New London, CT– New London Maritime Society will dedicate 2022 to the preservation of New London Harbor, Race Rock, and New London Ledge Lighthouses — the three historic beacons leading from the Atlantic into New London Harbor.
“These historic structures — all active active aids to navigation — add so much authentic character to our waterfront,” says NLMS president Christina Corcoran. “New London Maritime Society owns these beacons and takes responsibility for their upkeep.”
A 2022 theme of lighthouse stewardship will be announced at the 38th New London Maritime Society Annual Meeting on Sunday, November 7, 2021, a date that also marks the 260th anniversary of when New London Harbor Light — the oldest and tallest lighthouse on Long Island Sound — was first lit. The Annual Meeting will be held aboard the Cecelia Ann, a Cross Sound Ferry, at 2 Ferry Street, New London, CT. All are welcome to attend a brief 20-minute Annual Meeting (only) without charge.
After the meeting ticket holders will sit back and relax on a ferry ride out by the three lighthouses. At each site, an authority on the specific lighthouse will explain current and future restoration projects. The ferry then will take a spin around Fishers Island and be back at the NL dock by 4:30 p.. There will be delicious cider and cake! The ferry trip is $15 for NLMS members, $20 all others, $5 children ages 7-18. You may register online 24/7 at https://3lights.bpt.me or by calling 860-447-2501. All COVID-19 protocols will be followed; everyone wears a mask.
Special guests onboard the ferry include Walter Sedovic and Jill H. Gotthelf of Walter Sedovic Architects, who assessed and created a preservation plan for Race Rock Lighthouse in 2019. Their public presentation of this plan was delayed by COVID-19. Also aboard will be Bruce Buckley, president of the Ledge Light Foundation, to report on preservation work and other developments at Ledge Lighthouse. The New London Maritime Society thanks the Cross Sound Ferry for generously providing the crew and boat for this event.
New London Maritime Society website
Jeremy D’Entremont is the author of more than 20 books and hundreds of articles on lighthouses and maritime history. He is the president and historian for the American Lighthouse Foundation and founder of Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses, and he has lectured and narrated cruises throughout the Northeast and in other regions. He is also the producer and host of the U.S. Lighthouse Society podcast, “Light Hearted.” He can be emailed at Jeremy@uslhs.org