Donate Today
The Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum accepts donations online
When donating, you may indicate a specific fund in the drop-down menu to direct your donation. Examples are the Education Programs, General Operations, Leelanau State Park, America250-Flag Across America Program & America250-Keeper brick sponsor.
America 250 & Grand Traverse Lighthouse!
On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.
Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum has been working on our plans for the past few months, and we are ready to share with you what is to come. 2026 will be the year of the American Flag! We are going to share the incredible story of our flag from its beginnings. Check out our programs and activities below and how you can participate.
Flag Across America Program
We are sending our American Flag around the country. It can go anywhere in Michigan or any other state. It will then go on display at Grand Traverse Lighthouse in 2026 to celebrate America250! (It’s the Flat Stanley concept).
- Make a $15 donation to cover the shipping to and from you.
- We schedule the flag to be mailed to you unless you have a specific date. Please notify us.
- Once you receive the flag, take a photo with family/friends. It can be anywhere like at a National Park or historic site, next to a city sign, your backyard, etc. You get it!
- Mail the flag back within 2 days of receipt in the enclosed self-addressed stamped. envelope, so it can go onto the next person.
- Email the photo to info@grandtraverselighthouse.com. Include names of people in photo, location and date of photo. See example below.
Beginning January 1, 2026, we kick off our celebration of America250 by sharing your flag photos on our Facebook page and our website.
To date, the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum has raised and reinvested more than two million dollars in the preservation and restoration of the Grand Traverse Lighthouse.
Other Donation options, other than those listed above, please click on the red highlights:
- Item donation: There are always needs. Please view our Wishlist and donate towards our ongoing fundraising efforts!
- Mailed donations: We always accept mailed donations
- Membership: Lighthouse Memberships are another great way to help preserve one of Michigan’s historical treasures.
- Buy a brick: Recognize a loved one, relative or friend in a special way by purchasing a commemorative brick which will be permanently displayed at the Grand Traverse Lighthouse.
- Sponsor a Step: Have your name, or a loved one or cause, engraved on a plaque beside a step inside the lighthouse. See the “Buy a Brick” form above.
- Fly a flag: Choose a flag that you would like to purchase and have flown in honor or memory of a loved one, event, or special occasion!