Overfalls Lightship Restoration Project

Executive Summary

The 70-year-old Lightship Overfalls is one of only 7 remaining lightships that are open to the public. The Overfalls, one of 179 that were built between 1820 and 1952, is at the core of the Overfalls Maritime Museum Foundation’s mission “to collect, preserve, honor, and teach the maritime history of Lewes, the Delaware Bay, and the coastal region.”  In 2008, approximately 1,400 visitors from 31 states and 6 countries toured the Lightship Overfalls.  Once it is completely preserved, the Overfalls will welcome thousands of visitors from throughout the United States and abroad for tours and educational programs, serving as a unique and valuable symbol of our maritime heritage.

The Overfalls had a distinguished career before the Coast Guard donated it to the Lewes Historical Society in 1973.  Between 1938 and 1972, it was stationed at three different lightship stations:  Cornfield Point off the coast of Connecticut, the Cross Rip Station off the coast of Massachusetts, and the Boston Station six miles from Boston Harbor.  After suffering major structural damage in a 1970 storm, the Overfalls was taken out of service in 1971 and decommissioned in 1972. Following its arrival in 1973, the Lewes Historical Society and several community groups tried to preserve the ship and open it to the public.  However, because of her condition and liability issues, the Historical Society could not maintain ownership, and a group of local citizens offered to take over the lightship in 1999. This group later formed the Overfalls Maritime Museum Foundation (OMMF), an organization that has since grown to over 400 members.

 Now, thanks to more than 15,000 volunteer hours and help from outside contractors, the lightship has been completely rehabilitated with the exception of the hull below the waterline.  In October, 2008 the ship will be towed to the Colonna Shipyard in Norfolk, Virginia for repair to the hull.

The most significant task that remains is the construction of a permanent berth for the lightship.  

The Overfalls is a unique vehicle for teaching people of all ages about the region’s maritime history.  Educational programs include Ship Tours and Group Lectures for the public, schools, and youth organizations; a Museum Without Walls, to teach students in the Cape Henlopen School District about the maritime history of the Delaware Bay and Coastal Area; the Lewes Maritime History Course at the University of Delaware’s Southern Delaware Academy for Lifelong Learning, which introduces senior citizens to local maritime sites; and the year-round, monthly Maritime Speaker Series featuring a variety of speakers on maritime topics.

The total budget for the Overfalls Lightship Permanent Berth Project is $700,000 which includes the cost of materials and construction.  The creation of the lightship’s permanent berth will protect the Lewes canal marine ecosystem.  The three land sides of the boat slip will be shored up, preventing erosion and allowing the ship to float permanently in a deep-water berth.   At the same time, the dredging and reconstruction of the permanent berth will restore the natural vegetation, historic function, and beauty of the Lewes waterfront. 

The OMMF was successful in raising funding for the restoration of the ship. Several foundations including Longwood Foundation and Welfare Foundation and grants from Save America’s Treasures and a Transportation Enhancement Fund grant supported the effort.  These grants combined with other funds raised over the years, including growing support from local friends and businesses have enabled the OMMF to make significant strides in stabilizing the ship. With further funding for a permanent berth, we can complete the Lightship Overfalls Restoration Project and reinforce the significance of the Lightship Overfalls in our maritime heritage.