he historic Nauset Lighthouse in Eastham, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, was rescued from the edge of a sixty-foot high eroding cliff in November 1996. The tower was moved to a new location approximately 300 feet west and has now been restored. What makes Nauset Light so special? Explore our site and learn about this famous landmark, how the rescue operation was accomplished, and plans for the future.

C O N T E N T S

Why was Nauset Light moved? Coastal erosion is an ongoing occurrence along the outer coastline of Cape Cod. The relentless sea is continuously eating away at the sandy shore. Before the move Nauset Lighthouse was less than 25 feet from the edge of the cliff.

The Coast Guard owned Nauset Light and had no plans for saving it. Modern instrumentation has diminished the need for lighthouses. However, the lighthouse is still used by the fishing fleets and small recreational boaters who navigate close to the shore. Nauset Light is an important part of Eastham's cultural and maritime history, and is the most well known and photographed lighthouse on Cape Cod.

A group of citizens in Eastham formed the Nauset Light Preservation Society, a non-profit volunteer organization whose original mission was to rescue the lighthouse. This was accomplished in November 1996. The mission now is the preservation and restoration of the lighthouse and oil house.

Our current goals are restoration of the oil house (slate roof, cupola, door, sills), site development for appearance and access, development of educational materials, and the establishment of an endowment fund.

We welcome your donations and memberships.

The Nauset Light Preservation Society
P.O. Box 941, Eastham, MA 02642
Phone: (508) 240-2612
E-mail:


photo © 1995 Nicolas Nobili
site contents © 1996-2008 Nauset Light Preservation Society


Site creation by Ian McConnell, ICM Design
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Site last updated March 2008