In 1851, twenty years after the establishment of Whaleback Lighthouse, the tower was shortened to 55 feet (17 m).

The current light is a fixed green signal that is visible for 12 nautical miles (22 km; 14 mi).

The United States Coast Guard owns Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse and still maintains the active aids to navigation equipment.

The group is licensed through ALF to care for the tower, oil house, and wooden walkway.

As of November 2008, the Friends are also responsible for Whaleback Lighthouse, and altered the chapter name to reflect this.