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Walk In The Steps Of
The Keeper...
Visit Delaware Breakwater East End
Lighthouse or Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse!
For 2009 Tour Dates, click HERE
Join
the Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation and journey by boat for a
memorable tour inside the Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse and Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse.
Have you ever imagined what it may have been like to serve as a keeper
at a lonely offshore lighthouse? Would you like to see first-hand the
challenges of saving a lighthouse surrounded by nothing but water? Learn what it was like to live in an
offshore lighthouse as you climb the cast-iron steps to the top of the light
for a breathtaking view of the Cape Henlopen seascape.
All while you enjoy these historic treasures and the spectacular views from
atop the light! Each tour promises to make learning about history fun for
the entire family.
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Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse....
Harbor of Refuge
Lighthouse is the outpost of Lewes Harbor – a lonely and sometimes dangerous
spot where the hold of man ends and King Neptune’s domain begins. The
light’s stout construction and impressive perch atop the National Harbor
of Refuge |
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Breakwater belies the fact that the 76-foot sentinel routinely
absorbs the destructive force of the most horrific of tempests. Built in
1926 to replace a previous storm-damaged sentinel, Harbor of Refuge is
one of the most exposed lighthouses on the Atlantic seaboard – a place
where mountainous seas pound the structure with walls of water that
completely scale the beacon’s towering stature.
Harbor of Refuge
Light is a tantalizing mystery of sorts. The historic lighthouse stands
sentinel at the mouth of the Delaware Bay and is situated close enough to Cape
Henlopen to view from a distance but just a little too far away to truly
appreciate. That divide was finally conquered when the non-profit
Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation, opened Harbor of Refuge
Lighthouse to the general public for the first time in 2003. Since then,
the DRBLHF has become the proud owner of this historic sentinel and continues
to welcome visitors to see the light! Don't miss the historic marker
outside on the main deck of the lighthouse while you are there!
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Tips
for
safety
directions
weather
contingency
comfort
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Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse...
The Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse was home to resident light
keepers from 1885 through 1950 when it was automated. During this time,
there would always be at least two keepers on duty and one on shore leave.
With a three-man crew, |
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each keeper would serve two weeks on the
light and one week off. Though the lighthouse is less than a mile off
the beach, it might as well have been a hundred miles as far as the
keepers were concerned. One can imagine the feelings of isolation and
loneliness of living in an offshore lighthouse – especially in
wintertime when the nights are long and “Old Man Winter” nestles in for
a
long, frozen stay. The keepers would pass the time by maintaining a clean
and orderly station, augmented by various hobbies when they were not keeping
a nightly vigil inside the light’s watch room ensuring the light was burning
bright.
Recounting such history at Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse might
make it seem like the sentinels best days passed long ago, but that is hardly the case.
The lighthouse is ready to write a new chapter in its storied history.
Though the lighthouse no longer guides mariners to safety, thanks to a
new partnership between the Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation
(DRBLHF) and the Delaware River & Bay Authority (DRBA), this guiding
beacon will turn its duties to welcoming visitors to walk in the steps
of the bygone light keeper. |
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Your
ticket price includes boat transportation to the lighthouses. Proceeds
from all tours to Delaware Breakwater East
End Lighthouse and Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse help benefit the ongoing
restoration and preservation of these historic sentinels, as well as DRBLHF
lighthouse educational programming.
Book
a voyage and journey with us to see one, or both of these historic beacons
during the summer tour season! Tours are limited to just 24 passengers each.
Non-members may join the Foundation at the time
of making their tour reservation and enjoy the member discount immediately.
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Details...
All tours will leave
from the Lewes Ferry Terminal finger pier and are subject to weather
conditions and the judgment of the launch captain as to docking safety.
Please note for safety reasons, children must be at least 12 years old
and meet a 46" height
requirement. Tour patrons are reminded that they will be boarding and
disembarking a boat in a marine environment. Please wear appropriate
rubber soled shoes and dress accordingly. |
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!!!
Space on a tour is not reserved until DRBLHF receives your payment.
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Tickets are not refundable, but may be changed to a different date with
advance notice.
!!!
In the event of cancellation due to weather, reservations will be
rescheduled. No refunds will be made.
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For
directions to the tour departure site,
click here.
To
see other tips to enhance your comfort and enjoyment, click
here.
To
see safety rules, click here.
To
learn what to do if you suspect bad weather, click
here.
The
United States of America donated Harbor of Refuge Light Station to the
Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation for public use through
the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act.
Similarly,
the United States donated Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse to
the State of Delaware.
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To Make Reservations...
Call or
write the Foundation to reserve your space. Reservations are a
must. Seating is limited.
Phone:
302-644-7046
U.S. Mail:
Delaware River and Bay Lighthouse Foundation
P.O. Box 708
Lewes, DE 19958
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