The Assateague Island Lighthouse Restoration
The lighthouse is located in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Ownership of the structure was transferred from the U.S. Coast Guard to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2004. The Chincoteague Natural History Association now maintains the structure and provides tours and fundraising efforts.
About $1 million needs to be raised in order to refurbish the slowly deteriorating lighthouse, which includes repairing the structure's brickwork and mortar, reinforcing ironwork, reglazing the windows and painting the exterior. As of 2007, about $200,000 had been raised.
The need for restoration got public attention in 2006 when part of the lantern room catwalk fell to the ground. The unsafe condition of the catwalk around the lantern room has led to its being encased in mesh to prevent further chunks falling off.
Work is scheduled to start in 2008 which will address the most urgent problems, including the catwalk. Interior work will include reglazing the windows and refurbishments to the metal inside the lighthouse. The restoration of the old mortar is the another priority. The mortar work has to be done to historic standards. The exterior painting will be done last.
The Chincoteague Natural History Association plans on maintaining the structure beyond the restoration project. After the first million dollar renovation is completed, the Association hopes to procure and invest another million into a permanent endowment fund for long term maintenance.
The Chincoteague Natural History Association provides Assateague Lighthouse tours and other events. Tours are normally available Friday thru Sunday from March through Thanksgiving weekend. Tour groups please can call 757-336-3696 for information. All proceeds will help fund the restoration, preservation, & operation of the lighthouse.
For more images of the lighthouse, see our Assateague Lighthouse Gallery.
For more information on the lighthouse, visit the Chincoteague Natural History Association.
Submitted by: cin