For centuries, lighthouses “manned” by dedicated keepers have guided vessels into harbors, their blinking lights providing a lifeline during storm-lashed nights. Some of those keepers were women, who kept the lamps lit night after night while also performing daring rescues and raising children.

Women have a long history of keeping the lights burning, from tending ancient altar flames or bonfires to modern-day lighthouse keeping. Yet, most of their stories are little-known. Guiding Lights includes true stories from around the world, chronicling the lives of the extraordinary women who mind the world’s storm-battered towers.

Whatever our perceptions of these stately towers of light, Guiding Lights illustrate real stories of women’s courage and dedication in minding the lights — then and now. Come hear how they continue to capture the public’s imagination and inspire us!