Get on the Water With the Norwalk Seaport Association this May

Seabirds have made Long Island Sound off the coast of Norwalk their home for millennia. Bird lovers and nature enthusiasts have spotted waterfowl, shorebirds, and seabirds along with migrating birds of all types in this rich natural environment. And, one of the most interesting places to view our avian friends is from the water. 

May is one of the best times of the year to spot birds, so this year, the Norwalk Seaport Association is offering its first birding cruises of the season on Sunday, May 5th, and Sunday, May 19th. These two birding excursions depart from the Seaport’s Dock at 70 Water Street in Norwalk at 7:30 a.m. The vessel returns to the dock around 10 a.m. Tickets are $40 for adults and $30 for children and are available online at seaport.org. It is advised that passengers arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Birding excursions are also scheduled for June 2, 16, and 30th. 

This cruise is guided by a bird enthusiast who will be on board to point out migrating as well as nesting birds encountered along the way. One of the most exciting aspects of this harbor cruise is that you never know what species of birds or how many you will encounter. 

A unique highlight of this cruise is the chance to spot birds at the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge on Sheffield Island. Here you will see a variety of habitats that support nesting and wading birds. This spot is known for its small population of herring and great black-backed gulls that nest along Sheffield Island's rocky shoreline. The importance of the Norwalk Islands to wildlife, especially migratory birds is enormous, and the special Bird Cruises hosted by the Norwalk Seaport Association give nature enthusiasts the chance to spot these magnificent seabirds up close with the added benefit of a knowledgeable guide.  

Also happening in May, Sunset Cruises begin on May 22 and run from Wednesday – Sunday departing at 6:30 p.m. and returning at 8:30 p.m. throughout the season. This is the perfect way to unwind on the Sound. Pack a snack, BYOB, and sit back and watch the sunset over the water, it is like a mini vacation. 

If you are looking for a memorable way to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend, the Seaport Association is offering its first cruises of the season to Sheffield Island on Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. This three-hour excursion includes a narrated tour of the Norwalk Harbor and three historic lighthouses ending with a one-hour stop on Sheffield Island Lighthouse. Take a tour of the lighthouse, pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the beach or in our pavilion, and walk the trails of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge looking for birds. 

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.  

Brewing Up April Fun with the Seaport Association @ SpaceCat Brewery

 

The Norwalk Seaport Association is hosting an event sure to cure "what ales" you at the SpaceCat Brewery located at 57 Chestnut Street in Norwalk on Monday, April 15 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Get ready to discover one of the finest craft breweries in Connecticut located right here in Norwalk. This is a night to be remembered with the artful fusion of small-batch brews and hard cider with chef-driven appetizers by Ripkas Beach Café that will complement each sip. SpaceCat brews range from robust IPAs to crisp lagers sure to please the most discerning palate. Part of the fun is to find out how SpaceCat Brewer’s creative touch brings out the best in their diverse range of beer by using the finest grains, hops, and yeasts sustainably. Guests are sure to savour the diverse tapestry of flavors of beer at this event which is a fundraiser for Norwalk’s Sheffield Island Lighthouse. 

At this fun and relaxed event, guests will also enjoy learning about what the Seaport Association has planned for 2024 from the cruise schedule and new renovations at the Lighthouse to the 2024 Norwalk Oyster Festival, and new membership levels. This is the perfect opportunity to find out about how to volunteer for this established non-profit organization that has been around since 1978.

Tickets include two vouchers and appetizers, all for a good cause. Tickets are $35 per person and are limited to the first 100 people. Tickets are available online by clicking here or by calling the Seaport Office at 203-838-9444, so get them today so you don’t miss out on the fun. Proceeds from this event will be used for the maintenance of Sheffield Island Lighthouse, Connecticut’s Maritime Icon. 

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.

Ghosts and Spirits of Sheffield Island

According to the popular magazine, Conde Nast Traveler, in 2023, Sheffield Island Lighthouse, along with the Mark Twain House, in Hartford were listed as supposedly  the "spookiest and most paranormal activity sites in Connecticut!" We were amazed at that revelation...but happy to be in the legendary company of the esteemed Mark Twain!  We had to delve deep... and thought of one of Twain's quotes..."Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; Truth isn't."

We think urban legends surrounding the 1868 Sheffield Island Lighthouse are fun. So many tales float on the tide and in the sea breeze about the ghosts and spirits that linger on the island... too bad they didn't leave buried treasure to help us with our mission! At the end of the day, we understand their love of Sheffield Island... our summer guests have told us for years how much they enjoy the island and how hard it is to leave.  Quite frankly, we agree and are grateful to everyone who has helped us keep Sheffield Island Lighthouse an icon of the New England coastline.

