Ralph Krugler

Author, speaker, preservationist, and basically a guy who is intrigued by the past. When you look at what people had to endure, be it due to climates, technology (of lack there of), or situation, then compare with the standards of today I can't help but admire our ancestors. With that in mind, I try to look at the world as it once was and convey that to the reader.

My first attempt to write was supposed to be a light hearted graphic novel based on pirates with time period accuracies to add a bit of history. However, each illustrator that agreed to sign on... was immediately rewarded with their "dream job" and moved across to three different spots across the nation. Instead of trying a forth, it became the novel, "Tales From The Conch Republic." This was supposed to be a series, but after creating the characters and their backstories turned out to be the most fun part, that project was put on hold.

Since that time I have become deeply involved with lighthouse preservation. The first lighthouse I ever got to visit was the Chicago breakwater light, and for the life of me, I can't recall how we ever got access. The adult in charge was interested, the other kids were just trying to get outside, and I was fascinated with every aspect inside the structure. Surprisingly, it wouldn't be until as an adult I visited my next light. Spending time on the Outer Banks of North Carolina makes it almost impossible to not visit a lighthouse while you're there. We hit them all, reigniting the passion for these amazing structure.

Moving to south Florida, and living within 7 miles of the local lighthouse, has given me more opportunities than ever imagined. The preservation group had a historian who was a pioneer in lighthouse preservation. I learned much from him; taking over in his declining years. Now I am a volunteer with two preservation groups locally and one nationally.

Discovering the stories of the past and the people that lived them are an amazing journey that I want to share with anyone willing to take some time.