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From the towering Cana Island Lighthouse on Lake Michigan to the remote outposts of the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior, Wisconsin Lighthouses takes viewers on a tour of Wisconsin’s most beloved and historically significant lighthouses.

The documentary reveals lighthouses as more than just navigational aids — they are living museums that tell the story of Wisconsin’s growth, its immigrant heritage and the dedication of the keepers who maintained these vital landmarks. Viewers will discover little-known tales of heroism, tragedy and perseverance of lighthouses like Pottawatomie, North Point and Raspberry Island. 

Who chooses to call a lighthouse their home? Keepers raised families, made great art and enriched their communities with dancing and music. But all shared the dedication to duty, work ethic and commitment to maritime safety that made their sacrifices so crucial to life along the shores of the Great Lakes.

Learn how lighthouses have endured as powerful symbols in our culture long after their practical use has faded. The film explores modern-day efforts to preserve these historic structures and the passionate lighthouse enthusiasts working to keep their stories alive for future generations. 

Wisconsin Lighthouses is a celebration of the state’s rich maritime legacy and the enduring allure of these iconic structures. Rooted in extensive historical research and featuring breathtaking visuals, it will inspire viewers to see these familiar sights with fresh eyes and a deeper appreciation for their role in shaping the state we know today.

Image below: “Bloom Bros. Co postcard.” (Courtesy of Wayne Sapulski)

From the PBS Wisconsin Blog

Documentary Credits

Producer

Jeff Pfeiffer

Writer

Grant Fenster

Additional Writing

Jeff Pfeiffer

Lead Videographers

Mike Baron
James Donovan

Editor

James Donovan

Art Direction

Jennifer Hadley

Program Narrator

Patty Loew

Additional Narration

David Boffa

Project Manager

Jason A. Smith

Additional Videographers

Frank Boll
Ethan Freel
James Runde
Lina Soblytė
Brandon Sveum

Field Producer

Emily Julka

Additional Editing and Technical Support

Tom Micksch

Additional Producing

JoAnne Garrett

Sound Design and Mixing

Kerman Eckes

Archival Research and Clearance

Clara Wolfe

Closed Captioning

Vicki Way Kipp
Catie Pfeifer

Voice-Over Direction

Jon Hornbacher

Marketing and Engagement

Erik Ernst
Mike DeVine

Director of Production

Christine Sloan-Miller

Executive Producers

Nora Donaghy
Laurie Gorman
Grant Fenster

Website

Matt Barnes
Norman Yuson Cuaño
Erika Kachama-Nkoy
Chester Lee
Sigrid Peterson
Mark Riechers
Tim Schneider

Immersive Experience Credits

‘Illuminating Cana Island’

Experience Design and Development

Philip Ashby
Matt Barnes
Norman Cuano
Tracy Erickson
Jen Hadley
Erika Kachama-Nkoy
Brandon Ribordy
Amber Samdahl
Angelina Shi
Zack Sieger
Lexie Wescott

Voice Actors

David Boffa
Carol Larson

Illustration

Sophie Blackall

Research Partners

Door County Maritime Museum

3D Scanning

TechRender

Music Credits

“Hello Wisconsin,” performed by Irving Kaufman

“Lights Out Waltz,” performed by Babe Wagner’s Dutchmen

“Down Hearted Blues,” performed by Alberta Hunter

Special Thanks

University of Wisconsin-Madison Computer Science Capstone Program

Tom Caw and the Mills Music Library at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

All of our playtesters!

‘Pottawatomie Lighthouse’

Experience Design and Development

Philip Ashby
David Boffa
Angelina Shi
Terrance Volden

Special Thanks

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Friends of Rock Island State Park