 Conde Nast Traveler noted in their article that in 1972, the lighthouse's original keeper died suddenly while watching passing ships with a spyglass; his death was never fully explained!  Not to be a spoiler but Sheffield Island Lighthouse was decommissioned in 1902 - so it is impossible that the "last lightkeeper" was even on the island in 1972! Sheffield Island Lighthouse was put out of official Coast Guard service because it was a bit too far away from the ledges it was designed to warn ships against. Sheffield Island Lighthouse's duties were replaced by Green Ledge Light.

Another tale, according to Conde Nast Traveler, involves an archeologist in the 1990s who heard strangely chanting music, and a foghorn when heading to the island by boat (not ours). Spoiler alert, once again, there is no fog horn on Sheffield Island! But as you all know, we love music, which is why we have so many nationally recognized entertainers at the Norwalk Oyster Festival! 

All urban tales aside, Sheffield Island and Lighthouse has been a top destination for families and lovers of lighthouse lore, legends, and tales for years. We love welcoming people, from near and far to the island and sharing its fascinating history, and the legacy of Connecticut's maritime heritage that continues to thrive. 

The Last Lighthouse Keeper in U.S. Steps Down

The historic Boston Light on Little Brewster Island overlooking Boston Harbor was constructed before the Revolutionary War. The original lighthouse, constructed in 1716 stood 60 feet high and was circular in shape with a tapering tower made of rubblestone. On the grounds of the tower, a keeper's house, barn, and wharf were built and, a fog horn cannon was installed in 1719. 

1879 / Morning off Boston Light / by C Drew. 

When the American Revolution came, the islands in Boston’s harbor were the site of several skirmishes between patriots and British soldiers and sailors. The British took over Boston Light in 1774. In July of 1775, local Massachusetts patriots decided to destroy the lighthouse to prevent the British from benefitting from its use. The British rebuilt the lighthouse within a matter of days! The most significant damage happened as the British were leaving the harbor ---- they blew up the Boston Light for good in 1776 -- or so they thought!

The new lighthouse wasn't built until 1783. It was similar to the first lighthouse because it was circular in structure and made of rubblestone. The difference was the height as the new lighthouse was 75 feet tall. Another difference was that this lighthouse didn't use candles, it had four fish oil lamps as its beacon. In 1811, a revolving mechanism was installed to create a flashing light, and in 1859, a second-order Fresnel lens was installed to replace the chandelier of oil lamps and reflectors. At this time, the height of the lighthouse was increased to 89 feet. 

Over the years, many improvements were made to the Boston Light.  For example, fog signals were upgraded several times, and other buildings, some still standing, were constructed; others were reused for different purposes. In 1948, the Boston Light was electrified and in 1957 a cable was run from Windmill Point to drive the rotating mechanism of the Frensel lense, so the keepers didn't have to wind it every four hours! This modernization however didn't affect one important duty of the keeper. Every day, at sunrise and again at sunset, the keeper had to climb the steep iron staircase to turn the switches on or off for the light and rotating gear. 

Steep and treacherous the climb to the top

In 1959, the Boston Light was changed from a family-operated to a male-only station under the auspices of the Coast Guard. In 1964, Boston Light became a National Historic Landmark and in 1987, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1989, a bill sponsored by Senator Kennedy required that the Boston Light remain permanently manned, making this lighthouse the only legislatively manned lighthouse in the United States. The island's light became fully automated in 1998, ending the keeper's climb to the top twice a day. The site was officially opened to the public in 1999.

A lovely view of Boston Light

A new chapter in the story of the Boston Light occurred in 2003 when Sally Snowman,  was appointed as light keeper. Snowman was not only the first woman to attain this role in the long history of the Boston Light, but she was also the first civilian appointed since 1941. 

Sally Snowman, keeper of Boston Lighthouse, lowers the American flag, Monday, Aug. 8, 2016, on Little Brewster Island in Boston Harbor. Boston Light is the last permanently manned Coast Guard lighthouse in the country, and 2016 marks its tricentennial. 

