Cruise Through Maritime History: Tour Greens Ledge & Sheffield Island Lighthouses

Ready to experience maritime history like never before? The Norwalk Seaport Association and the Greens Ledge Light Preservation Society invite you to embark on a one-of-a-kind, five-hour cruise that transports you to not one, but two iconic lighthouses—Greens Ledge and Sheffield Island. Mark your calendars for this unforgettable journey happening on Saturday, June 7, July 12, and August 9. Departing at 8:30 a.m. from 70 Water Street and returning by 1:30 p.m., this exclusive tour promises a special blend of history, legend, and scenic coastal views. Get your tickets here. 

The cruise first charts a course through the picturesque Norwalk Harbor to Greens Ledge Lighthouse, a rare Spark Plug Lighthouse built in 1902 and steeped in lore—including stories of pirates and buried treasure. It is one of only 33 surviving spark plug lighthouses in the United States. Recently restored and now open to the public, visitors can explore multiple historic rooms, like the Beacon Room with its still active automated light, the Trombos Research Center, and the Maclean Watch Room. Don’t miss the chance to soak up the scenery on the outdoor deck equipped with Adirondack chairs and picnic tables. 

Next, the boat docks at Sheffield Island Lighthouse, a Victorian-era treasure built in 1868. Visitors can climb the tower for panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, explore rooms restored to reflect 19th-century lighthouse life, and unwind with a relaxing picnic in a beautiful wooden pavilion with picnic tables and unbeatable views. A stroll through the nearby Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, a serene paradise for bird watchers, adds to this amazing coastal experience. Make sure to pack a picnic lunch, wear closed-toe shoes, bring sunscreen, and arrive 30 minutes early to ensure a smooth boarding. 

Whether you're cruising solo, with family, or with friends, this cruise promises a perfect mix of adventure, history, and natural beauty. 

About the Seaport Association 

The Seaport Association in Norwalk was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. The Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper’s Cottage provide a unique historical and educational venue that strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for the environment and how the preservation of historic buildings contributes to our quality of life. The combination of the Lighthouse and the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to educate children of all ages and adults about the importance of preserving Long Island Sound, our environment, and our maritime heritage.      

Parmalee, Voyage, Jimmy Kenny & More at the 47th Norwalk Oyster Festival

The Norwalk Seaport Association has just released the headliners for the 47th Annual Norwalk Oyster Festival, taking place Friday, September 5 through Sunday, September 7. Headlining this year’s festival is Parmalee, named the most-played group on Country Radio in both 2022 and 2023. With five #1 singles, multiple platinum records, and over a billion on-demand streams, Parmalee is bringing their Carolina swagger and chart-topping hits to the Optimum Main Stage on Saturday night, September 6.

Parmalee

Comprised of brothers Matt and Scott Thomas, cousin Barry Knox, and lifelong friend Josh McSwain, Parmalee continues to redefine what country music can be—infusing their sound with a variety of influences that set them apart in the genre. When they hit the Optimum Main Stage, expect nothing less than a toe tapping, hit-packed set featuring fan-favorite anthems like “Close Your Eyes,” “Carolina,” “Already Callin’ You Mine,” “Musta Had a Good Time,” “Girl in Mine,” and their latest release, “Cowgirl,” from the April, 2025 album Fell in Love with a Cowgirl. With a commanding stage presence, Parmalee doesn’t just perform. They have fun onstage while connecting with fans. As Matt Thomas says, “We just hope people can sing along, smile and ride the roller coaster of emotions with us.”

 

Norwalk Oyster Festival, Chairman Mike Reilly says it best: “This year’s entertainment lineup is the best value around. We’re bringing arena-sized bands to the Oyster Festival—all included with admission to the festival of just $15. “It’s a tradition that we’re proud of,” adds Reilly, “and the last big event of the summer at a beautiful seaside venue.”

 

“Mohegan Sun Online Casino is proud and excited to be the Presenting Sponsor of the Norwalk Oyster Festival 2025! Our partnership with the festival and the Norwalk Seaport Association continues to be an amazing relationship for our business and our presence in the community. This year, we are looking forward to providing attendees with an incredible experience underneath the Mohegan Sun Online Casino VIP Tent that will bring world-class Mohegan Sun hospitality right to Norwalk resident’s backyards,” said Colin Mulhern, Event Manager, Mohegan Sun Online Casino.

