Nantucket Lightship is home-ported in Boston. Photo courtesy of U.S. Lightship Museum

The U.S. Lightship Museum recently reported receiving “a $250,000 grant from American Express to rebuild its navigational light beacon, radio beacon structures, foghorn and on-board electrical systems.”

“Nearly 80 years after it began safeguarding the trans-Atlantic shipping lanes with its powerful guiding light, radio beacon and foghorn, Nantucket Lightship/LV-112 will once again be illuminated in its homeport of Boston. The ‘Statue of Liberty of the Sea,’ as it’s affectionately known, is a symbol of America’s development. Anchored 100 miles off the U.S. mainland near the dangerous Nantucket Shoals from 1936-75, it was the last landmark seen by vessels departing the United States and the first beacon seen by many immigrants entering U.S. waters. Restoration is underway on this former U.S. Coast Guard floating lighthouse to make it accessible for future generations to better understand the vital lightship era of our nation’s maritime history and to function as a floating learning center.”

Nantucket Lightship/LV-112 was designated a “National Treasure” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2012.  To learn more about the National Treasures program and their partnership with American Express goto that program’s website. To learn more about the lightship’s restoration download the complete newsletter or visit their website.