For nearly 180 years, a lighthouse on Whaleback Ledge has helped guide mariners past treacherous rocks at the mouth of the Piscataqua River, just offshore from Fort Foster in Kittery, Maine. The granite tower that stands today, built in 1872 to replace the original 1830 lighthouse, has fallen into disrepair since it was automated by the Coast Guard in 1963. Ownership of the lighthouse was conveyed to the nonprofit American Lighthouse Foundation (ALF) in November 2008 under the provisions of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000. ALF will work with its local chapter, Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse (FPHL), for a full restoration of the structure, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.  FPHL has cared for Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse in New Castle, New Hampshire, since 2001 under a license agreement with the Coast Guard.

Whaleback Lighthouse in a storm in January 2006. Photo by Jeremy D'Entremont

A special cake helped mark the occasion. Photo by Ann Trapani.

ALF and FPHL's stewardship of the lighthouse was celebrated at the Parish House of Kittery's First Congregational Church on Saturday, March 7. An enthusiastic crowd of about 100 lighthouse buffs and interested local residents was on hand for the historic event. An assortment of baked goods were donated for the event by Hannaford Supermarket of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Ross Tracy, chairman of Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, served as master of ceremonies. During his opening remarks, he read a statement from Chief John Roberts, officer in charge of Coast Guard Station Portsmouth Harbor, where Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse is located.

Chief Roberts's statement read: "My thanks and congratulations on the Whaleback ownership project. I stand in awe of the dedication of your organization and their dedication to the preservation of our history and the proud heritage of the U.S. Lighthouse Service and the Coast Guard."

In his remarks to the audience, Jon Carter, Kittery Town Manager, said, "It's a difficult time to raise money, but with so many people at the heart of the organization, that will come with time," he told the crowd. "I'm sure it will be a true success." Carter also gave an update on the status of the Wood Island Lifesaving Station, near Whaleback and owned by the Town of Kittery. Restoration efforts for the 1908 lifesaving station have run into obstacles, but town officials are still hopeful.

Ross Tracy, chairman of Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse. Photo by Ann Trapani.

Bob Trapani, executive director of the American Lighthouse Foundation, next addressed the audience. "Whaleback Light becomes the twentieth lighthouse presently under the direct care of the American Lighthouse Foundation, which is celebrating its fifteenth anniversary in 2009 as the nation's leader in lighthouse preservation," he said. "ALF has raised over $2 million dollars for the preservation of lighthouses over the past decade. . . Just as impressive as the monies applied to lighthouse preservation, ALF and its chapters also invest over 25,000 hours of vital volunteer time in lighthouse preservation and education annually." "Simply put," he continued, "ALF would not be the successful organization that it is today without the support of dedicated volunteers ­ people just like you, who care deeply about saving our lighthouse heritage."

Trapani said that Whaleback's location on an offshore ledge will make restoration a daunting task, as waves sometimes completely engulf the 50-foot tower. But, he added, "I firmly believe that no group is better suited to understand the site and effectively address the challenges of preserving Whaleback Lighthouse than the Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse." 

Trapani quoted George Putnam, commissioner of the U.S. Lighthouse Service from 1910 to 1935: "'The lighthouse and the lightship appeal to the interest and better instinct of man because they are symbolic of never-ceasing watchfulness, of steadfast endurance in every exposure, of widespread helpfulness. The building and the keeping of the lights is a picturesque and humanitarian work of the nation.'" Trapani concluded, "We are the new keepers for Whaleback Lighthouse, and I have every confidence that by working together for the beacon's preservation, we will maintain a vigilant watch and 'leave the light on' for future generations."

Bob Trapani, executive director of the American Lighthouse Foundation. Photo by Ann Trapani.

The Parish Hall at Kittery's First Congregational Church was packed for the Whaleback Lighthouse Ownership Celebration. Photo by Ann Trapani.

The keynote speaker for the event was James Gabbert, an historian for the National Park Service and the National Register of Historic Places. In March 2008, Gabbert was appointed coordinator for the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act program in Washington, D.C. In his remarks, Gabbert explained the mechanics of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act program. He spoke of the iconic status of lighthouses and the valiant work of preservation organizations. Gabbert, before moving to Washington, D.C., worked for many years in Oklahoma and Indiana, and he had never had the opportunity to see many lighthouses. He was treated to a tour of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse after the event.

In correspondence after the event, Gabbert said, "I was especially heartened to see the solid turnout for the event. I think that this demonstrates the power of the lighthouse as a symbol. People are drawn to these structures; they are fascinated in them for the perceived romance, for their inherent beauty, and, of course, for thier important role in our history. Based on the attendance at the event, it is evident that there will be community support for the new Whaleback project and continuing support for the Portsmouth light project. These structures give the area an identity and are close to the hearts of many, many people."

Jeremy D'Entremont, operations manager for the Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse and historian for the American Lighthouse Foundation, followed Gabbert's remarks with an illustrated presentation on the history of Whaleback Lighthouse. "Lighthouse keeping wasn't nearly as romantic as people think," D'Entremont stressed, citing cases of hardship and tragic deaths among Whaleback's keepers.

Throughout Whaleback's history, until automation, its keepers lived inside the stone tower. D'Entremont told how the Amees and the Whites, with two keepers from each family, played a vital role in the lighthouse's history. Descendants of both families still live in the area, and FPHL would like to hear from them and anyone else with stories or photographs to share. At the close of his presentation, D'Entremont introduced Jim Pope, who was one of the last Coast Guard crewmen at Whaleback before its 1963 automation. Pope entertained the audience with his description of life on the ledge, which he mostly enjoyed in spite of the hard work involved. In his spare time, Pope enjoyed shooting ducks and fishing from the windows of the lighthouse. The event concluded with questions from the audience. The love area residents have for Kittery's iconic lighthouse was plain to see, and the support of the community will be essential as the restoration project moves forward.

James Gabbert, historian for the National Park Service and the National Register of Historic Places. Photo by Ann Trapani.

Jeremy D'Entremont gave a presentation on the history of Whaleback Lighthouse. Photo by Ann Trapani.

Jim Pope, one of Whaleback's last keepers, shared his memories with the audience. Photo by Ann Trapani.

Left to right: Jeremy D'Entremont, operations manager of Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse; Jim Pope, former Coast Guard lighthouse keeper; Bob Trapani, executive director of the American Lighthouse Foundation; James Gabbert, historian for the National Park Service; Ross Tracy, chairman of Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse. Photo by Ann Trapani.