The nonprofit American Lighthouse Foundation is the
proud, new “keeper” of Maine’s Whaleback Lighthouse, which stands
sentinel on a wave-swept ledge at the entrance to the Piscataqua River,
marking the approach to Portsmouth Harbor.
The U.S. Secretary of the Interior accepted the National
Park Service’s recommendation that the American Lighthouse Foundation
(ALF) be awarded ownership of Whaleback Lighthouse through the National
Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act in November 2008.
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
In a letter to ALF, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne noted, “I
applaud the commitment of the American Lighthouse Foundation to the
preservation of our nation’s maritime heritage in accepting ownership of
Whaleback Ledge Light.”
The lighthouse was declared excess property in 2007 under the provisions of
the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000 and made available
to a suitable new steward. The American Lighthouse Foundation and its
chapter, the Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse (FPHL), subsequently
submitted an application to the federal government to obtain ownership of
the iconic 1872 beacon.
The United States Coast Guard will continue to maintain the light and fog
signal at Whaleback Lighthouse, which is an active aid to navigation.
“Tackling the challenges that come with the stewardship of an offshore
lighthouse will take time, dedication and teamwork,” says FPHL chairman Ross
Tracy. “As a chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation,
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
Friends of
Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse is committed to being a part of the
passionate team that will ensure a bright future for Whaleback
Lighthouse. Many thanks to the federal government for entrusting our
organization with this priceless treasure.”
Whaleback Lighthouse, which is readily visible from shore, is a rugged
granite structure located in fast moving waters and subject to the fury of
the sea during storms. It is not uncommon to see waves buffeting the
lighthouse during powerful storms, which will sometimes exceed the height of
the 50-foot tower, to the astonishment of many viewing the scene from land.
“For the thousands of people who visit the parks and forts on both the Maine
and New Hampshire sides of the Piscataqua River, and for the fishermen and
pleasure boaters who pass it every day, Whaleback Lighthouse is one of the
most familiar and beloved icons of the region,”
says Jeremy
D’Entremont, founder of the Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse. “It
stands as a memorial to the people who lived and worked on Whaleback
Ledge for well over a century. Its past is rich with stories of great
sacrifice by its keepers and their families.”
Photo by Jeremy D'Entremont
D’Entremont goes on to say, “We look forward to working for the preservation
of this historic structure. For the people in the local communities and
beyond, if you care about Whaleback Lighthouse, we want to hear from you. If
this effort is to succeed, we absolutely need your ideas, energy, and
support.”
The American Lighthouse Foundation, a national lighthouse preservation
organization headquartered in Rockland, Maine, cares for 20 historic lights
throughout New England, including Whaleback Lighthouse.
ALF’s efforts at Whaleback will encompass the restoration and preservation
of the historic tower, but will also include a community educational
outreach program, and eventually some form of public access to the offshore
lighthouse.
“The general public has a real sense of allure when it comes to Whaleback
Lighthouse,” says Bob Trapani, Jr., ALF executive director. “It’s kind of
Photo by William Marshall
like the lighthouse is almost close enough to ‘touch’
from land and yet traditionally it’s been just out of reach offshore.”
“That’s all about to change now as our local chapter –
Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse – works with ALF on a day-to-day
basis
with the maintenance, preservation and educational facets of this unique
project. Whaleback Lighthouse was automated in 1963, so you might say that
after four decades, the ‘keepers of the light’ have returned and are ready
to make some new and exciting history at the site.”
To become involved as a volunteer at Whaleback Lighthouse, visit:
