New London Maritime Society Takes Ownership Of Race Rock Lighthouse

The New London Maritime Society is now caring for its second lighthouse after formally taking stewardship of the Race Rock Lighthouse on Thursday morning.

The ceremony transferred the deed and keys to the lighthouse to the organization. The transfer is part of the General Services Administration's effort to save tax dollars while preserving historic structures. The lighthouse was given to the New London Maritime Society under the National Historic Lighthouses Preservation Act, which allows transfers to public entities and non-profit organizations to occur at no cost to the steward.

Robert Zarnetske, regional administrator of the GSA, said the process includes a review of a potential Stewart's application by the GSA, Coast Guard, and Department of the Interior.

"It goes through a very rigorous process," said Zarnetske. "You guys have done a great job, not only with this one. I know this is the second lighthouse that the museum has picked up and I understand there might be an interest in picking up some more in the future. We welcome those applications."

The New London Maritime Society took stewardship of New London Harbor Light in 2010. It also made an unsuccessful bid recently to acquire the Little Gull Lighthouse.

Susan Tamulevich, director of the Custom House Maritime Museum, said the National Parks Service oversees the stewardships. She said numerous partners have stepped up in recent years to help in maintaining the lighthouse and promoting the city's maritime heritage.

"New London is an endearing place," said Tamulevich. "I've worked here for five years, and it's a unique destination."

Pierce Rafferty, curator of the Henry L. Ferguson Museum on Fishers Island, said the Race Rock Lighthouse was built to assist mariners in navigating a treacherous stretch of Long Island Sound.

"The scale of the project was immense," said Rafferty. "The initial phase of the project called for dropping 10,000 tons of stone on Race Rock Ledge."

Engineer Francis Hopkinson Smith oversaw the construction between 1871 and 1878, including the addition of a Gothic Revival keeper's house and beacon on the foundation. The light was activated on the first day of 1879. The light was automated in 1978.

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