On May 31, 2025, a group of vandals targeted the Conesus Point Lighthouse—one of New York State’s oldest and most emblematic lighthouses—by splashing graffiti across its exterior, smashing windows, and setting fire to the wooden stairwell leading to its lantern room. Though firefighters arrived in time to prevent the blaze from consuming the entire structure, damage is extensive, and the incident has sparked outrage among local residents, preservationists, and maritime history enthusiasts. This article delves into what happened, why the lighthouse matters, and how the community plans to respond.
What Happened
- Timeline of the Attack: According to Genesee County Sheriff’s Office reports, security cameras at the nearby marina recorded four masked individuals arriving on foot just after midnight on May 31. Over approximately 45 minutes, they vandalized the lower-level windows and doors, scrawled obscenities and gang symbols in red and black paint along the white clapboard exterior, and then ignited a pile of rags soaked in lighter fluid at the base of the wooden staircase.
- Firefighters’ Response: Conesus Volunteer Fire Department units arrived within five minutes of the 911 call. Though the staircase’s balustrades and treads suffered charred planks, firefighters contained the flames before they could spread to the lantern room above. Smoke billowed through the interior, setting off the lighthouse’s fire-warning system and prompting additional support from Livonia and Lakeville fire crews. Damage to the lantern’s Fresnel lens was narrowly avoided, though soot and water seepage have rendered it temporarily inoperable.
- Current Status: No injuries were reported—fire crews found the site abandoned. By sunrise, law-enforcement investigators cordoned off the structure for evidence collection. Restoration experts estimate that the scaffolding needed to replace the staircase and repair smoke damage could take six to eight months, with costs upwards of $250,000.
Why the Conesus Point Lighthouse Matters
- Historical Significance:
- Built in 1825, Conesus Point Lighthouse guided vessels navigating Conesus Lake—one of New York’s Finger Lakes—for nearly a century before being decommissioned in 1930. It remained privately maintained until turned over to the town of Livonia in 1980, when it became part of the Conesus Point Light Historical Site.
- The lighthouse is among the five oldest extant wooden-framed lighthouses in New York State and one of only two on an inland lake rather than the coastline. Its classic “saltbox” design and white clapboard siding topped by a copper-domed lantern make it an architectural landmark.
- Cultural and Community Role:
- Each summer, the Livonia Historical Society hosts “Beacon Nights,” allowing visitors to climb the lighthouse, learn about maritime heritage, and enjoy lakeside firework displays. Local schoolchildren tour the keepers’ quarters for field trips on regional navigation and ecology.
- The lighthouse appears on town seals, promotional brochures, and even keychains sold at farmers’ markets—symbolizing Livonia’s identity as a close-knit riverside community that cherishes its past.
Context: Vandalism Trends at Historic Sites
- Rising Incidents: Across New York State, historic properties have seen a 15% uptick in vandalism since 2023, according to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Graffiti, window-smashing, and fire-starting at abandoned barns, small museums, and lighthouses reflect broader frustrations among some youth and opportunistic thrill-seekers.
- Motivations and Impacts: Perpetrators often claim “nothing to do” or target landmarks they perceive as poorly supervised. Regardless of motives, such attacks inflict disproportionate damage: replacing original timbers and repairing century-old glass can cost tens of thousands of dollars. For volunteer-run sites like Conesus Point, the financial and emotional toll intensifies as fundraising must ramp up to cover unplanned repairs.
Community Response and Recovery Plans
- Law Enforcement and Investigation:
- Genesee County Sheriff’s deputies are reviewing marina CCTV footage in hopes of identifying the suspects. Nearby residents have been asked to check home security systems and to report any suspicious activity from late May to early June. Rewards of up to $5,000 have been offered—jointly by the Town of Livonia and the Conesus Point Light Historical Site—for information leading to arrests and convictions.
- The State Police’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation has been consulted to test paint samples and any accelerant residues for forensic clues. Investigators believe the vandals came prepared: they used industrial spray paint and a commercial-grade lighter fluid bottle removed from a nearby convenience store.
- Preservationists Mobilize:
- Within hours of the fire’s suppression, the Livonia Historical Society launched a “Light Her Up” crowdfunding campaign. Early pledges from several local businesses—including the Conesus Lake Marina and a pair of wineries—totaled $30,000 in the first 48 hours.
