ELBOW REEF LIGHTHOUSE
Elbow Cay HAD a ‘beyond rare’ relic of the historical past in its community before Hurricane Dorian.
Repairing Elbow Reef's historical (8) outbuildings (circa 1864) and its Welcome Center will put us back on the world's stage as having the "last active, complete (intact) lightstation with an original working lighttower in The Bahamas!"
We wish to see the Elbow Reef Lightstation continue to be a gift to the world by staying true to its history and original beauty. Our organization has invested over 30 years into its preservation and we won't stop now!
Why? Lighthouses the world over have removed their original historic parts, giving up on 'manual' in favor of 'electric'. In so doing, they removed the most vital technology that made them an authentic lighthouse. They did this for reasons of cost and efficiency or due to a lack of funds to preserve.
The Elbow Reef Lighthouse has remained active. It is the only manned lightstation in the world which has not been electrified. Its lens is hand-wound by a keeper and it is fueled by kerosene. It remains a time capsule of 1800s British engineering.
CONTACT US AT 242 577-0542 or
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GOFUNDME CAMPAIGN
Be a part of this restoration: https://gf.me/u/x8fv5i
We have ‘Forward, Upward and Onward’ down to a science.
We hope we can count on you to join in the ‘Together’ part!
RECOVERY, RESTORATION & PRESERVATION
of the last lightstation of its kind in the world.
The complete restoration of the lighthouse and its station will lead the way to revive Abaco’s tourism economy, restore property values, and encourage investment while reclaiming its place in the Bahamas’ cultural story.
OUR KEEPERS ARE OUR FAMILY
Keepers Homes Rebuild
Our Principal Keeper is living alone in a section of one of the Keeper’s Quarter’s which is only partially intact. Despite the rough conditions without power or the company of his own family, he is still working diligently.
SERVICE SPOTLIGHT
Head of Restoration, Kent Leboutillier
Kent has been problem-solving, estimating, and working with the ERLS to find ways of getting all the jobs done. Kent is currently overseeing the interior rebuild work of the Keepers Quarters.
Nine outbuildings to repair and rebuild