Reed Hails Transfer of Beavertail Lighthouse to RIDEM

JAMESTOWN, RI – Standing in front of the historic 64-foot granite Beavertail Lighthouse – the third oldest lighthouse location in America -- overlooking Rhode Island Sound and the southern end of Narragansett Bay, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today celebrated the official transfer of the historic beacon to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), which manages Beavertail State Park where the lighthouse is located.

Today, Senator Reed joined with officials from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and National Park Service (NPS); DEM Director Terry Gray; the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum Association (BLMA); and members of the Jamestown community to tour the lighthouse before the deed was signed and ceremonial keys were turned over to DEM during a special ceremony at Jamestown Town Hall. 

The transfer of ownership is made through the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000, which provides a mechanism for the Coast Guard to continue maintaining aids to navigation on lighthouses and light stations while outside organizations own them for educational, cultural, recreational, park, historic preservation or other worthy purposes.

“Beavertail Lighthouse is an iconic landmark and a symbol of our cultural and maritime heritage.  Nowadays, it helps guide tourists to Rhode Island’s scenic shores rather than warning boats away.  Today’s transfer of ownership to the state ensures that Rhode Islanders and visitors alike can enjoy this piece of history for generations to come,” said Senator Reed, who announced the lighthouse’s intended conveyance last July.  “This is a remarkable piece of property and everyone worked together to keep it accessible to the public.  While today marks the start of new ownership, it is also a celebration of the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum Association’s outstanding work over the last three decades.  I am pleased they will continue to help maintain this landmark and use it to educate and inspire.”

First erected in 1749 and rebuilt as a 68-foot tower in 1856, the Beavertail Lighthouse faces south toward the Rhode Island Sound and the exit of Narragansett Bay.

The original lighthouse on the property was burned down by British soldiers leaving the Newport area in 1779.  The foundation of that lighthouse remains onsite. The current lighthouse and 6 ancillary structures total 5,171 square feet.

The lighthouse was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.  Today, the lighthouse serves as a museum that is free and open to the public, with visitors offered an opportunity to climb to the top of the lookout tower for panoramic views of Rhode Island Sound, which will continue under DEM’s ownership.

“With over a half million visitors every year, Beavertail State Park is a shining light in Rhode Island's network of state parks,” said Governor Dan McKee.  “We're glad to add the Beavertail Lighthouse, with its light tower, museum, and aquarium to our stewardship of this iconic landmark for Rhode Islanders and visitors to the Ocean State.”

“Beavertail State Park offers the best of Rhode Island, with panoramic views of Narragansett Bay, grassy fields for picnicking, hiking trails, shoreline access for fishing, and historic buildings with rich histories,” said Rhode Island DEM Director Terry Gray. “DEM appreciates the longstanding partnership of the Town of Jamestown and the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum Association in preserving this historic destination for the public.”

In 1993, residents formed the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum Association as a volunteer organization – with management, operation, maintenance, and education kept up through financial support and grants.

“This is a momentous day for the State of Rhode Island and for the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum Association,” said Diane Bakley, President of BLMA. “All involved have worked hard to make this happen. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with DEM to preserve and maintain Beavertail Lighthouse for generations to come.”

BLMA helped to protect and preserve the Beavertail Lighthouse Station, supported restoration of the lighthouse and related memorabilia, and helped educate the public about lighthouses and lifesaving by maintaining the museum and offering educational programs.  DEM will oversee the property going forward.

Rhode Island is currently home to 22 working lighthouses, as well as the ruins of several more. 

Lighthouses were once used to warn boaters of looming shorelines and hazardous rocks.  They were also used as points of reference in poor weather.  While digital and satellite technologies have largely eliminated the lighthouse as a navigational necessity, many are still used as backups for when onboard computers and digital technology go down.