The music doesn't stop there! Friday night kicks off with Rock Country Nights, delivering a high-energy hit list from country, rock, and southern legends. And at 8:30 p.m., the crowd will be whisked away to paradise with Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band, the ultimate tribute band to Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, and the Zac Brown Band.

 

Capping off the weekend on Sunday at 4 p.m., VOYAGE: Celebrating the Music of Journey will take over the Optimum Main Stage. Known for their spot-on recreations of Journey’s iconic sound, VOYAGE delivers a powerhouse performance of classic hits like “Faithfully,” and “Separate Ways.” With pitch-perfect vocals, blistering guitar solos, and all the stadium rock vibes folks love, VOYAGE will have fans singing along to classics like “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Open Arms.” Their electrifying stage presence and attention to detail make them the world’s premier Journey tribute band.

 

With Mohegan Sun Online Casino as the Presenting Sponsor and Optimum powering the Main Stage, this year’s Norwalk Oyster Festival is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever—a three-day celebration of music, family entertainment, rides, arts and crafts, food, and unforgettable memories by the sea. *For further information and tickets visit seaport.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates.

 

About the Norwalk Oyster Festival

Now in its 47^th year, the Norwalk Oyster Festival is the main fundraiser for the Seaport Association and Sheffield Island Lighthouse. This is a three-day festival celebrating the maritime heritage of Norwalk that is held every September. The Norwalk Oyster Festival is known for music, wide variety of entertainment, family fun, delicious food, children’s rides, and the New England Craft Village.

 

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Birds, Sunsets, and Lighthouses—Your Perfect Cruise Awaits This Spring and Summer

May signals the start of an unforgettable season as the Norwalk Seaport Association launches its highly anticipated 2025 cruise offerings. From serene bird-watching adventures and dazzling sunset cruises to immersive trips to Sheffield Island Lighthouse, there’s a perfect cruise for everyone. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a sunset chaser, or captivated by Connecticut’s maritime history, these experiences promise memories to last a lifetime.

photo M. Brinkley

Bird-Watching Cruises: A Spring Spectacle on Long Island Sound

This spring, birding enthusiasts are in for a treat with guided bird-watching cruises, starting Sunday, May 4th, and followed by outings on May 11th and May 25th. Each excursion departs promptly at 7:30 a.m. from the Seaport’s Dock at 70 Water Street in Norwalk, with a return around 10 a.m. Tickets are only $43.04 for adults and $32.54 for children and can be conveniently booked online

As these eco-styled cruises traverse Long Island Sound—part of the Atlantic Flyway, a crucial migratory route—birders may spot seabirds and shorebirds up close. A knowledgeable guide will accompany each cruise, pointing out both migrating and nesting species, creating an enriching experience for bird lovers of all levels. One particularly unique highlight is the opportunity to spot birds at the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge on Sheffield Island, home to nesting herring and great black-backed gulls. With its diverse habitats and stunning avian populations, this is a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts. 

Additional birding cruises are scheduled for Sunday, June 8th, and Sunday, June 22nd, offering even more chances to witness spring's vibrant migration season. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars—this adventure will surely be one for the books!

Sunset Cruises: A Picture-Perfect End to Your Day

For those seeking a more relaxed yet equally captivating adventure, the Norwalk Seaport Association’s Sunset Cruises are not to be missed. Running from May 21st to May 25th and May 28th through May 31st at 6:30 p.m., these two-hour cruises glide through scenic Norwalk Harbor and into Long Island Sound. Passengers will enjoy breathtaking views of Norwalk’s islands and landmarks, including three historic lighthouses—Peck’s, Green Ledge, and the iconic Sheffield Island Lighthouse. As the captain’s mate shares stories of the harbor’s rich history, passengers can sip on wine and other beverages and enjoy snacks they bring aboard. Just remember to bring plastic cups and openers to make your evening celebration seamless! Sunset cruises will be offered daily and weekends through August. For your tickets click here.

