Chapters
Five regional chapters currently represent the United States Lighthouse Society. These groups work toward the restoration of lighthouses in their communities. Meeting throughout the year for preservation projects, regional tours or just for fun, it’s a chance to rub shoulders with other lighthouse aficionados in your area. If you are part of a group of lighthouse buffs who would like to affiliate with us, please contact the Society office in San Francisco.
New Dungeness
The New Dungeness Chapter of the United States Lighthouse Society is working to preserve the 1865 New Dungeness Lighthouse, located at the tip of the five-mile-long New Dungeness Peninsula in the state of Washington. One, and sometimes two, volunteer couples reside in the dwelling for a period of one week. While at the station they conduct public tours of the lighthouse and do various maintenance chores.
The station is located in a spectacular setting, backed by several majestic mountain ranges. Located in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, one might see seals, various sea birds, an occasional whale and bald eagles. To qualify to stay at the lighthouse, one must be a member of the New Dungeness Chapter.
Contact Information
U.S. Lighthouse Society – New Dungeness Chapter
P.O. Box 1283, Sequim, WA 98382
New Dungeness Chapter Website - Click Here
Oregon
The Oregon Chapter of the United States Lighthouse Society assists the various lighthouses along the Oregon Coast, providing docents, work crews and raising funds for lighthouse preservation through meetings and other events. Chapter members receive a newsletter.
Contact Information
U.S. Lighthouse Society – Oregon Chapter
P.O. Box 1200, Port Orford, OR 97465
Oregon Chapter Website - Click Here
Point Fermin
The Point Fermin Lighthouse Society is the youngest of the Society chapters.
Its aim is to assist in the restoration of the 1874 Point Fermin Lighthouse, located in southern California, in San Pedro. Eventually the chapter wants to open the structure to the public and conduct tours on a regular basis.
Contact Information
The Point Fermin Lighthouse Society
366 South Hamilton Avenue, San Pedro, CA 90732
www.pointferminlighthouse.org/ – general info on Pt. Fermin Lighthouse
Chesapeake
The Chesapeake Chapter of the United States Lighthouse Society is our largest chapter. The chapter covers the states of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.
Chapter members perform a host of volunteer duties; assist the Coast Guard Historian with office work (filing, etc.) relating to lighthouses and lightships, help restore artifacts at the Coast Guard artifact warehouse in Maryland and have even restored a Coast Guard-operated minor aid to navigation on the Potomac River. The chapter also conducts short tours, cruises and meetings, often with other lighthouse groups. The Society and chapter have approached the Coast Guard in an effort to fashion a partnership to restore and preserve the historic Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse. The lighthouse, a National Historic Landmark, is the last in situ lighthouse – still in its original location – of some 36 screw-pile lighthouses that dotted Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries in the 19th century. Eventually the chapter hopes to provide public access to the structure, with one possibility being a facility offering overnight accommodations.
Contact Information
U.S. Lighthouse Society – Chesapeake Chapter
P.O. Box 1270, Annandale, VA 22003-1270
http://www.cheslights.org/
Contact Information
Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse
PO Box 5940, Annapolis, MD 21403
www.thomaspointlighthouse.org
Long Island
The Long Island Chapter of the United States Lighthouse Society is working with New York’s Suffolk County to restore and protect the 1869 Cedar Island Lighthouse.
The lighthouse has been abandoned for years and is vandalized occasionally. The chapter eventually wants to open it to visitors. The group raises funds by providing vessel tours past Long Island Lighthouses and sponsoring other events throughout the year. Chapter members receive a quarterly newsletter.
Contact Information
U.S. Lighthouse Society – Long Island Chapter
P.O. Box 744, Patchogue, NY 11772
(631) 207-4331
www.lilighthousesociety.org – specific chapter info
www.longislandlighthouses.com – general info on Long Island’s lighthouses