Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse was first lit in November 1875. One hundred and fifty years later the screwpile on the shoal continues to guide mariners and serve as a powerful reminder of the power of preservation and proactive community action.
The Chesapeake Chapter of the United States Lighthouse Society is hosting a special event to honor the 150th anniversary of the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse on Sunday, November 23 at 4 p.m. at the Annapolis Maritime Museum (723 Second Street in Eastport).
The event, themed “Celebrate History. Celebrate Heritage. Celebrate 150 Years of the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse,” will bring together maritime enthusiasts, historians, and community members to commemorate a century and a half of service by the last screwpile lighthouse still in its original location in the Chesapeake Bay.
Guests will enjoy a unique presentation by a character actor portraying Augustin Fresnel, the French physicist whose invention of the Fresnel lens revolutionized lighthouse illumination worldwide. The evening will also include a ceremonial relighting of the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse, symbolizing 150 years of guiding mariners.
Other speakers include John Potvin, general manager of the lighthouse, and David Gendell, author of “Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse: A Chesapeake Bay Icon.”
Light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served during a reception. Tickets cost $20 in advance and $25 at the door, with attendance limited to 150 guests. Early reservations are encouraged and can be made online on Eventbrite.
The Chesapeake Chapter invites everyone to join in celebrating the legacy of the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse—a treasured symbol of the region’s maritime heritage and a beacon that has illuminated the Chesapeake Bay for generations. For further information contact John Potvin, [email protected].