After a twenty-year stint beginning in 2003, in December 2023, Sally Snowman, the only remaining lighthouse keeper in the United States retired. Snowman has not only served as the keeper, she is also a historian of this 307-year-old icon that overlooks Boston's rocky shoreline. She enjoyed regaling the tales of the lighthouse with the visiting public and hopes this tradition continues. Dressed in 18th-century inspired clothes that would have been worn by a lightkeeper's wife or in a Coast Guard uniform she ascended the 76 spiraling steps to clean the windows and polish the lens that acts as a beacon of warning to keep mariners from smashing into the rocks. She also mowed the lawn and maintained the six additional buildings on the grounds of the island. A professor by profession, it was her fantasy to become a lighthouse keeper since she visited the island at age 10. As the lightkeeper for 20 years, Snowman told NPR, " “It’s sort of a metaphysical type of thing that – I felt something so deeply in my heart and in my cells and the space between the cells that it came into fruition. It’s a fairy tale come true."

The Sunset of an Era

For much of her time as a lighthouse keeper, she lived on the island. In 2018, due to a portable water problem, the public could no longer visit the island, and Snowman could no longer live there.  Tenacious as ever, Snowman decided to commute to the island from her home in North Weymouth. This commute could take up to an hour and a half one way over open water in her six-foot skiff.  Until she retired in December 2023, Snowman's visits were dictated by weather and tidal cycles, resulting in stays of up to an hour or so, or not at all, when storms kept her away. Snowman, now 72,  plans on spending her retirement researching historical documents and making presentations. Reflecting on her time as lightkeeper, Snowman told WBUR, "I believe we are all beacons of light. We are all lighthouses from our heart space. So for me to be out there for 20 years, my energy is going to be out there. It's there."

The lighthouse is now being sold to a private owner. The arrangement with the new owner is that the site must be preserved. Let's hope that the new owners and their staff will do a good job of maintaining the traditions of the lighthouse keepers around the world and preserving the history of this historic site.

Lighthouse Lore - America's First Lighthouse

Sheffield Island Lighthouse off the coast of Norwalk, Connecticut shares a proud history with lighthouses around the world. Although, not an active lighthouse, it is on the National Register of Historic Places and is still a beacon for boaters and visitors who cruise with us every summer to tour it and enjoy our private island. In our continuing winter series of Lighthouse Lore, we are featuring America's first lighthouse. 

Today, active lighthouses are overseen by the United States Coast Guard, which is responsible for the upkeep, and maintenance of all lighthouses and light vessels in the United States. It wasn't always that way, and the evolution of the control of lighthouses and the story of America's first publically funded lighthouse is interesting.

Two Historic Lighthouses at Chesapeake Bay

The story begins in New York City's Federal Hall in 1789  during the first session of the First United States Congress. During this historic session, the U.S. Treasury was founded, George Washington was inaugurated as the nation's first President, and the United States Lighthouse Establishment was created. It was also at this session that Jacob Wray asked Alexander Hamilton, the newly appointed Secretary of the Treasury to build a lighthouse on the shoreline of Cape Henry, which had already claimed 57 maritime vessels. There was a great deal of public pressure for safe waterways and navigation, so Hamilton contracted designer John McComb Jr., the designer of the planned residence of the President to construct a lighthouse and light up the shoreline of Chesapeake Bay.

Cape Henry Lighthouse - America's First

At this juncture, all U.S. lighthouse ownership was transferred to the Federal Government and the newly formed General Lighthouse Authority. In 1792, the first federally funded public works construction project authorized by George Washington and overseen by Alexander Hamilton began with the construction of the Cape Henry Lighthouse at the entrance to Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. This location was considered strategic because of the large volume of shipping traffic that was headed into the bay. The vital ports of Norfolk, Newport News, Baltimore, and Washington D.C. are all accessed through Chesapeake Bay. 

The Octagonal Structure of Cape Henry Lighthouse, a classic!

The lighthouse is an octagonal structure that is 26 feet wide and rises 90 feet to the tower with three windows in the east and four in the west. Like much of Washington D.C. at that time, the  Cape Henry Lighthouse was built of Aquia and Rappahannock sandstone. It was completed in October of 1792 for $17,700.  After its completion, George Washington himself asked for applications for the lighthouse keeper who was selected by him. The first keeper, Laban Goffigan, of Norfolk, Virginia was hired in late October 1792. The lighthouse lit the bay with lamps that burned fish oil. The Cresset was one of the earliest types of lamps used in a lighthouse that burned fish oil. It consisted of a bowl hollowed out of stone which was filled with fish oil with one or more small rope wicks.  

