The PLM has supported the growth and development of the greater Pensacola Bay area since the Lighthouse was first lit on New Year’s Day of 1859. Today the Lighthouse still serves Pensacola not only as an active aid to navigation, but also as an educational institution, and an economic engine for local tourism. This project, together with all efforts to preserve and rehabilitate the lighthouse grounds, allows the site to reach its full potential as a historic tourism attraction. Its existence as such is a boon to the local and state economies. Not only do historic attractions such as this generate tax revenue, but they also add one more night to out-of-state visitors' trips, on average. These visitors stay in local hotels, eat at local restaurants, and enjoy other attractions and amenities in the Pensacola area, thus bringing a more positive and direct economic impact to the local economy. The Lighthouse has served as host for a number of local conferences in recent years (such as those for the Florida Lighthouse Association and the Florida Association of Museums). These events attract visitors from all over the state who will act, and spend, as tourists to Pensacola and surrounding area. This preservation project will be documented as it progresses and will be used as an opportunity to teach guests about the logistics and importance of restoration and preservation of historic sites. The function of the lens is a key element of education efforts and serves as a focal point for a number of historical and scientific lessons, and is integrated into one of PLM’s main exhibits “Science of Light”, to teach principles of refraction and reflection.