The Nobska Point Light will soon shine in more than just the usual way.

The Coast Guard has transferred care of the lighthouse to the Town of Falmouth and a newly formed nonprofit that aims to open it to the public.

“Nobska Light has protected our community and Massachusetts mariners for more than a century,’’ Representative Bill Keating, who attended the transfer ceremony Monday, said in a statement released by the Coast Guard. “Now, it’s the citizens’ turn to take care of Nobska Light.’’

Friends of Nobska Light is a nonprofit formed by the Falmouth Historical Society, Highfield Hall & Gardens, Woods Hole Historical Museum, and the Woods Hole Community Association.

Working with the town, the group said it hopes to keep the lighthouse open as an educational resource to the public.

The Coast Guard will continue to operate the lighthouse to assist boaters with navigation.

The lighthouse has been a Cape Cod landmark since the tower was built in 1876.

The Coast Guard began looking for a new caretaker in 2014. The license was awarded to the town after officials developed a plan with Friends of Nobska Light, the group said.

The look of the lighthouse will not change.

“The mission of Friends of Nobska Light is the preservation and protection of this beloved landmark, to ensure its future enjoyment for the community and visitors,’’ the group said in a statement.

J.D. Capelouto can be reached at jd.capelouto@globe.com.