Rock Island Lighthouse is located in the Thousand Islands about 4.5 miles northeast of Clayton, Jefferson County, New York, off of Fisher's Landing. Originally commissioned in 1847, it is one of six lights put up along the St. Lawrence River to guide traffic to and from Lake Ontario through the waterway. The Rock Island station is the best preserved, as all of its structures still survive. It was refitted in 1855, rebuilt in 1882, and moved in 1903. The light was closed in 1956 after more a century of service. Today, the lighthouse and island are maintained by the New York State Office of Parks and Recreation, and, while only accessible by private boat, the grounds are open for touring and picnicking.

        The Association was founded 31 May 2000 by Mark A. Wentling, a descendant of an early keeper at Rock Island, who wanted to learn more about the light and the people who tended it.  The association's goals are: to record the lives and genealogies of the keepers, to document and publicize the history of the station, to facilitate visits to the island, and eventually to participate in the preservation of the light, its grounds, and facilities, in partnership with the New York State Office of Parks and Recreation.  Membership is free and open to anyone with an interest in the light or its keepers.  Relatives of the keepers are especially encouraged to join.