Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum plans Aug. 29 ‘Lyrics and the Lighthouse’ fundraiser
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Oak Orchard Lighthouse is shown on Aug. 14, 2025 during a light show. The 32-foot-high lighthouse was built in 2010.
POINT BREEZE – The Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum’s annual fundraising event will feature an evening of music, along with the usual extraordinary dessert buffet.
From 6 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 29 at the Carlton United Methodist Church, the Lighthouse Museum will sponsor “Lyrics and the Lighthouse,” featuring performances by local musicians, Lily Brigham, Hannah Brewer, Shannon Vanderlaan and Andy & Mindy.
There will also be raffles, in addition to desserts and live music.
While raising money to build the lighthouse was an enormous community effort, it is also necessary to raise funds to maintain it, according to board president Chris Manaseri. He added the Lighthouse has an annual budget of $5,500, of which more than half goes to insurance and tax reporting. He said their revenue comes from fundraisers, donations and gift shop sales.
In the past the museum has sponsored dinners, raffles and talks centered around Lake Ontario, including several presentations by shipwreck hunter Jim Kennard.
For the past three years, the fundraiser has taken place at the Carlton United Methodist Church, on the corner of Archibald Road and Route 18, where Larry Grimes is not only a member, but an incredible pastry chef. His array of delectable desserts has become a popular addition to Lighthouse fundraisers.
Tickets for the evening are $25 at the door or $20 presale and can be purchased at OONA summer concerts at the Marine Park, or by calling (585) 230-7829
The history of the Oak Orchard Lighthouse goes back to 1871 when there were two piers in the harbor at Point Breeze and a lighthouse was built on west pier. It was in service from 1871 to 1916, when a violent storm took it into the lake.
Fast forward to 2002 when Peg and Richard Wiley moved to a marina on Route 98, just south of the Orleans County Marine Park. Peg was interested in the area which had become her new home and started researching its history.
When she discovered there used to be a lighthouse at Point Breeze, she realized the potential for tourism, and thought why hasn’t anyone ever attempted to rebuild one?
She contacted Dick Anderson, who lived in the former lighthouse keeper’s home at the end of Archibald Road. In the summer of 2003, they and several other interested citizens met under the bridge in the Marine Park to discuss a new lighthouse.
The Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum was chartered in 2004 to raise funds to rebuild the lighthouse. The first public meeting took place at the Carlton Recreation Hall, where a model of a lighthouse built by Anderson was on display.
Original members of the board, besides Wiley, Anderson and Diane Blanchard (who are still board), Cheryl Staines, Dan and Marietta Schuth, Diana Jeffords and Jamie Kowalski. Other supporters who soon joined in were Joan Higley, Kim Remley and Ginny Kropf.
The lighthouse was completed with donations by individuals, families and businesses, fundraising events, grants and a member item from former State Sen. George Maziarz and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
A memorial walkway composed of hundreds of bricks sponsored by donors, was installed and sponsors were sought for the compass rose and benches crafted from Medina Sandstone. The benches were created by internationally known stone craftsman, George Graham of Oakfield. A Children’s Peace Garden was installed with plantings beneficial to migratory bird populations that pass through the area. Volunteers maintain it.
Most importantly, according to their website, a building will be acquired or constructed near Point Breeze to serve as the physical Museum, housing documents, photos, exhibits and memorabilia related to the general and maritime history of Point Breeze, Oak Orchard Harbor, and the surrounding region.
