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.

Harry Duvall, left. and RADM Dan May in the lantern room at Point Judith Lighthouse in Rhode Island, in the 1990s. Courtesy of RADM Dan May, USCG ret.

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.