Cape Henrys Lighthouses are located near where English settlers first arrived 

Adding to its storied past, during the American Civil War, the Cape Henry Lighthouse was damaged by Confederate forces, but repaired in 1863 by Union forces. They depended on its light for navigation and merchant ships depended on it to deliver their supplies. Unfortunately, in the 1870s a lightning strike caused large cracks in the Cape Henry Lighthouse and its stability came into question.  Congress was made aware of this and decided to build a second lighthouse here because of its strategic location. The second lighthouse, which is much taller and made of metal plates with a distinctive black and white stripe was constructed in 1881. It was built a mere 350 feet away from the original lighthouse and remains in use today. The original Cape Henry Lighthouse remains standing acting as a daylight marker for triangulation. 

In 1930, the lighthouse was acquired by Preservation Virginia. Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1970 and as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 2002, today it welcomes visitors to tour this historic edifice that played a role in guiding ships to their destination safely for well over 100 years.

Did You Know...

The Cape Henry Lighthouse is the fourth lighthouse built in the United States and the first publically funded lighthouse that was built by the government.

The Cape Henry Lighthouse is located near the spot where English settlers first landed and made their way to settle in Jamestown. 

The second lighthouse at Cape Henry was built for $75,000 in 1881 and made of cast-iron plates bolted together making it the tallest cast-iron fully enclosed lighthouse in the United States.

Lighthouse Lore - How it All Began... Lighthouses - Sentinels of the Sea

The duties of a sentinel are serious business....and we are not talking about the Sentinels of X-Men fame from Marvel Comics! Historically, sentinels were guards, a lookout, or a person keeping watch to protect, most often, this person was a soldier. In ancient times, sentinels were critical in battle because they provided advance notice of threats that could destroy an army...and they are still relevant.  With a nod to history, the soldiers who stand watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Solider at Arlington National Cemetary, are called Sentinels. This is a cherished and honored duty and these Tomb Guards are chosen only after rigorous training and a demanding series of exams.

A Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

It is believed that the origin of the word sentinel dates to 1570s Italy and that the word stems from "sentina" meaning vigilance and, to hear and perceive.  So, it should be no surprise that lighthouses are often called the "sentinels of the sea" because they watch over the water in treacherous areas and are instrumental in guiding ships and their crews to safety. To those ancient seafaring men, long before GPS was invented, lighthouses were much more than just a lonely light shining from a tower; they were the difference between a successful voyage and one that ended in disaster. 

Enoshima Lighthouse referred to as Japan's Sea Candle is one of the most modern lighthouses in the world. It uses a high-powered LED projector and lights up in different colors.

Today's modern lighthouses are amazing wonders that combine so many skills from mathematics, optics, and architecture, to the latest technology. Most of the automated lighthouses have replaced rotating lenses with high-intensity lights that emit brief omnidirectional flashes much like those used to warn aircraft of tall structures. Lighthouses have come a long way! As a matter of fact, all the working lighthouses in the United States except the Boston Light which dates back to 1783, are automated. 

Ptolemy I 

The maritime heritage of lighthouses, of which Sheffield Island Lighthouse is a part goes back to the ancient world. The first known lighthouse was the Lighthouse of Alexandria, Egypt, considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was commissioned by one of Cleopatra's ancestors, Pharoah, Ptolemy I around 300 B.C. and completed by his son, Ptolemy II in 282 B.C. It was built on the island of Pharos, just outside the harbor of Alexandria, Egypt which was the most important Mediterranean trading city of the Roman Empire.

According to some ancient sources, the construction of the lighthouse was the work of Sostratus, a Greek architect and military engineer from Cnidus, a town in modern-day Turkey, that at the time, was under Ptolemaic control. On the other hand,  the Greek geographer, Strabo believed that Sostratus was the financial backer and that Ptolemy II allowed him to take credit for building it. Unfortunately, this debate has been lost to the mists of time, and we will never know who the architect actually was.

The Alexandria Lighthouse rose 330 feet on the very tip of the island of Pharos and was considered an astounding engineering wonder.  It was constructed so that it would face the two natural harbors of Alexandria, one called the Great Harbor, and the other with the ironic name, the Harbor of Fortunate Return. Linked to the mainland by a quarter-of-a-mile causeway called the Heptastadion, goods flowed easily and quickly into and out of the city.

A classic rendering of the Lighthouse of Alexandria 

The Alexandria Lighthouse has roughly a 1600-year history. That said, ancient writers didn't leave an exact description of the design of the lighthouse. Most sources agree that there was one tall white tower that could be seen for miles and that the lighthouse had three floors. It is believed that the first floor was rectangular, the middle was octagonal, the third floor was round, and that the top of the tower was crowned with a statue of Zeus Soter. Because wood is scarce in Egypt,  oil and not wood was most likely burned in the tower to light the way. According to ancient sources, there was a mirror made of polished bronze to reflect the flame far out to sea as an aid to safely guide vessels into the harbor.

