Page 16 - Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens- March '22

Page 16, Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens

Loxahatchee River Historical Society from page 15 The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse has become a symbol
of home and the heart of history in our community. The
The society’s historian and collection manager Josh Loxahatchee River Historical Society is committed to the
Liller gave a brief overview of the accomplishments and ongoing preservation of our lighthouse and collecting
key moments of the historical society’s 50-year journey. and sharing our area’s unique history with students,
“We’ve had many wonderful people volunteer for over residents, and visitors, providing a meaningful anchor for
20 years. Many staff members also have been with the our community and a gift we give to the next generation.
organization for more than 10 years and that means About The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
something … stability!” related Liller. Some notable Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; gift
docents mentioned for their contributions to the society shop open until 5 p.m. Visit our website for more
were John Walker, Red and Marylou Shirar, Evelyne information: www.jupiterlighthouse.org. Operated by
Bates, and acknowledged posthumously were “Saint” the Loxahatchee River Historical Society, a 501(c)(3)
Joan Hudiburg, historian Chuck Milhauser, “Lighthouse” nonprofit organization and managing partner in the
Bob Boyd, and Jim and Molly Sparger. Palm Beach County Commissioner Maria Marino, District Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area,
“The LRHS have been community advocates and fierce 1; Jamie Stuve, president and CEO, and Dr. Robin Sykes, National Conservation Lands. Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse &
watchdogs of history and historic preservation,” Liller both with the Loxahatchee River Historical Society Museum, 500 Captain Armour’s Way, Jupiter, FL 33469.
added. “The LRHS has always made it clear through their This activity is conducted under permit from the
communications and efforts that this area’s history was world can enjoy authentic experiences, educational Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and occurs all or
extremely important and worth preserving.” He observed events and programs, docent-led tours, and self-guiding in part on public lands administered by the BLM within
that there were always “the right people at the right time” tours in English, French, and Spanish, as well as the best the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area.
to further the society’s mission work. Liller pointed out “selfie” spot in Palm Beach County. Photos by Jen Scott/Flashy Mama Photography
that the LRHS has stood through storms both figurative
and literal, persevering and overcoming obstacles with
the dedication of volunteers and staff.
Jamie Stuve once again took to the microphone to
recognize a few key supporters and partners present at the
ceremony. Notably, Peter De Witt, Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse
Outstanding Natural Area, Bureau of Land Management;
Ron Delaney, councilor with the Town of Jupiter; Joe
Chaison, executive director of the Jupiter Inlet District;
and author and former board chair James D. Snyder for
his remarkable history book Five Thousand Years on the
Loxahatchee. Also recognized was Robert Carr, executive
director of the Archaeological and Historical Conservancy,
for his important site work at the lighthouse, uncovering
the location of the original lighthouse keepers’ house and
cistern among other discoveries.
From the original Oil House Museum in 1973 to the
spearheading of the 2008 Congressional legislation to
create the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural
Area, to safeguarding the nationally significant historic
site, the LRHS has helped to transform the former military
site into a keystone heritage destination for Palm Beach
County and the nation.
Stuve capped the ceremony by touching on an
expanded new vision to create much-needed new facilities
to better serve the needs of the community and our history.
Dr. Robin Sykes, LRHS Board chair added, “We
hope we can count on all of you to be our ambassadors
as we make a leap towards truly sustaining our heritage
for future generations of our community and for all
Americans.”
The ceremony was followed by a buffet of mini-Bundt
cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes and Oceana coffee
served in LRHS 50th Anniversary café mugs, a take-
home token of appreciation to the attendees for their
commitment in furthering the historical society’s mission
and its support. More programs and events will take place
throughout the year to celebrate the 50-year milestone.
For more information visit www.jupiterlighthouse.org.
About The Loxahatchee River Historical Society
In June of 1973, the newly formed Loxahatchee River
Historical Society opened the first Lighthouse Museum in
the 1860 Oil House adjacent to the lighthouse. For nearly APRIL 1 - 17, 2022
20 years the society conducted infrequent public tours
by permission of the Coast Guard. In 1994, the society
signed a long-term lease with the Coast Guard to restore A lyrical exploration of
the lighthouse and to conduct tours on a regular basis. loneliness and longing,
The lighthouse and oil house were restored in 2000 and By Lynn Nottage
the society continues as the civilian “keepers” of the light sweet dreams and bitter
and our local history through the present day. truths, determination,
On Pearl Harbor Day, 2006, the society opened the
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum in the restored WWII and resiliency.
Navy Married Men’s Housing building. The society then
spearheaded efforts to obtain permanent protection of the
lighthouse and surrounding 120 acres of sensitive habitat
as an Outstanding Natural Area (ONA) in the National
Conservation Lands. Unfamiliar in the eastern United
States, these special conservation lands are a vital part
of the U.S. Department of Interior and managed by the
Bureau of Land Management. The congressional bill was
signed by President George W. Bush on May 8, 2008, and
gave the Jupiter Light the national recognition it deserves, TICKETS ON
as one of only three Outstanding Natural Areas in the
nation. The society was named as a managing partner, an SALE NOW!
unusual honor for a nonprofit in public lands legislation. Executive Producer:
Since 1994, the society has worked diligently with Priscilla Heublein
federal and local partners at the ONA on behalf of the
public, transforming the lighthouse property into a Costume Sponsors: Call (561) 514-4042 ext 2 or
national heritage site that generates a $12 million annual Ruth and Ted Baum
economic impact in our community. The Jupiter Inlet palmbeachdramaworks.org
Lighthouse & Museum has restored additional historic
buildings and native plant communities that showcase 201 Clematis Street
indoor and exterior exhibits connected by interpreted West Palm Beach, FL 33401
pathways. Local residents and visitors from around the