Harry Duvall and Dan May. Photo by Jeremy D'Entremont.



Harry Duvall enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in the 1960s and trained as an electronics technician. After graduating from college, he returned to the Coast Guard as a civilian employee based at the district engineering office in Boston. For well over 30 years, he coordinated all the lighthouse automation and modernization projects for the First Coast Guard District.



In the lantern room at Graves Light in Massachusetts, June 2001. Harry Duvall is in the center, with the crew that converted the light to solar power. Photo by Jeremy D'Entremont.



Matinicus Rock, Maine, is one of the many light stations automated by Harry Duvall. Photo by Jeremy D'Entremont.



This interview looks back at Harry's fascinating career, with lots of "stories behind the stories" for his many lighthouse projects. Harry's expertise, resilience, and good humor shine through. Joining in the discussion is retired Coast Guard Rear Admiral Dan May. As an ocean engineer for the Coast Guard, Dan worked with Harry on many lighthouse projects in the Northeast. The interview was recorded at Harry Duvall's home in Falmouth, Maine, in December 2023.