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.