Sheffield Island Lighthouse Excursions: Fun for the Whole Family

Starting Saturday, May 24th and 31st, and Sunday, May 25th, the Norwalk Seaport Association also offers three-hour excursions to Sheffield Island Lighthouse, with daily and weekend trips continuing through August. These tours, available at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., include a narrated journey through Norwalk Harbor, a view of three lighthouses, and a one-hour stop on Sheffield Island. Guests are invited to tour the lighthouse, enjoy a picnic lunch at the pavilion or beach, and explore the trails of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. This family-friendly adventure is the perfect way to combine history, nature, and relaxation. For tickets click here. 

Whether you’re an avid birder, a history buff, or simply looking for a picturesque way to spend your day, the Norwalk Seaport Association’s 2025 cruise season offers an array of experiences that blend natural beauty, maritime heritage, and the joys of the season. Secure your tickets today at seaport.org and embark on a journey you’ll never forget!

Shine a "Light" on Your Brand with the Norwalk Seaport Association - 2025 Sponsorships Now Open

Are you searching for a unique way to showcase your brand and connect with thousands of people? Look no further than the Norwalk Seaport Association! With a variety of highly visible and engaging events, we offer sponsorship opportunities that ensure your business is front and center. Whether you're aiming to support fun-filled family events or exclusive signature gatherings, we’ll tailor a sponsorship package that perfectly suits your needs. Plus, as a sponsor, you’ll gain valuable recognition across our website, newsletters, and social media platforms—all with direct links back to your business!

Want to sponsor an event that truly makes an impression? Look no further than Docktails and Oysters, one of the Seaport Association’s most sought-after, sell-out experiences every June. Set against the backdrop of the iconic Norm Bloom and Sons Oyster Dock in Norwalk, this event offers attendees a rare opportunity to visit an authentic oyster farm and savor oysters that are as fresh as they come—straight from the dock to their plates. This is your chance to align your business with a unique high quality event that people rave about, not just for its incredible scenery, but for the unforgettable experience it delivers.

One of our most exciting sponsorship opportunities is the iconic Norwalk Oyster Festival, now in its 47th year. This three-day event in September attracts over 50,000 attendees from the tri-state area, making it the perfect platform to connect with a massive audience. Imagine the benefits of sponsoring world-class musical performances, family entertainment, food, drinks, tents, security, or kid-friendly activities—there are endless ways to align your brand with this cherished community event, all at a variety of price points.

Prefer something a bit more playful? Consider sponsoring Pirates Weekend on Sheffield Island every July! This family favorite celebrates maritime heritage with fun, educational activities like boat rides, live entertainment, and storytelling. Your sponsorship here could make a child's day unforgettable while giving your business excellent exposure.

For businesses that value eco-tourism or environmental causes, our bird cruises in May and June are a perfect match. These guided tours of Long Island Sound, led by expert avian enthusiasts, offer a wonderful opportunity to connect your brand with nature and conservation efforts.

And don’t forget about year-round visibility! Sponsors of our seasonal newsletter will receive a custom write-up and interview feature, complete with imagery and links to your website. It’s a great way to connect with our loyal supporters and members.

Ready to align your brand with some of the most exciting and impactful events in the area? Give us a call at 203-838-9444 or email us at info@seaport.org to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. 

Sip, Savor, Sustain: Craft Brews and Bites for Sheffield Island Lighthouse

The Norwalk Seaport Association invites you to an evening of exceptional craft beer, delicious food, and community engagement at SpaceCat Brewery, located at 57 Chestnut Street in Norwalk. Mark your calendar for Monday, April 7, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and prepare to indulge in a night of small-batch brews, hard ciders, and chef-driven appetizers by Ripkas Beach Café. Each carefully crafted pairing is designed to enhance the experience and showcase the brewery’s creative touch. From robust IPAs to crisp lagers, SpaceCat Brewery’s dedication to using the finest, sustainable ingredients will delight even the most refined beer enthusiasts. 

