The Hudson-Athens Lighthouse, an iconic beacon in Athens, New York, is celebrating its 150th anniversary with a special exhibit titled "The Light in Our Eyes." The exhibit, which is a collaboration between the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society and the Athens Cultural Center, features artwork and poetry created by students from Coxsackie-Athens, Catskill, and Hudson high schools. The students' creations are inspired by the lighthouse, river life, and river lore.
The exhibit opened on October 4 and will run through October 20 at the Athens Cultural Center. It is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. The opening reception featured a performance by artist Joseph Smith, who presented "The Life of Augustin Fresnel" and some poetic readings by the students. Fresnel was a pioneer in the development of 'stepped' lenses, which significantly extended the visibility of lighthouses.
Becky Martin, a board member of the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society, emphasized the importance of celebrating the lighthouse’s 150th anniversary with multiple generations. Martin told Hudson Valley 360, “Celebrating the lighthouse’s 150th anniversary is a wonderful opportunity to connect multiple generations and honor our shared history.”