The lighthouse disappears from historical records sometime during the 14th century, presumably destroyed by an earthquake. In its place, the Citadel of Qaitbay was built on the ruins of the lighthouse in the 15th century. Modern archeologists have found many stone fragments and ruins in the vicinity of the Citadel including a monumental figure of Ptolemy I and his queen, Berenice.

The Citadel of Quaitbay was built in the 15th century  (creative commons لا روسا)

Although the Alexandria Lighthouse at Pharos may not be the first lighthouse ever constructed, it is the first monumental one in recorded history. Lighthouses have been built over the centuries as navigational aids -- to show where there were hazardous shallows or submerged rocks, something that is as important today as it was in the ancient world.  Sheffield Island Lighthouse is proud to be part of this long maritime history that goes back to the ancient. world. 

Did You Know...

Perhaps the Lighthouse of Alexandria may not have been one of the most successful lighthouses when it came to guiding ships and their crews to safety. Marine archeologists have found more than 40 ancient wrecks in the area where the ancient harbor was located. 

It took more than twenty years to complete building the Lighthouse of Alexandria.

Part of the lighthouse was discovered by a French archeologist. 

The city of Alexandria uses the symbol of the lighthouse on its national flag.

October Clean-up on Sheffield Island & the Mystique of Goldenrod!

The work of maintaining Sheffield Island Lighthouse is a year-round project. Thankfully, the Seaport Association has many loyal volunteers who help maintain the island. New volunteers are always welcome, just email us @ info@lighthouse.org or call us at 203-838-9444 - there is always plenty to do!

 October on Sheffield Island is the time of year when Seaport volunteers are busy getting the Lighthouse ready for the winter months that are just around the corner. The first order of winterizing Sheffield Island Lighthouse is to make sure all the windows are closed and locked, including the windows in the Lighthouse tower. Next on the agenda, our volunteers clean and dust and, finally, they cover up all the furniture for added protection. Outside, the windows of the Lighthouse and the Lightkeepers cottage are boarded up to keep them safe and sound from the harsh winter sea winds that batter the island.

Outside, the dock is taken out of the water and stored, the ceiling fans are removed from the pavilion, and all big equipment is put away. Finally, the telescope that so many summer visitors enjoy using and, all the colorful signage around the island and on the nature trails are taken down and stored. A final walk about the Island is done to make sure nothing has been overlooked.

A walk around Sheffield Island in October is lovely with the colors of fall foliage interspersed with the dark green of the island's pine trees. Here and there, you will see several autumn flowers, including Goldenrod, a fall perennial that usually gets a bad rap! Goldenrod isn't an allergen, that's ragweed! Goldenrod's pollen is heavy and sticky and can't fly through the air, like ragweed's can! Goldenrod has been used medicinally for centuries and is a favorite of many pollinators, making it good for the environment.

Goldenrod is a plant in the Aster or Sunflower family that is native to North America. It attracts many pollinators and even Monarch Butterflies in the summer. It flowers beginning in late August, so if you take a cruise to the Island with us in late -summer or early fall, you may see this lovely yellow flower peeking through the foliage on the Nature Trail. 

Its scientific name, "Solidago" means to make whole or to heal. Historically, there were many medicinal uses for Goldenrod. Native Americans made a compound of the flowers and applied this mixture to burns and other skin problems. They also chewed on the leaves to relieve sore throats and toothaches. In folk medicine, tea was made and taken to soothe a sore throat and to aid digestion. After the Boston Tea Party, Goldenrod mixed with Chamomile became known as "liberty tea" and was enjoyed as a substitute for tea imported from Great Britain! Today, it has been found that Goldenrod contains saponins that have antifungal properties and flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory properties.

This October, even though you may not be visiting Sheffield Island with us, you will certainly see goldenrod, which proliferates this time of year!  Just keep in mind, that it is the wind-pollinated plants like Ragweed that happen to look similar to Goldenrod and share the same blooming period that is the culprit for hayfever this time of year!

Did You Know...

The young leaves of Goldenrod are said to taste like French tarragon

Certain species of goldenrod leaves contain rubber. 

Model T Ford, 1908

Thomas Edison made tires for his Model T Ford that was given to him by his friend, Henry Ford using rubber extracted from Goldenrod. Unfortunately, the quality of the rubber wasn't good enough to be commercially extracted.

Goldenrod is the state flower of Kentucky and Nebraska.