BOSTON — The Coast Guard and the Town of Falmouth held a ceremony Monday at Nobska Light in Falmouth to mark the transfer of the light’s care from the Coast Guard to the community.
During the ceremony, the Coast Guard passed a ceremonial key to Falmouth Selectman Doug Jones to officially mark the transfer of the Nobska Point Light Station’s license to the town.
“Nobska Light has protected our community and Massachusetts mariners for more than a century,” said Congressman William Keating, who attended the ceremony. “Now, it’s the citizens turn to take care of Nobska Light.”
Nobska Point Light was built in 1876 and has served continuously as an aid to navigation, marking a key waypoint in coastal maritime traffic and warning ships off shoals in Vineyard Sound.
Friends of Nobska Light, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of this beloved landmark, will be responsible for the maintenance of the facility, which it will use as an educational resource for the public. The Coast Guard will continue to maintain the light as an aid to navigation.
Maintaining maritime legacy and heritage throughout the Northeast has long been a priority for the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard is committed to ensuring lighthouses are cared for by stewards, like the Town of Falmouth and Friends of Nobska Light, who are dedicated to preserving their historic significance.