Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Wins State Awards

NORTH WILDWOOD — Since its debut in 1874 the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse has kept a number of mariners safe while navigating the tricky Atlantic coastline.
This beacon of history is getting its turn in the spotlight as one of seven recipients of the Historical Commission Awards, given out by the New Jersey Department of State Nov. 17.
The lighthouse has undergone four phases of work in order to restore the building.
Phase four of the restoration includes rebuilding the tower staircase inside the Swiss Gothic-style building, and the reconstruction of an outside staircase, known to appear in only a single photograph, that once graced the south side of the building.
The latest phase also includes the addition of more modern conveniences, including a fire-suppression sprinkler system and a hidden air-conditioning system. A veranda that disappeared possibly just 10 years after the 1874 lighthouse was built will be restored on the east side of the historic property.
Cosmetic work, such new wallpaper, will be done after the major construction is completed.
Phase five, the plan to take over the adjacent lifeboat station and turn it into a museum and gift shop, is still only in the planning phase. The station was originally built in 1938 and is now home to a State Police marine unit.
That project, however, is more complicated as a new home would have to be found for the State Police.
Since the effort to restore the lighthouse to its architectural roots began, about $1.5 million has been obtained through sources such as the state Historic Trust and the state Department of Transportation.
Despite all the work going on, the lighthouse hasn’t closed down for one day and has kept at least some portion of the building open for visitors.
The lighthouse operates tours from mid-May thru Mid-October, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and mid-October thru mid-May, Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact Suit at: (609) 886-8600 ext. 25 or lsuit@cmcherald.com