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From: Lanette Macaruso, BLMA Communications Beavertail Lighthouse Museum Association (BLMA) Subject: Champlin Grant awarded to BLMA to restore Beavertail light tower The Beavertail Lighthouse Museum Association (BLMA) announces the receipt of a grant award of $227,000 from the Champlin Foundations for the restoration of the granite light tower. The tower, built in 1856 to succeed two earlier ones built in 1749 and 1754, was topped in the mid-19th century by a lighting system powered with whale oil. Keepers maintained the lantern by climbing the interior stairwell each day with supplies to trim the wicks, clean and polish the glass and reflectors, and replenish the fuel. Subsequent systems replaced the oil, or gas-fired lantern and foghorn machinery until, in 1972 the light was automated by the US Coast Guard, and the last keeper was retired. The Beavertail Lighthouse’s beacon is still an active aid to navigation, as is the foghorn, the latter now located near the base of the tower. Except for very few occasions, the light tower has never been opened to the public during its 150 years of existence. Pending USCG approval, BLMA hopes that with this restoration, access to the tower and its external catwalk will be more frequent. Today, the BLMA, which in conjunction with the Town of Jamestown and the State of Rhode Island anticipates applying to acquire the lighthouse property, manages the lighthouse museum and maintains the buildings under license from the USCG. According to BLMA president, George Warner, museum visitors often ask if they can climb the tower stairs. Warner says the Champlin Foundations authorities are pleased to support both future visitor access to the tower, and expanded BLMA educational projects as well. “An important part of our development involves a gaining a fuller understanding of the site’s 250 +-years of technical and administrative progress in the aiding of vessels through the busy east and west passages of Narragansett Bay.” In addition to funding the tower repairs, the Champlin grant enlivens the BLMA’s plans to raise funds for restoration and preservation of all the lighthouse buildings, as well as for the expansion of its museum exhibitions and educational programs. Says BLMA president Warner, “what we have in Beavertail is a legacy of achievement reflected in both its structures, and in the development of innovative light and sound signaling devices. Some of these were tested first at Beavertail Lighthouse before being deployed nationwide. The site has a proud and intriguing history”. |