This fundraiser supports the maintenance of Sheffield Island Lighthouse, Connecticut’s maritime treasure. At this relaxed yet engaging event, guests will hear about the Seaport Association’s exciting plans for 2025, including updates on cruise schedules, renovations to the Lighthouse, the Norwalk Oyster Festival, and new membership opportunities. It’s also a chance to learn about volunteering for an organization that has been preserving Norwalk’s maritime heritage since 1978. 

Tickets are $35 per person and include two drink vouchers (wine, beer and hard cider) and appetizers. With only 100 tickets available, advance registration is required. Don’t miss your chance to support this meaningful cause while enjoying a memorable evening. Purchase your tickets online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/norwalk-seaport-associations-spring-kickoff-event-for-2025-on-april-7th-tickets-1253619011209?aff=ebdssbdestsearch or call the Seaport Office at 203-838-9444. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy a fun, relaxed evening while supporting a worthy cause. 

About the Seaport Association 

The Seaport Association in Norwalk was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. The Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper’s Cottage provide a unique historical and educational venue that strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for the environment and how the preservation of historic buildings contributes to our quality of life. The combination of the Lighthouse and the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to educate children of all ages and adults about the importance of preserving Long Island Sound, our environment, and our maritime heritage.

Sailing into the Future: Norwalk Seaport Association Supports Young Marine Scientists

The Norwalk Seaport Association (NSA) is making waves once again! At their recent Annual Meeting, the Association demonstrated their unwavering commitment to education and the environment by donating an impressive $10,000 to Norwalk's Brien McMahon Marine Science Academy. This generous contribution is destined to inspire young minds and bolster innovative learning experiences. 

A Unique Learning Opportunity for Students 

The Marine Science program, has gained recognition for its hands-on, interactive approach to marine education. Students leave the confines of their classrooms and head to Sheffield Island, a jewel of Norwalk Harbor. On the island, they engage in coastal ecology studies, bird-watching tours, and other unique activities that bring the wonders of marine science to life. 

 Rick McQuaid, President of the Norwalk Seaport Association, expressed the organization's pride in supporting this one-of-a-kind initiative: “We are honored to be an active partner in this program where students get the chance to learn outside the classroom on Sheffield Island. We can't wait to see how these future scientists and environmentalists grow.” 

A Partnership Built on Shared Goals 

The partnership between the NSA and the Marine Science Academy began in 2019, and it has since flourished into a collaborative force for good. Eva Bartush, Marine Science Academy Coordinator, praised the Association for its enduring support: “This very generous donation will continue to support our program and the innovative projects and experiences we provide for our students. The Seaport Association has been with us since the start, providing trips to Sheffield Island for our students, teacher training sessions, and more.” 

The Academy has already achieved some remarkable milestones. For example, in May 2022, students launched their first mini-boat as part of the Educational Passages Program. Equipped with GPS, solar panels, and temperature probes, the boat traveled across the Atlantic and was recovered in Norway in February 2023. Currently, two more student-built boats are at sea, capturing data and sparking curiosity. A portion of the Seaport’s donation will help defray the cost of the 2025 mini-boat. 

About the Seaport Association 

The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. The Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper’s Cottage provide a unique historical and educational venue that strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for the environment and how the preservation of historic buildings contributes to our quality of life. The combination of the Lighthouse and the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to educate children of all ages and adults about the importance of preserving Long Island Sound, our environment, and our maritime heritage.

Lighthouses Around the World - North America and South America

Few images are more evocative than a lighthouse on a craggy shoreline overlooking the relentless motion of the waves as they guide mariners and passengers through the currents, storms, and shifting shoals. Historically lighthouse keepers provided maintenance tasks like cleaning the lenses and windows, operating the fog signal, and maintaining the weather station. Because most lighthouses were located in remote areas lightkeepers and their families lived in them. Some of the more isolated lighthouses were operated solely by men. 

Sheffield Island Light, Norwalk, CT

Technological advances like electrification, GPS, batteries, and solar power, have made lighthouse keepers unnecessary. Today, the maintenance and preservation of working lighthouses are unique because most of them are unattended. Preventative maintenance includes scheduled inspections, tests, cleaning, adjustments, and lubrication. Most of the time these activities take place either quarterly or semi-annually. 

