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American Lighthouse Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 565
Rockland,
Maine 04841
Phone: 207-594-4174
Fax: 207-596-1091
info@lighthousefoundation.org
The American Lighthouse Foundation is a
Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Organization dedicated to the
preservation of America's historic
lighthouses & lightships and
their heritage.
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Aquidneck Island Resident to
Lead New ALF Chapter for
Newport Harbor Lighthouse
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The American Lighthouse Foundation (ALF) is proud to
announce the formation of a new chapter that will help care for the
historic 1842 Newport Harbor Lighthouse on Goat Island. ALF, which is
headquartered in Wells, Maine, and oversees the preservation of 22
historic lighthouses throughout New England, including Newport Harbor in
Rhode Island, and is planning to begin the first phase of a $120,000
restoration project on the lighthouse in spring 2006.
Looking to involve local Newport area residents in this
exciting opportunity to preserve one of the |
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
Newport Harbor Lighthouse
Newport,
RI
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maritime icons
within Newport Harbor for future generations, the American Lighthouse
Foundation has created the Friends of Newport Harbor Lighthouse. This
chapter will directly oversee and manage the 29-foot granite beacon and work
to assist ALF in fundraising for its perpetual care.
Aquidneck Island
resident Mary Jo Valdes will be leading the Friends of Newport Harbor
Lighthouse, serving as president for ALF’s newest chapter. No one loves a
lighthouse quite like the local community in which it resides. Ms. Valdes
passion and energy for helping preserve Newport Harbor Lighthouse, which she
can see shining its fixed green light out over Narragansett Bay on a nightly
basis, is a true testimony to this notion.
Ms. Valdes
possesses a strong background in history and preservation with a B.A. in
Sociology and M.A. in history from the University of Florida. She also
earned a Graduate Certificate in Historic Preservation |
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Photo by Ann-MarieTrapani
(L to R) ALF's new Friends of Newport Light
Chapter President Mary Jo Valdes and ALF Executive Director Bob Trapani
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Studies from
the University of Hawaii. Her extensive background in history and
preservation also includes serving as the Curator of Collection at the
USS BOWFIN Submarine Museum in Honolulu, Assistant Archivist and
Collections Coordinator at the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk,
Virginia and work as an independent consultant |
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with organizations
such as the USS WISCONSIN, the Historic Naval Ships Association, the Walter
Dillingham Homestead and the Tug HOGA Foundation.
Possessing a keen interest in the preservation of historic sites, Ms. Valdes
explains why she has become involved with leading the Friends of New Harbor
Lighthouse, saying, “I'm drawn to the Newport Harbor Lighthouse project
because of the "underdog" status of this and many other public buildings.
They serve us patiently and loyally for decades (or even centuries),
receiving little notice in return.” Valdes goes on to say, “Their
maintenance is often deferred or neglected, and when the inevitable decay
sets in we are often quick to say, ‘Tear them down.’ But these humble
structures are vital to creating a sense of place, a feeling that our
communities are unique and important. We too often take them for granted,
but when they're gone we feel their loss keenly because they help to define
who we are.”
As for the role of the American Lighthouse Foundation’s newest chapter and
its impact in the Newport community, Ms. Valdes notes, “Our chapter will be
of value to the local community on many fronts. By helping to maintain the
historic character of the waterfront we can ensure that Newport remains an
attractive heritage tourism site.” Valdes goes on to comment, “Through
educational programming we can give ‘Newporters’ a sense of pride in their
past by better understanding the achievements and dreams of their
ancestors. And by providing an attractive venue for sporting and cultural
events we can enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike.”
American Lighthouse Foundation executive director Bob Trapani, Jr. is
excited about the organization’s newest chapter and its leader, saying, “The
City of Newport has such a longstanding and proud maritime heritage that it
makes the restoration of the 1842 lighthouse that much more exciting and
rewarding. Individuals like Mary Jo Valdes exemplify the passion and desire
necessary to save the timeless heritage associated with icons like Newport
Harbor Light.” Trapani goes on to say, “The commitment of Ms. Valdes and the
Friends of Newport Harbor Lighthouse is a testimony that our lighthouses are
not done making history. These stately beacons are extremely relevant to our
lives today and because of such group efforts as this new chapter, a
lighthouse like Newport Harbor not only ends up being saved, but in turn the
community in which the group resides becomes that much more of a culturally
enriching place to live, work and play for present and future generations.”
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