- Architects specializing in historic wood structures from the New York Landmarks Conservancy visited on June 2 to assess structural integrity. Their preliminary report notes that while the staircase framing must be entirely replaced, the foundation, exterior walls, and roof timbers remain sound. A detailed restoration plan is expected by mid-June.
- Volunteer and Youth Engagement:
- Local high-school students, many of whom grew up touring the lighthouse, volunteered to clear graffiti under supervision. Over the weekend, 20 teens scrubbed paint from the lower walls with biodegradable solvent—careful not to damage original clapboard.
- The town council is organizing “Heritage Patrols,” encouraging families to volunteer weekend shifts to monitor the site through September. Rotating teams of two local residents will receive flashlights, radios, and reflective vests—aiming to deter future vandalism through visible presence.
- Long-Term Security Upgrades:
- The Restoration Committee is advocating for solar-powered motion sensors and low-intensity LED floodlights around the structure. A discreet camera with infrared capabilities has been donated by a Rochester-based surveillance company; installation is slated for mid-June.
- Discussions are underway to build a small caretaker’s hut near the parking area—providing seasonal on-site supervision without requiring full-time staff. Town officials estimate this would cost $50,000, to be raised via grants from the New York State Historic Preservation Office and private donors.
Broader Implications and Lessons
- Economic Ripples:
- Conesus Point draws an estimated 15,000 visitors annually. With restoration underway, the committee expects a temporary dip in summer tourism—negatively affecting local B&Bs, gift shops, and eateries. Some businesses have begun offering lighthouse-themed “support specials”—for instance, a portion of each Lakeside Inn stay in June goes directly to the restoration fund.
- Neighboring towns that rely on seasonal visitors view this as a cautionary tale. They are evaluating security at their own historic mills, covered bridges, and small museums—installing alarms and soliciting volunteers in anticipation of similar threats.
- Preservation Advocacy:
- The incident has sparked a renewed conversation in Albany about statewide funding for small-site security grants. Assemblymember Rachel Donovan (D-Livonia) plans to introduce a bill in the next legislative session to allocate $2 million in 2026 to support rural historic sites’ security upgrades.
- Preservation nonprofits are calling for expanded youth education—urging schools to include local history curricula that foster stewardship, rather than leaving teenagers to view historic sites as targets of vandalism. The Town of Livonia will pilot a “History Ambassadors” program for middle-schoolers this fall.
Conclusion
The vandalism and arson attempt at Conesus Point Lighthouse have shaken the Livonia community and underscored the vulnerability of rural historic landmarks. Yet, the swift response—from firefighters and law enforcement to preservationists, volunteers, and local officials—demonstrates a shared commitment to safeguarding heritage. As restoration efforts gain momentum, the community’s resilience shines as brightly as the beacon the lighthouse once provided. In rebuilding the staircase and cleaning the singed timbers, Livonia reaffirms that the past remains worth protecting—and that, with collective action, a vandalized beacon can shine again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How old is the Conesus Point Lighthouse?
Built in 1825, it is one of New York State’s oldest wooden-framed lighthouses, guiding boats on Conesus Lake for over a century.
Q2: How extensive is the damage from the fire?
The wooden staircase leading to the lantern was severely charred and must be replaced. Smoke and water have damaged interior walls and the Fresnel lens has soot deposits, rendering it inoperable until professional cleaning.
Q3: Will the lighthouse be closed to visitors during restoration?
Yes. Conesus Point Lighthouse will remain closed until the staircase and interior repairs are complete—likely by early 2026. The exterior grounds are open for viewing, but visitors are asked to stay clear of scaffolding.
Q4: How can I contribute to restoration efforts?
Donations can be made through the “Light Her Up” campaign at www.conesuslighthouserepair.org. Volunteers can sign up to help remove graffiti, assist with cleanup, or serve on Heritage Patrols at the town’s website.
Q5: Are there leads on the vandals?
Investigations by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and the State Police are ongoing. A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to arrests. Anyone with tips from late May is urged to contact the sheriff’s tip line.
Q6: What long-term security measures are planned?
Plans include installing solar-powered motion sensors, low-level LED lighting around the structure, and a donated infrared surveillance camera. A seasonal caretaker’s hut is also proposed to ensure on-site supervision during peak visitor months.
Sources abc News
