Burnt Island Light, built in 1821 at the western entrance to Boothbay Harbor, guides vessels into one of Maine’s large natural harbors and is the state’s second-oldest surviving lighthouse. Established after local officials and pilots sought the site, the station began with a granite tower, keeper’s house, and whale-oil lamps with parabolic reflectors. As navigation grew more complex, its signals were repeatedly altered with sectors, color signals, a Fresnel lens, and later a rotating beacon to distinguish it from nearby lights. Converted to electric power in 1962 and automated in 1988, the restored station now also preserves the working life of its keepers as a living history museum.