Lecture Series- Ladies of the Lights

They were women before their time, taking on the romantic, yet dangerous and physically demanding job of tending to the beacons that protected the shoreline. In all, some 40 women have been identified who excelled in this profession over the years — dating back as early as the 1840s and as recent as the present day. Nearly 70 images of keepers, their families, and their lights make up this presentation. The program includes readings from newspapers and autobiographies, as well as handouts including the list of featured ladies and additional reading references for attendees.

Dianna Stampfler has been presenting lively and upbeat programs about the area’s historic lighthouses, historic sites, and other unique destinations in her home state of Michigan for more than 25 years. She is a passionate professional speaker, with a degree in communications from Western Michigan University and nearly 40 years of experience in radio broadcasting and public speaking. Dianna is the author of Michigan’s Haunted Lighthouses (2019), Death & Lighthouses on the Great Lakes (2022), and Kalamazoo County Characters (2025). As a self-professed armchair historian, Dianna is a proud member of the Historical Society of Michigan, Great Lake Lighthouse Keepers Association, Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, Association for Great Lakes Maritime History, U.S. Lighthouse Society, and National Museum of the Great Lakes.

This lecture series is made possible thanks to the Nielsen-Wells Grant Fund and Mike & Susan Smith. Tickets are free for Museum members and $10 for non-members. Doors open at 6 PM.

Admission: $10