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Points Northeast Historical Society preserves Brown's Point Lighthouse; summer tours and volunteer programs continue
Summary
Points Northeast Historical Society maintains Brown's Point Lighthouse and operates summer tours and two on-site museums; volunteers and grants (plus Airbnb stays) support preservation work.
Brown's Point Lighthouse, at the eastern entrance to Commencement Bay in Northeast Tacoma, is maintained by the Points Northeast Historical Society, which operates guided tours and two small museums on site.
Society representatives said the original light at Brown's Point dates to 1887 and that a wood-frame lighthouse and keeper’s cottage were built in 1903. The society said it preserves eight buildings on the historic property and offers public tours on Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The site hosts docent-led tours of the boathouse, bell house and cottage.
The society described volunteer staffing as central to operations and said funding comes from grants, membership and rental income — the group noted the historic keeper’s cottage is available as a short-term rental on Airbnb and VRBO and that those stays help support preservation work.
A society docent on the program recounted early life at the station and told stories about the original keeper, Oscar Brown, to illustrate the site's maritime history.
Why it matters: The lighthouse and associated properties are local heritage assets maintained by a nonprofit volunteer organization that offers public access and fundraising through membership, grants and rentals.
