New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse - Ocean City, Maryland

New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse: A Detailed Overview

The New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse stands as a significant historical landmark and a cherished tourist attraction in Ocean City, Maryland. Located at 103 146th St, Ocean City, MD 21842, United States, this organization is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse and its surrounding keepers’ house. Visitors are welcomed without charge, reflecting the group’s commitment to accessibility and community engagement. The phone number is 4438803973, and a comprehensive website, fenwickislandlighthouse.org, provides further details about the lighthouse’s operations, events, and volunteer opportunities.

Historical Significance and Preservation

The Fenwick Island Lighthouse, originally established in 1875, has played a vital role in maritime navigation for over a century. It served as a crucial beacon for ships traversing the treacherous waters of the Delaware Bay. The New Friends organization has worked tirelessly to ensure the lighthouse's structural integrity and historical accuracy. Their efforts have involved ongoing maintenance, restoration projects, and the careful preservation of the associated keepers’ house, offering a tangible connection to the past.

Visiting the Lighthouse: What to Expect

While the lighthouse itself is not always accessible for interior tours, visitors can still experience its grandeur from the exterior. The focus is heavily on the historical significance and the story of those who once tended the light. The organization’s dedication ensures that the building remains a prominent landmark, offering a glimpse into a bygone era. The grounds surrounding the lighthouse provide an excellent opportunity for exploration and photography.

Key Features and Amenities

• Historical Landmark: The lighthouse itself is a testament to early American engineering and maritime history.
• Museum: Although access to the interior museum is limited, exhibits outside highlight the lighthouse’s operational history and the lives of the keepers.
• On-Site Services: Information about the lighthouse’s history and preservation efforts is readily available.
• Good for Kids: The lighthouse’s presence and the surrounding area offer an engaging experience for children, fostering an appreciation for history and maritime heritage.
• Keeper's House: The adjacent keepers’ house provides a fascinating insight into the daily lives of those who maintained the lighthouse.

Operational Details and Accessibility

The New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse operates primarily through volunteer efforts. Entry to the grounds is always free, emphasizing accessibility for all members of the public. However, operational hours may vary, and visitors are encouraged to check the website (fenwickislandlighthouse.org) or contact the organization directly for the most up-to-date information. The lighthouse's location in a residential neighborhood means it’s not situated directly on the water, a factor to consider for those seeking a beachfront experience. Despite this, the site remains a popular destination for those interested in local history and maritime heritage.

Community Engagement and Support

The organization relies heavily on community support and volunteer contributions to maintain the lighthouse. They actively seek volunteers for various tasks, including historical research, fundraising, and event coordination. The Google My Business page features 376 reviews, reflecting the significant interest and appreciation for the lighthouse and the organization’s work. The average opinion is 4.3/5, demonstrating a consistently positive visitor experience. This high rating underscores the value placed on the lighthouse’s preservation and the dedication of the New Friends group.

Contact Information:

Address: 103 146th St, Ocean City, MD 21842, United States

Phone: 4438803973

Website: fenwickislandlighthouse.org

👍 Reviews of New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse

Kevin S.

3/5

Lighthouse is in the middle of a neighborhood and not on the water. Limited visiting hours. I did not go onto the property or enter the lighthouse or museum.

Leslie D.

4/5

A organization operates the lighthouse. No price or registration to enter. If they are open it free to enter. The guides are well versed on the history of the lighthouse and attached keepers house.

C

5/5

The lighthouse is absolutely beautiful. It was closed for renovations, so we were unable to go in. However, we met 2 wonderful volunteers who invited us into light keepers' house, which was absolutely amazing in itself. It's definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. I'm so glad we did!

Exit Z.

5/5

Alright so we showed up at 10am and on google it states they close at 12. However what google did not state was the lighthouse is closed for the season. With that said it’s still a very cute place to visit. The grounds are well taken care of, they even have an amazing garden pumping out all types of veggies. Definitely come out here in the off season and just walk around, take in the views and enjoy it for what it is.

Timothy S.

5/5

Really neat nineteenth century lighthouse with lots of interesting history. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1978 by the US Coast Guard and placed on the National Register of Historic Places a year later. Unfortunately, commercial and residential development over the years has nearly hidden it but thankfully a private nonprofit currently maintains it as a museum. Also located on the grounds is a stone monument that was placed by surveyors in 1750 to mark the
Transpeninsular Line separating Delaware and Maryland. Be sure to visit during operating hours.

Beverly (.

5/5

Whenever I visit Ocean City, I like to see what else is available in the area. This was a nice little stop. I was surprised that this light house was in its original location. You can't climb the lighthouse, but you can visit the entrance area. I received a nice tour of the gift shop and museum area. This is a great place for families as well as solo visitors.

Scott O.

4/5

Lovely lighthouse and friendly staffer!
Thank you for the lighthouse lamp.

Coming J.

4/5

I've been to Ocean City, MD many times over the years, and just recently got the chance to visit this lighthouse. Unfortunately they were closed when I got there. But it was still fascinating to see it up close and personal.