Boston Light, the last manned lighthouse in the United States, bids farewell to its keeper, Sally Snowman, as she steps down from her post on New Year’s Eve. At 72, Snowman took on the role of guardian for the historic lighthouse in 2002, becoming its 70th keeper and notably the first woman in this position.
The heartwarming and poignant story of Snowman’s dedication to her role has resonated not only across the nation but globally, highlighting the disappearing tradition of manned lighthouses in an era where technology is rapidly replacing human roles in various industries.
Snowman’s connection to Boston Light goes back to her childhood. Her father, a Coast Guard Auxiliarist, introduced her to the island in the summer of 1961. During a picnic with other Auxiliarists in front of the lighthouse, she expressed a childhood dream to her father: “Daddy, when I grow up, I want to get married out here.” Little did she know that this dream would eventually lead her to become the lighthouse keeper herself.
Despite struggling in school and facing learning difficulties, Snowman found solace and comfort in caretaking jobs, particularly those involving childcare, elderly care, and work with the disabled. After discovering she had dyslexia and attention-deficit disorder, she pursued an online Ph.D. in neurolinguistics from Walden University, seeking to understand her cognitive challenges.
Having learned the basics of lighthouse keeping from her father, Snowman applied to work as the assistant keeper on Little Brewster, the island housing Boston Light. It was on this island that she met her future husband, a civil engineer. Their shared experience inspired them to co-author a book on the history of Boston Light, and in 1994, they fulfilled a promise made to Snowman’s father by getting married on the island.
The publication of their book played a pivotal role in Snowman’s journey to becoming the lighthouse keeper. Her unique combination of dedication, love for the sea, and historical knowledge made her the perfect candidate to continue the legacy of Boston Light.
As the 70th keeper, Snowman has not only maintained the operational aspects of the lighthouse but has also shared its rich history with visitors. Her tenure represents a bridge between the longstanding tradition of manned lighthouses and the technological advancements that have rendered many such roles obsolete.
Snowman’s retirement marks the end of an era for Boston Light, symbolizing the transition from manual lighthouse keeping to automated systems. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving maritime history and the human touch in the face of evolving technologies.
As Boston Light stands tall with its rich legacy, Sally Snowman’s stewardship will be remembered as a testament to the enduring spirit of those who safeguarded these beacons of light for generations.