Split Rock celebrates in 2010

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Split Rock Lighthouse is celebrating its 100th birthday in 2010 with special events and activities planned throughout the year.

“Split Rock Lighthouse is one of Minnesota’s signature places and one of the most exciting historical destinations in the state” said Minnesota Historical Society director Nina Archabal. “It is a crown jewel of the society’s historic sites program.”

To kick off the celebration, the public is invited to the site at 2 p.m. Jan. 8 for the unveiling of an original commemorative painting by Minnesota artist Jim Povich. He will be available to meet with visitors and first-edition posters of the painting will be for sale. Visitors can also purchase art, collectibles, souvenirs and other items designed to spotlight the centennial celebration and provide lasting mementos of the occasion.

The first Friday evening of each month will have special programs and performances and the lighting of the historic beacon. Events will take place May through November and will feature such guests as author and journalist Cathy Wurzer, weather guru Mark Seeley, musicians Lee Murdock and Bill and Kate Isles, among others.

Restored to its early 20th-century splendor, Split Rock Lighthouse is one of America’s best-preserved lighthouses. More than 120,000 visitors a year tour the lighthouse and keeper’s home, climb the tower to see the original, still operational, French bi-valve lens and take their own shots of one of the most photographed sites in the country.

Keep up on the latest happenings at Split Rock Lighthouse and learn about the lighthouse’s storied past by visiting site manager Lee Radzak’s popular blog. It can be found at www.mnhs. org/splitrock.

Tags: two harbors, split rock lighthouse, community