Courtesy photos from Josh McPhail, The Kennebunkport Conservation Trust and the Lewia family.
In January of 2025, Nick Lewia, his wife Amy, and their son Brandon became the official caretakers of Goat Island Light, a job that was previously held by the Dombrowski family. The island and lighthouse were acquired by the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust in 1993, and not only serves an important and essential navigational role, but also is a central part of the Trust itself, available for island exploration year-round and open to the public seasonally with light tower access.
“It’s a unique opportunity, and I can’t say I ever expected to end up here, then again, my career path has never exactly been a straight line,” 40-year-old Nick Lewia said. Lewia was born and raised in Kennebunk, the youngest of four siblings in a family with deep roots in the community. After graduating from Kennebunk High School, he went to Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston to study Mechanical Engineering. “I quickly realized two things: city life wasn’t for me, and neither was college,” he said. After spending time traveling and working in various parts of the country, he returned to Kennebunk. In 2011 he married his wife, Amy, and in 2014 their son Brandon was born. After other career paths, he purchased Proscape Irrigation and expanded the company significantly. He explained his first introduction to the life of a lighthouse keeper, which may have been a glimmer of what the future would hold. “I was fortunate enough to grow up with Greg and Eric Dombrowski, the sons of Scott and Karen Dombrowski, who dedicated over 30 years to Goat Island Light as its head lighthouse keepers. Without them, the lighthouse would not be what it is today, and we all owe them an enormous debt of gratitude for their unwavering devotion. As a kid, I spent time on the island with them- playing wiffle ball in the front yard, hopping rocks, exploring, getting into trouble, and fixing outboard engines. As kids, we often asked, 'When do we take over?' Scott and Karen always said, 'Never.' Years later, I found myself being invited to join their new program, The Lighthouse Keepers Apprentice Program.”
KCT President Christ Angelos noted, “One of our key missions at KCT is to develop the next generation of stewards for all our properties, especially our signature Goat Island. We are fortunate to have the Lewia family, as Nick's time spent on the island in his youth perfectly aligns with our vision of nurturing future stewards.”
Lewia went on to explain the Lighthouse Keepers Apprentice Program. “My family, along with a handful of other local families, took on week-long summer shifts, learning the ropes of lighthouse keeping. Tasks ranged from mowing, painting, repairing the docks, maintaining the light, caring for the house and outbuildings, greeting visitors, gardening, and anything else needed to keep the island running smoothly. There is always something to be done on Goat Island. That first year, we spent our assigned week in July, but Scott quickly realized he had a dependable ‘yes’ on speed dial. Anytime a spot opened, he would call to see if we wanted to cover, and every time, the answer was ‘yes,’ Towards the end of the summer, we were not just filling in here and there, we were spending weeks at a time on the island. Eventually, we found ourselves staying from the last week of August straight through November 3rd, closing the lighthouse for the winter months.” He continued, “From that first summer, and honestly, ever since I was a kid, I was hooked. It is not hard to get drawn into the island’s history, its solitude, and the simplicity of life without constant screens and distractions. It has become one of the most meaningful places in the world to my family, and I am beyond honored to continue this tradition for another generation.”
“Plans for the island,” Lewia said, “ include ensuring the continued safety of guests and apprentice keepers, preserving the island’s beauty and charm, and doing everything in his power to ensure that Goat Island thrives well into the future. Our vision is to modernize the island in small, thoughtful ways.”
Lewia noted that he would not be able to take on all the duties of lighthouse keeper without the incredible network of volunteers that Goat Island has been so lucky to have over the years. “From businesses and organizations to Scouting America, to the amazing individuals who just love the island, these people are the heartbeat of Goat Island. Whether it is spring cleanups, mid-season maintenance, or closing in the fall, their dedication is a huge part of why this place has stood the test of time, and we cannot thank them enough. Goat Island has always been, and will always be, a community effort. Our goal is simple,” he continued, “ to keep Goat Island safe, beautiful, and accessible to everyone, now and for generations to come. Every change we make will be made with respect for the past, care for the present, and a vision for the future because Goat Island belongs to all of us.”
“We knew that replacing the Dombrowski’s on Goat Island would be difficult.” stated KCT’s Executive Director Tom Bradbury, “But with the Lewia’s, we feel blessed that the island will remain in such good, capable, and caring hands.”
Lewia concluded “2025 was a year of learning, growing, and hard work, and that is exactly what I love most. I am incredibly proud to be putting my fingerprint on the island’s legacy. I am ready to keep pouring my blood, sweat, and heart into this special place to make sure it stays strong, vibrant, and welcoming for generations to come.