Abstract: In a mailbox having walls that define an interior space and a door which allows access to the interior space, an apparatus for illuminating the interior of the mailbox comprises a housing adapted to be affixed to the interior of the mailbox, the housing including an illumination source; a mount to affix the housing to the interior of the mailbox; a magnetic switch in operative engagement with the illumination source to light the illumination source, the switch operating in an off state and an on state; and, a magnet, affixed to the door, which moves between a first position and a second position so as to determine the state of the magnetic switch.