Keepers of Our Story: Points Northeast Historical Society
Top photo: Browns Point Lighthouse. Photo: Sherry Mcginnis.
Every neighborhood has places that belong to everyone and need someone to look after them. At Browns Point, one of those someones is Points Northeast Historical Society. The society was established in 1986, and its stated purpose is “preserving and providing access to iconic landmarks.”
The lightstation
The society’s best-known work is at Browns Point Lighthouse Park, a public Parks Tacoma park at the tip of the point. The Seattle Times reports that the society led a 2021 restoration that returned the 1933 art deco lighthouse to its original look. In a 2024 KING 5 segment, the society said it had restored all seven buildings on the property and opened them as museums. Those two accounts describe the scope differently, so we have asked the society to confirm the details.
Look past the tower and you will find more. The society says the heritage gardens echo the interests of early lightkeepers Oscar and Annie Brown, and it credits the Dash Point Garden Club with caring for the plantings. The boathouse holds a handmade replica surfboat and tools from earlier days, and the historic fog bell is a reminder of keeping ships safe in poor visibility.
Stay in the keeper’s cottage
The 1903 keeper’s cottage, where the Browns lived, can be rented, and proceeds help fund restoration. KING 5 described it as furnished the way it might have looked around 1920. The Seattle Times mentions a small museum in the basement. Booking information is on the society’s website.
Visit and tour
The society offers free tours on Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. (as listed in October 2026; check before you go, especially in winter). Tour access to the buildings can vary, so please don’t count on getting inside every one.
Research family and local history
The society keeps a research center with archives for family and local history. If you have old photos of the neighborhood, it is worth asking whether they would be useful.
Get in touch
Points Northeast Historical Society
6716 Eastside Dr NE #1-135, Browns Point, WA 98422 (mailing address)
253-927-2536 ยท pointsnortheast.org
Lighthouse Park: 201 Tulalip St NE, Tacoma, WA 98422
Sources
- Points Northeast Historical Society website (re-checked Oct. 22, 2026): https://pointsnortheast.org/
- Tantri Wija, The Seattle Times, Mar. 9, 2026: https://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/art-deco-browns-point-lighthouse-illuminates-a-long-foggy-history/
- KING 5 Evening, Aug. 16, 2024: https://youtu.be/9LiVJUlIZck