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Although the tower at Connecticut’s Sheffield Island Lighthouse is still undergoing restoration and will be closed until late this summer, the actual lighthouse structure and island is open to visitors and is well worth it.
The restoration began with a $250,000 grant from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, including a solar power energy system that was installed last October. And now, thanks to the solar energy system, the light is shinning again after more than 100 years of darkness.
Irene Dixon, president of the Norwalk Seaport Association said, “We’ve had numerous improvements completed since people visited us last year. She went on to say, “For months, our dedicated volunteers and contractors have been tirelessly restoring the lighthouse so we can provide an exceptional experience for our guests – truly a must-see event for the entire family.”
The three times-a-day ferry trips between Norwalk Harbor and Sheffield Island, where the lighthouse is located operate at 11 am; 2pm; and 3pm.
The current lighthouse structure was built in 1868 and was in service until 1902 when the light station was deactivated. It was subsequently sold and remained under private ownership until 1986 when it was purchased by the Norwalk Seaport Association.
Upcoming events at Sheffield Island this summer include Clambakes every Thursday, Pirate Invasion on July 14-15 and again on July 21-22, a Haunted Lighthouse Event on August 11-12 and Bird Watching Tours on June 16, 17, 30 and July 1, 28, and 29.
The ferry boat departs from the Sheffield Island Dock at Washington and North Water streets in Norwalk, Connecticut. For more information and ticket prices you can call them at 203-838-9944 or visit their web site at www.seaport.org.
This story appeared in the
Jul/Aug 2012 edition of Lighthouse Digest Magazine. The print edition contains more stories than our internet edition, and each story generally contains more photographs - often many more - in the print edition. For subscription information about the print edition, click here.
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