Duxbury Pier Light was built in 1871 on the north side of the main channel in Plymouth Harbor to mark the dangerous shoal off Saquish Head.

Heavy seas on the east side destroyed the fog bell mechanism, the lightkeepers’ boat, and its outhouse.

Project Bug Light raised $20,000 from local businesses, as well as sales of T-shirts and bumper stickers, a fashion show, baseball games, and raffling a painting.

After a few years Project Bug Light virtually dissolved as an organization, and the five-year lease expired.

In 1993, the Coast Guard again talked of replacing the lighthouse with a fiberglass pole, or at least removing the lantern room.

This time, Dr. Don Muirhead of Duxbury, an avid sailor, spearheaded a new preservation effort.