Among those who advised in the restoration process was Wanton Chase, the grandson of Keeper Charles S. Curtis. The lighthouse has been restored to the 1912-1915 period, with a coal stove in the kitchen and a player piano in the living room. All was quiet for a moment, then I heard one small horn and another and yet another until we were surrounded by sounding horns from all around the bay. You can stay overnight at Rose Island for a taste of Lighthouse Service life. Each day the keeper raises the flag, records the weather, electric and water data, and performs other maintenance chores.
Electricity is provided mainly by a wind generator augmented by solar batteries.
Rain water is collected in a basement cistern and treated with chlorine, with additional bottled spring water for drinking. The accommodations aren't deluxe, but guests love the experience. In May 1998 a group of Elderhostelers aged 57 to 79 volunteered at the lighthouse, painting the interior and doing repairs. The Elderhostelers came from as far away as Alaska and California. The Newport and Jamestown ferry, made to resemble a tugboat, makes daily loops in summer between Jamestown and Newport and will stop at Rose Island on request.