Visit FAQ

Practical questions for planning your visit and research

These notes clarify access, interpretation, and preservation terms used across the archive and map.

Are all preserved towers open to the public?
No. Some towers are accessible on scheduled open days, while others can only be viewed from public paths or harbor points.
How should I use the map on this site?
Use the map as a location guide first, then open each tower entry for linked stories, archive images, and current preservation notes.
What do the archive photos represent?
Images span multiple periods and formats, including survey records, keeper-era prints, and later documentation used for comparison.
How are keeper stories curated?
Stories are edited from verified oral histories, station logs, and local records, with context notes added where sources differ.
What does preservation status mean?
Status indicates present condition and stewardship: restored, stabilized, at-risk, or inaccessible, based on latest published assessments.