy. Locals felt bad about having to salvage those 400 cases of Buffalo Bear.
Plumbing problems, algae growth, overflow. Birds love it though!
Each room has a different theme or time period. Open nearly a 170 years now, things change.
First Keeper was killed by a bandit, to last keeper going totally electric. A LOT has changed in nearly 170 years!
From hawks to hummingbirds, the local wildlife loves PPLH as well. Did you know that great blue herons love to eat gophers?
Visiting the outside is free (for the moment), but still needs to be during open hours. Lots of wildlife, plants and lichens, along with views of ocean waves and sometimes WHALES!
What better way to commemorate your visit and brag to friends than by sending them a postcard. A common treat since we opened.
Restoring the PPLH, largely by volunteer labor, has resulted in one of the best lighthouses to visit on the west coast.
It seems the only time we get a poor review is when we are not open. BUT, to be fair, we are dependent on volunteer docents to be open.
A great place to get married too, but everyone seems to love seeing all the history, talking with docents, seeing the ocean and wildlife. Married optional of course.
Image recorded at noon standard time every Sunday for over two years. Contrary to popular belief, we are not ALWAYS overcast or foggy.
Never a wreck because the light was out. A rocky shore is especially hazardous for sailing ships, but all are susceptible.
The signs, maps, etc. A way to visit the Point Pinos Lighthouse Museum before you come to see for yourself! (better in person of course)
Keeper Notes
Keeper slide show - 1855 to 1961
Keeper logs and records - Allen Luce and Emily Fish
Articles about our keepers
and whatever else we have pertaining to the keepers.
Project Pages - how we did things
CA standards, Coloring pages, Videos, Monterey 1852, FREE Out of Copyright books, PG Library resources, Hazards of materials, Diseases of the time
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