The original Sodus Bay Light was built in 1825, however an 1868 inspection brought about the lighthouse’s demise.

The old tower was demolished and a new tower was completed in 1871, equipped with a fourth order Fresnel lens. Eventually the lighthouse was discontinued and the lens was removed in 1901.

When the lighthouse was transferred to the Town of Sodus in 1984, the property was leased to the Sodus Bay Historical Society, which established a maritime museum, research library, and small gift shop in the lighthouse.