Back by popular demand all three of Carrabelle’s fascinating museums will open their doors free of charge on Saturday, September 21, 2019, 10 am - 5 pm as part of Smithsonian magazine’s 15th 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 have special activities and exhibits.

For Museum Day, free lighthouse tower climbs will be available to all attendees. Lighthouse tower climbs are available on this day from 10 am- 4 pm. Visitors are challenged to tackle the 103 foot lighthouse and climb its 128 inside steps. Those who make it to the top are 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. In honor of this year’s theme, “Year of Music”, the museum will be featuring maritime heritage music recordings during the day.

Additionally staff and volunteers will be offering a wonderful lantern-making workshop at the Keeper’s House from 1-4:30 pm. Materials, instruction and hands-on help will be provided to make some unique, colorful lanterns for a $8 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.