Light Hearted 342 – Mary Jo Marquis, Burnt Island, ME

Light Hearted 342 – Mary Jo Marquis, Burnt Island, ME

From Light Hearted by Jeremy D'Entremont, U.S. Lighthouse Society

April 12, 2026 · 35 min

About this episode

The episode features Mary Jo Marquis discussing the caretaker position at Burnt Island Light and the efforts of Keepers of Burnt Island Light.

In 1988, Burnt Island Light in Boothbay Harbor became one of the last Maine light stations to be automated and destaffed. In February 1998, the station was transferred to the Maine Department of Marine Resources. Keepers of Burnt Island Light (KBIL) is a non-profit organization that was formed in 2009. Its mission is to support the restoration, preservation and maintenance of Burnt Island and its historic buildings and nature trails. Burnt Island Light, photo by Jeremy D’Entremont Our guest, Mary Jo Marquis, works in administration for the marine sciences bureau of the DMR and is also the vice president of Keepers of Burnt Island Light. The primary topic is the current opening for a caretaker couple to live on the island this summer. The caretakers will live on the island and help welcome visitors, share the history of the lighthouse, and maintain the property. Burnt Island Light Station, photo by Jeremy D’Entremont

People in this episode

Host: Jeremy D'Entremont

Guest: Mary Jo Marquis

Topics covered

  • lighthouse history
  • caretaker opportunities
  • Maine light stations
  • preservation efforts
  • marine sciences

Keywords

  • Burnt Island Light
  • Maine lighthouses
  • caretaker couple
  • historic buildings
  • nature trails

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Keepers of Burnt Island Light, Maine Department of Marine Resources

Places: Burnt Island, ME, Boothbay Harbor

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