Working Lighthouses Around the World

North America

The United States has 779 lighthouses, with the state of Michigan claiming 130 lighthouses that are scattered along the many miles of the shoreline of the Great Lakes. At one time, Michigan had 250 staffed and active lighthouses!  Sandy Hook Lighthouse in Monmouth County New Jersey is America's oldest operating lighthouse whose light went on in 1764 and is still burning bright today. In the U.S., working lighthouses are maintained by the United States Coast Guard which was merged with the United States Lighthouse Service in 1939.  The last civilian keeper was Frank Schubert who passed away in 2003 and the last officially manned lighthouse was the Boston Light, manned by the Coast Guard until 1998. 

Boston Lighthouse  photo: MB Tafan

With the world's longest coastline and more lakes than the rest of the world combined, Canada has more than 750 lighthouses, of which more than 100 have been transferred to individuals, community groups, and municipalities. The first lighthouse built in Canada was the Louisbourg Lighthouse on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia in 1734.  The one seen today was built in 1923. The oldest surviving light in Canada was built in 1758 on Sambro Island. Today there are 51 staffed lighthouses manned by the Canadian Coast Guard. In 2022, the Canadian Coast Guard reported that there are 90 people employed as lighthouse keepers across the country and that 54 of them work out of British Columbia. There are also more than 100 designated heritage lighthouses that have met with the established historical, architectural, and community values as outlined by the Minister of Environment.

Louisbourg Lighthouse, Nova Scotia, Canada

South America

In Brazil, the first recorded lighthouse, the Barra, was constructed in 1697 in Santo Antonio, Bahia province. The first working lighthouse in the Americas' was Palacio das Torres located in Recife. It was built in 1639 by the Dutch and destroyed in 1787.  One of the most intriguing lighthouses is located on Snake Island populated with venomous golden lancehead pit vipers.  It was operated manually until 1909 when the island's residents made it too dangerous to maintain. Today, it is automated remotely. Brazil's 200 active lighthouses are overseen by the Navigational Aid Center and 33 are currently staffed by lightkeepers.

Barra Lighthouse photo: Paul Burley

Chile has 650 lighthouses as reported by the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, of which 20 are staffed. Chile is home to one of the most remote lighthouses in the world on the northeast coast of the Isla Gonzalo, in the Diego Ramirez Islands. This particular lighthouse is staffed by the Chilean Navy which administers its meteorological station. The Cape Horn Lighthouse is part of Chile's Tierra del Fuego archipelago that overlooks the clipper route that connected New Zealand and Europe before the construction of the Panama Canal.  The area where the Cape Horn Lighthouse is located has claimed the record for the most ships lost at sea: over 800 and where more than 10,000 sailors drowned. In addition to this, the island is covered in unexploded ordinance from the 1978 Beagle conflict.

Cape Horn Lighthouse photo: W. Bulach

Peru has 56 lighthouses that span the country's 3,000 miles of coastline. In addition, six lighthouses offer navigational aid on Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America and the highest navigable lake in the world.  Peru also manages several lighthouses on the Amazon River. Lighthouses are owned by the Navy and managed by DHN. One of the most famous active lighthouses in the country is the La Marina Lighthouse set high above the Pacific Ocean in Lima. It was originally constructed in 1900 and moved to its current location in 1973. 

La Marina Lighthouse photo: Dan Gold

Argentina has more than 80 lighthouses along its long coastline. The Argentinian Navy is in charge of overseeing lighthouses. This country has the distinction of having built the San Juan de Salvamento Lighthouse which dates to 1884, making it the oldest lighthouse built on southern waters.  It is also known as "The Lighthouse at the End of the World" because of its location on the remote island of Isla De Los Estados.  It is sometimes confused with Les Eclaireurs built in 1920 in Ushuaia which is still in operation but not manned. Punta Delgada Lighthouse in Patagonia has not only been a trusted point of reference for mariners in the South Atlantic Ocean, but it also served as the headquarters of the Argentinean Post Office in Patagonia!

Punta Delgada Lighthouse photo: LBM

This is part one of a three-part series about Lighthouses around the world.  The next blog will feature Europe and will be followed by Asia and Oceania.