Brian Tague from Friends of the Flying Santas will present on the history of the 93-year tradition of Flying Santa, aerial visits to lighthouses and lifesaving stations that have been a New England tradition since 1929. Capt. William Wincapaw of Friendship, Maine – an aviation pioneer – began the flights as a gesture of appreciation to the dedicated lighthouse keepers and their families as well as the crews of the lifesaving stations. Legendary author and historian Edward Rowe Snow carried on the tradition for over four decades.

Friends of Flying Santa continues the annual Christmas flights (now done by helicopter) to deliver gifts to the children of U.S. Coast Guard families from Maine to Long Island, New York. Tague’s presentation will include photos and videos from the past 92 years, including many aerials of the historic lighthouses and boat stations along the coast. He has flown on the flights since 1991 as photographer, director, historian and chief toy tester.

Please register through Eventbrite. Co-sponsored by the Medford Historical Society & Museum, and the Medford Public Library.