The HHLHC is the owner and operator of the BIG RED physical site and serves as her primary steward, advocate, and guardian, responsible for the preservation, maintenance, and ongoing public engagement of BIG RED.

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Preserving BIG RED: Stewardship Through Community Partnership

The Holland Harbor Lighthouse Historical Commission (HHLHC) is dedicated to preserving BIG RED as both an architectural landmark and a symbol of Holland’s maritime heritage. Formed in the 1970s after the U.S. Coast Guard planned to abandon the lighthouse, the Commission assumed ownership and continues to oversee its care, including recent restoration work such as repairing storm damage to the flagpole in May 2025.

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HHLHC’s mission extends beyond BIG RED. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Commission advocates for lighthouse preservation across America’s coastlines, supported by strategic partnerships and strong community engagement.

 

BIG RED is a generational touchstone. Families return year after year to walk the Ottawa Beach pier, take photos, and share stories—making preservation a deeply personal effort.

 

To support this work, HHLHC partners with the Holland Museum, the Holland Visitors Bureau, and the Pump House Museum in Holland, Michigan. These organizations help engage visitors and share BIG RED’s history through exhibits featuring the original Fresnel lens, historic photographs, and interpretive storytelling.

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Financial contributions are managed through the Community Foundation of Holland/Zeeland (CFHZ), which administers the Lighthouse Preservation Fund and provides donors with secure giving tools and full contribution histories dating back to 1993.

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HHLHC also participates in the Michigan Lighthouse Alliance and the U.S. Lighthouse Society’s Passport Stamp Program, helping promote education, tourism, and public awareness of lighthouse preservation.

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Our collaboration with the West Michigan Water Safety Alliance further supports Great Lakes boater safety through education and community outreach.

 

Together, these partnerships strengthen our mission and help ensure that Big Red remains protected, celebrated, and cherished for generations to come.