A donation of $100,000 earmarked for restoration work at the Cana Island Lighthouse near Baileys Harbor, was accepted by the Door County Board during its regular meeting Thursday. Board action enabled the transfer of the funds necessary to the county parks department and the Door County Maritime Museum to move forward with the project. A 3-year fundraising campaign has secured gifts and pledges totaling more than $2,400,000 for improvements and restoration work at the historic light station. Funds raised “to date” equal more than 93% of the original goal of $2,600,000. A comprehensive historic structure report was completed in 2009 outlining the stabilization and restoration work needed on the island’s historic buildings including the light tower, keeper’s quarters, oil house, privy, and barn. Selection of an architectural and engineering firm to complete plans and specifications is the next step in the process. The county and museum hope to make their selection and have contracts in place enabling the work to begin in early 2014.
