ABOUT
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.
Wisconsin Lighthouses is produced as a partnership of the Wisconsin Historical Society and PBS Wisconsin.
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
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