At dusk this evening, March 3, 2010, the Ocracoke Lighthouse beacon will once again shine over our island home and beyond. The light was turned off in preparation for restoration work and has been dark for nearly 4 months.





The 1860 Fresnel lens remained in place during the work, protected in a specially designed enclosure. The restoration work included repairs to historic metalwork, new glass in the lens room and lightning protection measures to the structure. The work was performed by Alex Klahm Architectural Metal and Design, a Florida company specializing in lighthouse restoration. This is the same company that replaced 195 damaged steps inside the Cape Hatteras lighthouse last year.





We have missed our guiding light these past few months. It is strange to come in on the Cedar Island or Swan Quarter ferry and not see the lighthouse welcoming you home.

As of this evening our beacon will shine once again atop North Carolina's oldest continuously operating lighthouse.