Back by popular demand all three of Carrabelle’s wonderful museums will open their doors free of charge on Saturday September 22, 2018 as part of Smithsonian magazine’s 14^th annual Museum Day. This national celebration honors museums that follow the example of the Smithsonian with free admission. In salute to this day, Carrabelle History Museum, Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum, and Crooked River Lighthouse Museum will also have extended hours from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and special activities and exhibits including WWII military vehicles, a newly expanded Native Peoples exhibit and 103 foot tower climbs.

During this special event, FREE lighthouse tower climbs will be available to all children (must be 44 inches to climb). Lighthouse tower climbs are available from 1:00-4:00 pm. Visitors can tackle the 103 foot tower and be rewarded by magnificent views of the St. George Sound and Tate's Hell State Forest. Kids can make their own model of the Crooked River Lighthouse with card stock. Also the brand new plans for the pirate ship playground, “Carrabella II” will be on display.

Additionally staff and volunteers will be offering a wonderful lantern-making workshop at the Keeper’s House from 1:00-4:30 pm. Materials, instruction and hands-on help will be provided to make some unique, colorful lanterns for just a $5 donation. At the end, attendees will get to take their own finished lantern home with them.

The history and the science of the Crooked River Lighthouse are displayed through interesting exhibits, including a historical setting of the early 1900’s, examples of beacons, the methods of constructing a skeletal tower lighthouse, plus the original Keeper’s House clocks, a barometer, a glass fire grenade, and more. Also on the grounds, a nice park picnic area features picnic tables, picnic shelters and a small playground. Crooked River Lighthouse is located at 1975 Hwy 98 West, Carrabelle, FL.

For more information about Museum Day, including a list of participating museums and cultural institutions, please visit Smithsonian.com/museumday. Funding provided in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.