New England Region Summer 2015 Stewardships Be a Part of Maritime History Zone One—Boston/Chicago

Southwest Ledge Light, CT Southwest Ledge Light, CT Photo: Brian Tague Photo: Brian Tague

The National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act Program As an amendment to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, Congress passed the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act (NHLPA) in 2000 to establish a lighthouse preservation program that protects the cultural, historical, recreational and educational value of these iconic properties. A federal partnership between the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the (NPS) and the General Services Administration (GSA) implements the NHLPA. The legislation allows the lights, which are excess to the USCG, to be prioritized for application and transfer at no cost to public entities through a stewardship program. Each year since its inception, GSA issues Notices of Availability for 60 days for historic lights that are nominated by the federal agencies for application. NPS makes a recommendation for stewardship after reviewing applications from eligible public entities. If there is no recommendation for a no cost transfer, GSA proceeds to a public sale. Historically, have played—and continue to play—an important role in America, serving as navigational aids to coastal communities as well as architectural symbols of a rich cultural past.

Southwest Ledge Light, CT

Photos from left to right , offshore, CT Built in 1901, this spark-plug style became the most efficient and cost-effective way of building lighthouses. Located one mile south of the entrance to Five Mile River at Rowayton, and just over a mile southwest of Sheffield Island, it is 52 feet tall and has four levels. Contact Meta Cushing at (617) 565-5823. Photo: U.S. Lighthouse Society Southwest Ledge Light, offshore CT Built in 1875, this eight-sided three-story cast-iron structure with a mansard roof covering the top two stories is 45 feet tall. The cellar and cisterns are located in the concrete foundation. The first story consists of a living room, sitting room, and a kitchen. Two bedrooms occupy the second level.tThis light is located at the entrance to New Haven Harbor. Contact Eric Giusti at (617) 565-5072 Photo: Brian Tague

Photos from left to right Detroit River Light, MI This cast-iron 56-foot tower was built in 1885 and has three levels of living space for the keepers, and a watchroom and lantern room on the fourth level. It is located at the entrance to the Detroit River in Lake Erie. Contact Rich Balsano at (312) 353-0302. Photo : U.S. Lighthouse Society North Manitou Shoal, MI This light was built in 1898 and is located two miles southwest of Dimmick’s Point in Lake Michigan. The first story holds a boat room and power room. The second story has a living room, watchroom, radio room and a kitchen. Four bedrooms are on the second floor. Contact Lisa Tangney at (312) 886-9480 Photo: U.S. Lighthouse Society

Photos from left to right Minneapolis Shoal Light, MN Built in 1936, this steel light is 82 feet above Lake Michigan. and was described as looking like a Saturn rocket on its launching pad. The first level was used for storage and machinery. The keeper’s quarters were on the second level. Contact Kris Mendez at (312) 353-0531 Photo: U.S. Lighthouse Society

Port Washington Breakwater, WI The metal Art Deco tower was completed in 1935 and rests on a 20-foot square cement base that has large arches on each of its faces so it does not obstruct the view of mariners using the harbor. Contact Arthur Ullenberg at (312) 535-6039. Photo: U.S. Lighthouse Society

Upcoming Stewardships

Photos from left to right Stratford Shoal (Middle Ground) Light, CT Photo: Jeremy D’Entremont Duxbury Pierhead “Bug” Light, MA Photo: Jeremy D’Entremont

Photos from left to right Keweenaw Waterway Lower Entrance Light, MI Photo: GSA Rich Balsano Algoma Pierhead Light, WI on Corps structure Photo: U.S. Lighthouse Society

National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act U.S. National Park Service U.S. Coast Guard

U.S. General Services Administration 10 Causeway Street Boston, MA 02222 (617) 565-5700

U.S. General Services Administration 230 South Dearborn Street, Room 3774 Chicago IL 60604 (312) 353-6045