New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse - Ocean City, Maryland

Introduction to Fenwick Island Lighthouse

The Fenwick Island Lighthouse, a beacon of history and charm, stands tall in Ocean City, Maryland, offering visitors a glimpse into the past and a chance to explore the rich maritime history of the region. This iconic lighthouse, established in 1859, has been guiding sailors and captivating tourists for over a century and a half. Today, it is maintained and operated by the New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse, a dedicated group of volunteers committed to preserving and sharing the lighthouse's history.

Main Services

• Historical Education: The New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse provide educational services, sharing detailed and accurate information about the lighthouse's history, the lives of its keepers, and the maritime history of the area.
• Guided Tours: While the lighthouse interior is currently not open to the public, volunteers offer guided tours of the exterior and grounds, providing insights into the lighthouse's construction, architecture, and its role in maritime history.
• Volunteer Opportunities: The organization welcomes volunteers to help welcome visitors, share information about the lighthouse, and assist with various preservation and maintenance tasks. Winnie Lewis, the Volunteer Coordinator, can provide further details.
• Community Events: The New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse organizes and participates in community events, such as the Lighthouse News Flashes, to engage the public and raise awareness about the lighthouse's history and preservation efforts.

Location and Access

The Fenwick Island Lighthouse is situated at 103 146th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842, in the heart of a residential neighborhood. Despite not being located directly on the water, the lighthouse's elevated position offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Visitors can reach the lighthouse by car, with on-site parking available for a small fee. Public transportation is limited, so having a vehicle is recommended for easy access. The lighthouse is open to the public during specific hours, typically from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on weekends from late May to early September. It's essential to check the official website for the most current visiting hours and any seasonal changes.

Featured Characteristics

• Architecture: The Fenwick Island Lighthouse is a classic example of a conical brick tower, standing 87 feet tall, with a six-sided base and a white cast-iron lantern room at the top. Its unique design and historic significance make it a beloved local landmark.
• Historic Significance: Commissioned by the U.S. Lighthouse Board, the Fenwick Island Lighthouse played a crucial role in guiding ships along the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It was first lit on November 1, 1859, and remained an active aid to navigation until 1978.
• Preservation Efforts: The New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse has been instrumental in preserving and maintaining the lighthouse, ensuring that this piece of history remains accessible to future generations. Their ongoing efforts include fundraising, restoration projects, and educational initiatives.

Practical Information

• Admission: Currently, there is no admission fee to visit the Fenwick Island Lighthouse or its grounds. However, donations are welcome and help support the organization's preservation and maintenance efforts.
• Accessibility: While the lighthouse itself may not be fully accessible, the organization strives to make its educational programs and events accessible to all visitors. It's recommended to contact the organization directly for any specific accessibility needs.
• Contact Information:
  • Address: 103 146th St, Ocean City, MD 21842, United States
  • Phone: 443-880-3973
  • Website: fenwickislandlighthouse.org

Positive Aspects from Reviews

Visitors to the Fenwick Island Lighthouse have praised its historical significance, the dedication of its volunteers, and the overall educational experience. Some of the positive aspects mentioned in reviews include:

• The knowledgeable and friendly volunteers who share their passion for the lighthouse's history and provide engaging tours.
• The well-preserved exterior and grounds, offering a glimpse into the past and a peaceful atmosphere for visitors.
• The lighthouse's unique architecture and historic significance, making it a popular photo spot and a beloved local landmark.
• The organization's commitment to preservation and education, ensuring that the lighthouse's history is shared with future generations.

With an average opinion of 4.3/5 from 376 reviews on Google My Business, the Fenwick Island Lighthouse and the New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse have clearly made a positive impact on visitors and the local community.

👍 Reviews of New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse

Kevin S.

3/5

Lighthouse is in the middle of a neighborhood and not on the water. Limited visiting hours. I did not go onto the property or enter the lighthouse or museum.

Leslie D.

4/5

A organization operates the lighthouse. No price or registration to enter. If they are open it free to enter. The guides are well versed on the history of the lighthouse and attached keepers house.

C

5/5

The lighthouse is absolutely beautiful. It was closed for renovations, so we were unable to go in. However, we met 2 wonderful volunteers who invited us into light keepers' house, which was absolutely amazing in itself. It's definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. I'm so glad we did!

Exit Z.

5/5

Alright so we showed up at 10am and on google it states they close at 12. However what google did not state was the lighthouse is closed for the season. With that said it’s still a very cute place to visit. The grounds are well taken care of, they even have an amazing garden pumping out all types of veggies. Definitely come out here in the off season and just walk around, take in the views and enjoy it for what it is.

Timothy S.

5/5

Really neat nineteenth century lighthouse with lots of interesting history. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1978 by the US Coast Guard and placed on the National Register of Historic Places a year later. Unfortunately, commercial and residential development over the years has nearly hidden it but thankfully a private nonprofit currently maintains it as a museum. Also located on the grounds is a stone monument that was placed by surveyors in 1750 to mark the
Transpeninsular Line separating Delaware and Maryland. Be sure to visit during operating hours.

Beverly (.

5/5

Whenever I visit Ocean City, I like to see what else is available in the area. This was a nice little stop. I was surprised that this light house was in its original location. You can't climb the lighthouse, but you can visit the entrance area. I received a nice tour of the gift shop and museum area. This is a great place for families as well as solo visitors.

Scott O.

4/5

Lovely lighthouse and friendly staffer!
Thank you for the lighthouse lamp.

Coming J.

4/5

I've been to Ocean City, MD many times over the years, and just recently got the chance to visit this lighthouse. Unfortunately they were closed when I got there. But it was still fascinating to see it up close and personal.