Page 10 - Jupiter West - March '22

Page 10, Jupiter West

Loxahatchee River Historical Society from page 9 lighthouse and surrounding 120 acres of sensitive habitat
as an Outstanding Natural Area (ONA) in the National
The society’s historian and collection manager Josh Conservation Lands. Unfamiliar in the eastern United
Liller gave a brief overview of the accomplishments and States, these special conservation lands are a vital part
key moments of the historical society’s 50-year journey. of the U.S. Department of Interior and managed by the
“We’ve had many wonderful people volunteer for over Bureau of Land Management. The congressional bill was
20 years. Many staff members also have been with the signed by President George W. Bush on May 8, 2008,
organization for more than 10 years and that means and gave the Jupiter Light the national recognition it
something … stability!” related Liller. Some notable deserves, as one of only three Outstanding Natural Areas
docents mentioned for their contributions to the society in the nation. The society was named as a managing
were John Walker, Red and Marylou Shirar, Evelyne partner, an unusual honor for a nonprofit in public lands
Bates, and acknowledged posthumously were “Saint” legislation.
Joan Hudiburg, historian Chuck Milhauser, “Lighthouse” Since 1994, the society has worked diligently with
Bob Boyd, and Jim and Molly Sparger. federal and local partners at the ONA on behalf of the
“The LRHS have been community advocates and fierce Palm Beach County Commissioner Maria Marino, District public, transforming the lighthouse property into a
watchdogs of history and historic preservation,” Liller 1; Jamie Stuve, president and CEO, and Dr. Robin Sykes, national heritage site that generates a $12 million annual
added. “The LRHS has always made it clear through their both with the Loxahatchee River Historical Society economic impact in our community. The Jupiter Inlet
communications and efforts that this area’s history was Lighthouse & Museum has restored additional historic
extremely important and worth preserving.” He observed Dr. Robin Sykes, LRHS Board chair added, “We buildings and native plant communities that showcase
that there were always “the right people at the right time” hope we can count on all of you to be our ambassadors indoor and exterior exhibits connected by interpreted
to further the society’s mission work. Liller pointed out as we make a leap towards truly sustaining our heritage pathways. Local residents and visitors from around the
that the LRHS has stood through storms both figurative for future generations of our community and for all world can enjoy authentic experiences, educational
and literal, persevering and overcoming obstacles with Americans.” events and programs, docent-led tours, and self-guiding
the dedication of volunteers and staff. The ceremony was followed by a buffet of mini-Bundt tours in English, French, and Spanish, as well as the best
Jamie Stuve once again took to the microphone to cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes and Oceana coffee “selfie” spot in Palm Beach County.
recognize a few key supporters and partners present served in LRHS 50th Anniversary café mugs, a take- The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse has become a symbol
at the ceremony. Notably, Peter De Witt, Jupiter Inlet home token of appreciation to the attendees for their of home and the heart of history in our community. The
Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area, Bureau of Land commitment in furthering the historical society’s mission Loxahatchee River Historical Society is committed to the
Management; Ron Delaney, councilor with the Town of and its support. More programs and events will take place ongoing preservation of our lighthouse and collecting
Jupiter; Joe Chaison, executive director of the Jupiter throughout the year to celebrate the 50-year milestone. and sharing our area’s unique history with students,
Inlet District; and author and former board chair James For more information visit www.jupiterlighthouse.org. residents, and visitors, providing a meaningful anchor for
D. Snyder for his remarkable history book Five Thousand About The Loxahatchee River Historical Society our community and a gift we give to the next generation.
Years on the Loxahatchee. Also recognized was Robert In June of 1973, the newly formed Loxahatchee River About The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
Carr, executive director of the Archaeological and Historical Society opened the first Lighthouse Museum in Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; gift
Historical Conservancy, for his important site work at the 1860 Oil House adjacent to the lighthouse. For nearly shop open until 5 p.m. Visit our website for more
the lighthouse, uncovering the location of the original 20 years the society conducted infrequent public tours information: www.jupiterlighthouse.org. Operated by
lighthouse keepers’ house and cistern among other by permission of the Coast Guard. In 1994, the society the Loxahatchee River Historical Society, a 501(c)(3)
discoveries. signed a long-term lease with the Coast Guard to restore nonprofit organization and managing partner in the
From the original Oil House Museum in 1973 to the the lighthouse and to conduct tours on a regular basis. Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area,
spearheading of the 2008 Congressional legislation to The lighthouse and oil house were restored in 2000 and National Conservation Lands. Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse &
create the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural the society continues as the civilian “keepers” of the light Museum, 500 Captain Armour’s Way, Jupiter, FL 33469.
Area, to safeguarding the nationally significant historic and our local history through the present day. This activity is conducted under permit from the
site, the LRHS has helped to transform the former military On Pearl Harbor Day, 2006, the society opened the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and occurs all or
site into a keystone heritage destination for Palm Beach Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum in the restored WWII in part on public lands administered by the BLM within
County and the nation. Navy Married Men’s Housing building. The society then the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area.
Stuve capped the ceremony by touching on an spearheaded efforts to obtain permanent protection of the Photos by Jen Scott/Flashy Mama Photography
expanded new vision to create much-needed new facilities
to better serve the needs of the community and our history.

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