The first Whitehead keeper was dismissed in 1807 for selling lighthouse lamp oil to local businessmen in 1805.  A unique design tide powered fog bell winding mechanism was operated here in the l840s.  The U.S. and the British Light-House authorities conducted numerous fog signal sound studies at this lighthouse in the late l800s.  Isaac Grant and Abbie Burgess Grant were keepers of Whitehead after leaving Matinicus Rock Light in 1875 and until resigning in 1890 for reasons of Abbie’s ill health.  Abbie’s grave, marked by a small lighthouse, is in nearby Spruce Head. Whitehead Light was the birthplace of Philmore Wass, author of Lighthouse In My Life.  Near the light tower is a one room school, which served the needs of the children of Whitehead and neighboring islands.

Pine Island Camp, owner of the former Whitehead Life-Saving and Lifeboat Stations, in 1998 acquired ownership of the Whitehead Light tower, keepers dwelling, one-room schoolhouse, fog signal building and boathouse through the Maine Lights Program.