For three centuries, North American coasts have been guarded by light stations maintained by generations of brave men and women. They often faced treacherous weather, isolation and, for many years, poor pay and less than dependable technology. Through it all, they kept the lights shining . This richly-illustrated program traces the history of lighthouses from the Pharaohs of Alexandria (c.300BC) to modern times and includes numerous rare images. The presentation also features lighthouses and lightships that guarded the waters of Rhode Island, since they reflect the evolution of aids to navigation over the centuries. But, light stations and their equipment are mere objects without the dedicated men and women who built, operated and maintained them often under life-threatening conditions. Their stories are representative of all who have served in this unique profession. Although technology has to a great degree replaced the need for traditional light signals and all remaining American lights are automated (although one does have a resident keeper), these beacons still fulfill a need and enjoy a special place in history. This is the story of their contributions and their legacies.

Brian L. Wallin is a graduate of Stonehill College and earned his master’s degree from American International College. He spent the first 20 years of his career as a radio and television news reporter, anchor and producer in New England also contributing to the NBC, CBS and ABC networks. He broadcast the America’s Cup yacht races between 1967 and 1983 for national and international news organizations. He has served as an adjunct professor at Providence College and Salve Regina University and is currently on the faculty of the URI Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

In 1984, he turned to health care management, holding senior leadership positions at health care systems in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. He retired in 2009 as Vice President of Kent Hospital in Warwick, RI.

He is a past president of the New England Society for Healthcare Communications and of the North Kingstown (RI) Rotary He is a trustee of the Varnum Continentlals historic militia in East Greenwich (RI), a docent at the Naval War College Museum and a member of the US Naval Institute. He is also a consulting historian to the Narragansett Historical Society. He is a narrator for the Rhode Island Fast Ferry Lighthouse Cruises. Brian also continues to do commercial voice-overs and documentary narrations.

He is a frequent lecturer to audiences across the state on Rhode Island history. He writes for specialty publications and is a contributing author to the on line journal of Rhode Island history, www.smallstatebighistory.com. Brian is the co-author of “World War Two Rhode Island”, a book about the war’s impact on the Ocean State, published by the History Press.