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The Foundation has been active and successful since its establishment in early 1990. The activities below are the
Foundation's main accomplishments.
The Rebuilding and Relighting of the Long Beach Bar (Bug) Lighthouse
The Foundation's very successful first project was the restoration of the Long Beach Bar
"Bug" Light. For over a century, Bug Light steered sailors to safety from its location between Orient
harbor and Gardiner's Bay, welcoming them to the protected waters of Peconic Bay. More important, Bug Light was
a warning beacon for navigators rounding the hazardous sandbar at Long Beach. On July 4, 1963, it was burned to
the ground by vandals, and the East End lost a treasured part of its maritime history, a witness to many lives
saved, and a beautiful example of marine architecture.
Today, however, Bug Light is back, restored to its original grandeur by the effort of the hundreds of people who
gave not only financial support, but also material, equipment, and work to the project. The wholly rebuilt Victorian
structure, with its flashing light sixty-three feet above water, has once again resumed its duty of welcoming mariners.
Maintained by both the Foundation and the Coast Guard, Bug Light has become the symbol of our efforts to preserve
the East End's heritage of the sea.
The Seaport Museum
The Seaport Museum, located adjacent to the Shelter
Island North Ferry dock in Greenport, was established by
the Foundation in 1992. Located within a historic Long Island
Railroad terminal building, the museum educates thousands
of people every year about the areas maritime heritage. The story of
oyster fishing on the North Fork and a rare 2nd Order original Fresnel
lens from the Little Gull Island lighthouse, and the 4th order Fresnel
lens, complete with operating clockworks, from the Plum Island
lighthouse. Both of these lenses are in very good condition
and are available for close observation at the museum.
The Blacksmith Shop
The Village Blacksmith Shop, located in Greenport, was restored by the Foundation in 1999.
This operating shop is now open to the public, and a blacksmith is on hand Saturdays
and Sundays during the summer to show
the skills used to make tools and other necessary items from iron.
The Maritime Festival
Each September the Foundation sponsors a Maritime Festival in historic Greenport. The Festival
kicks-off with a seafood and champagne reception and continues throughout the weekend starting with an opening
parade and other events including a wooden boat regatta, whale boat races, clam chowder contest, sailboat trips,
a children's snapper tournament, diversified vendor booths, music and lots of food. |
Foundation History