The State of Michigan acquired Tawas Point Light from the U.S. Coast Guard in 2002 and planned for it to be managed by the Department of Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Division, and interpreted by the Department of History, Arts and Libraries, Michigan Historical Center. The lighthouse was to be restored according to federal standards for historic preservation, beginning with repairs to protect it from the weather through roof work, tuck-pointing the masonry, and painting the tower, followed by returning the interior to its early 20th century appearance and planning exhibits for the grounds and interior. Tawas Point shares its design with the Sturgeon Point, St. Helena Island, and Poverty Island lights, and comparison among the four can help guide restoration. Preserving its history also includes recording oral histories of people who lived and worked there, including Genevieve Lomas, who lived at the lighthouse in 1920 and shared her story with an oral history interviewer. Broader preservation efforts included collecting artifacts, photographs, and stories about the lighthouse and its keepers, support through Save Our Lights license plates, and the work of the Michigan Lighthouse Project and Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Grants.