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Explore American lighthouse history at Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

On Wednesday, May 4 beginning at 6:00 p.m., the public is invited to meet “Brilliant Beacons” author Eric Jay Dolin as he explores the epic history of American lighthouses, telling the story of America through the prism of its beloved coastal sentinels. The program takes place in the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s Van Lennep Auditorium, with seating limited and advanced registration needed.

Set against the backdrop of an expanding nation, “Brilliant Beacons” traces the evolution of America’s lighthouse system from its earliest days, highlighting the political, military, and technological battles fought to illuminate the nation’s hardscrabble coastlines. Beginning with “Boston Light,” America’s first lighthouse, Dolin shows how the story of America—
from colony to regional backwater, to fledgling nation, and eventually to global industrial power— can be illustrated through its lighthouses.

In his newest book, Dolin treats readers to a memorable cast of characters including the penny-pinching Treasury official Stephen Pleasonton, who hamstrung the country’s efforts to adopt the revolutionary “Fresnel Lens,” and presents tales both humorous and harrowing of soldiers, saboteurs, ruthless egg collectors, and most importantly, the light-keepers themselves.

The author will be on hand to sign “Brilliant Beacons,” which will be available for purchase at the event. The cost for the program is $6 for CBMM members, and $10 for non-members, with registration made by contacting Allison Speight at [email protected] or at 410-745-4941.

Learn more at www.cbmm.org