CAPE CANAVERAL LIGHTHOUSE – 150 YEARS OF HISTORY
Cape Canaveral Lighthouse, a historical treasure that has guided mariners for 150 years, remain unknown to many, even here in Brevard County. The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation is seeking to change that, and with the effort of volunteers is well on its way.
Rocky Johnson, president of the Foundation, said that many people are so preoccupied with different things that they often miss some important parts of our own history. It sometimes gets lost in this age of instant information, virtual tours and live streaming.
“People often aren’t challenged to go out and look at the treasures that are only a couple of miles away,” Johnson said. “We want people to come out to visit to the lighthouse.”
The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse is the only lighthouse owned by the U.S. Air Force.
The foundation assists the 45th Space Wing preserve, share the historical significance of the lighthouse and promote access to the unique beacon located on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Johnson said few people know that if not for the lighthouse, Brevard County may not be home to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Kennedy Space Center and Port Canaveral.
When the government needed an ideal place to launch rockets, it found it near where it already owned land and had the lighthouse, which dates to before the Civil War.
The original lighthouse was built in 1848 and 20 years later a taller one was erected. Because of fear that erosion could undermine the structure, the lighthouse was moved in 1894 about a mile and a half inland, where it stands today.
The Foundation has begun the process to build the first of three cottages. It also is raising funds to build two other cottages in keeping with the original configuration of the buildings that surrounded the lighthouse.
Johnson said the foundation wants everyone to have an opportunity to visit the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse.
“We try to make information available on our web site and social media,” he said. “It’s easy. You just sign up for one of our tours.” Three-hour tours are offered through Sunward Tours.
Now, the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation is seeking more new members to be a part of the effort to keep the light shining. Becoming a member is easy and rewarding. Members support the foundation’s goals of increasing awareness of the lighthouse and preserving that vital part of Space Coast history. “It gives that member a sense of belonging,” Johnson said. “It gives them the opportunity to become a part of what we do.” With a membership of about 350, the foundation has a goal of reaching 750 in coming months. “We rely on funding from dues,” Johnson said.
Members participate in the once-a-year membership appreciation day. The value of the membership appreciation day celebration is more than the cost of an individual annual membership, which is $35. There are also family memberships and life memberships.
Members and guests are driven by bus to the lighthouse. In addition, members receive The Canaveral Beacon, the lighthouse bi-monthly newsletter and discounts on merchandise at the Keeper’s Closet. Members also are given early notice of special events and the opportunity to volunteer at the lighthouse. For those who want to come out to the lighthouse before they join as members and participate in the membership day celebration, may sign up for a bus tour. The tour is $27 per person. For ticket and information call Sunward Tours at (321) 453-3994 at least 48 hours prior for reservations.
For more information on the lighthouse, the foundation and becoming a member, see their website www.canaverallight.org