Long Beach Bar "Bug" Lighthouse helps mariners navigate around the hazardous sandbar located between Orient Harbor and Gardiner’s Bay, its bright beacon welcoming them to the protected waters of Peconic Bay.
The original structure was built in 1870 on screw piles which left an opening beneath the structure and inspired its nickname "Bug" Light, because when the rocks were covered at high tide, the lighthouse looked like a giant water bug.
A fire destroyed Bug Light the night of July 4, 1963 and after a quarter century without this North Fork icon, East End Seaport Museum and Marine Foundation was established to reconstruct Long Beach Bar "Bug" Light.
During 1989-90, hundreds of local residents contributed not only financial support but also materials, equipment and labor to rebuild the lighthouse. This outpouring of generosity combined with innovative planning and construction produced remarkable results. The project took only 60 days from inception to completion, making it one of the most unique lighthouse restoration projects in the world.
The much-photographed replacement lighthouse, a near replica of the original Bug Light, was built on land in the Greenport Yacht and Shipbuilding. It was launched down the yard’s railway in several pieces on September 5, 1990, accompanied by a Navy band and 40-millimeter 21 gun salute. After the new Bug Light was constructed on the existing foundation, a relighting ceremony for its 10-inch, solar powered light (63-feet above the water) was celebrated with a spectacular fireworks celebration.
Now Bug Light is a shining symbol of our community's dedication to keeping our maritime heritage alive. East End Seaport Museum is responsible for taking care of the lighthouse structure, and the United States Coast Guard maintains the light.
Bug Light Cruises & Tours allow East End Seaport Museum to share the joyful experience of visiting an offshore lighthouse with the public. These educational, inspirational experiences also help raise much-needed funds needed for repairs and on-going maintenance.
