Timeline
[ click here to download a PDF of the timeline poster ]
Since 1918, The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. has empowered people who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities in our community. From humble beginnings producing brooms, baskets, and jigsaw puzzles, the Lighthouse currently operates thirteen facilities, manufactures aerospace parts for The Boeing Company, and provides services to customers including the U.S. Military. The Lighthouse is a leader in the industry. As we reach our 100th year, we look forward to sharing the past and envisioning our future with you.
The following is a timeline graphic (pictured above) which shows a horizontal white cane as the timeline, with dates and photos in chronological order going from left to right.
1918 – Articles of incorporation for The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. signed in Seattle, Washington
(photo: vintage photo of a Lighthouse employee making brooms with a little girl visiting the facility, sitting on a box)
1925 – Lighthouse Facility on Seattle waterfront opens
(photo: a black and white photo of the original Lighthouse facility)
1951 – Contract with The Boeing Company
(photo: Boeing executives visiting the old Seattle facility during the 50’s and meeting a machinist)
1964 – Lighthouse merges with Handcrest, Inc.
(photo: Lighthouse and Handcrest executives cutting a ceremonial necktie to celebrate the merger of the two companies)
1967 – Relocation to current Seattle facility in Rainier Valley
(photo: a groundbreaking ceremony with members of the Lighthouse Board holding shovels, breaking the ground at the facility in Rainier Valley)
1972 – First DeafBlind employee hired
(no photo)
1978 – First DeafBlind Retreat
(photo: group photo of the first DeafBlind Retreat in Seabeck, WA)
1999 – First Base Supply Center (BSC) opens
(no photo)
2008 – First Lighthouse satellite facility opens in Spokane, Washington
(photo: former President and CEO Kirk Adams cutting a ceremonial ribbon at the front door of the Spokane facility)
2010 – Contract Management Services open in San Diego, CA and Contact Center established in Seattle
(photo: group photo of Contract Management Services team at NAVSUP, San Diego)
2013 – Spokane Facility Expansion Groundbreaking
(photo: group photo of Spokane Lighthouse employees breaking ground using a ceremonial entrenchment tool in the parking lot of the facility)
2016 – Third Lighthouse facility opens in Summerville, South Carolina
(photo: exterior photo of the Lighthouse facility in Summerville, surrounded by green trees)
2018 – 100th Anniversary of The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.
(photo: group photo of Lighthouse employees that worked on the Entrenchment Tool at the Seattle facility, before the E-Tool was moved to Spokane)