Tchefuncte River Lighthouse., Madisonville, LA. The town of Madisonville assumed ownership of the lighthouse from the Coast Guard in 1999, and a group of volunteers interested in renovating the lighthouse held its first meeting on March 18, 2003 in the museum. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita interrupted the original efforts, but restoration plans resumed in 2007 backed by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Southeastern Museum Conference, a gift from the Southeastern Louisiana University Development Fund, and contributions from private groups and individuals. On June 25, 2008, Phase 1 of the lighthouse restoration concluded with the exterior masonry being repaired, repointed, and painted, and the interior spiral staircase being repaired and painted. Work continued during the rest of 2008, and on August 8, the maritime museum hosted a fireworks display above the lighthouse to celebrate National Lighthouse Day and the substantial progress made in restoring Tchefuncte River Lighthouse.
