Volunteer

Join our dedicated team of volunteers who help us run our sites efficiently and who share the stories of our lighthouses, keepers, and our preservation work.

About Our Volunteer Program

At Lake Erie Lights, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Our dedicated and passionate volunteers are key to the success of our public engagement programs, daily operations, special events, and preservation work. These efforts keep us closer to the truth of what these historic lighthouses have to offer: a connection to the past and inspiration for the future.

We offer a wide variety of volunteer positions and opportunities, for individuals, groups, and corporations, to match the unique skillsets of our volunteers. We accept volunteers from ages 8 and up (ages 8 - 16 require an adult to volunteer with them). For groups, school programs, or corporate programs - contact admin@presqueislelighthouse with your request.

Current & Ongoing Opportunities

There are a variety of ways to get involved at each lighthouse.

Reach out to us to learn more about each opportunity. Training is provided! No history degree required.

Land Lighthouse Docent
Presque Isle Lighthouse Docent
Visitor Services Representative
Gift Shop Salesclerk
Gardening and Grounds Maintenance
Special Events
Educational Programming

Have another skill or interest not listed here that you’d like to contribute to the lighthouses?

Let us know! We’re always happy to find the perfect fit for you. Apply anytime. Application does not guarantee acceptance into our volunteer program.

Apply Now

Volunteer Spotlight

Rob Akans

Rob Akans started volunteering at the Presque Isle Lighthouse in 2021. A landscape photographer with a background in engineering, he developed an interest in lighthouses when he started photographing them.

“When I started volunteering, like most people, I was a little nervous,” he said. “But I was lucky to be working with a great Tuesday crew, who took me under their wing and supported me.” Rob started out as a Front Door Greeter, welcoming visitors into the lighthouse. Soon after he volunteered as a House Docent, talking to guests about the history of the lighthouse and features such as the Fresnel lens. But ultimately, Rob found his home as a Tower Docent.

“Pat Benekos was a great mentor for me with the Tower. One quiet day, she invited me up to see the tower and straight away I was hooked. Pat let me share a shift with her up there and after that I looked to volunteer in the tower regularly.”

Asked what he would say to anyone interested in volunteering, Rob replied, “if you are a people person, and have a passion for history you should get involved. There are a great group of volunteers here who will welcome and support you when you’re getting started.”