Joseph P. Gresko

The Town of Stratford could soon become the owner of the historic Stratford Point Lighthouse. I recently spoke to the Connecticut Post about the potential change, and you can read the article below. 

Historic Stratford Point Lighthouse could soon become town property

The town hopes to become the next owner of the Stratford Point Lighthouse, an iconic structure that has stood at the mouth of the Housatonic River for more than a century. 

The federal government is looking to give away the 35-foot cast-iron lighthouse for free, and Mayor Laura Hoydick confirmed her office has applied to acquire the historic waterfront property. 

“This is a critical step in assuring that our beloved lighthouse remains accessible to future generations,” Hoydick said. “Our goal is to protect this landmark, honor its history and create new opportunities for public engagement and education.”

The U.S. General Services Administration, the agency that manages federal property, announced last month that the lighthouse would be made available at no cost to government agencies, nonprofits, educational organizations or other entities willing to maintain the structure. 

The giveaway is part of a larger effort by the federal government to transfer ownership of historic lighthouses that once helped guide sailors but are no longer necessary for navigation due to modern technology, including GPS. 

Since the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act was passed into law in 2000, more than 150 lighthouses have been transferred to new caretakers, according to the United States Lighthouse Society. 

The history of Stratford Point dates back to the town’s colonial founding in the 1600s, when large fires were lit at the peninsula to help ships safely reach ports along the Long Island Sound. 

The first lighthouse on the site was erected in 1822 after Congress set aside $4,000 for the construction. At the time, the wooden structure was just the third light station built on the shores of the Sound. 

Stratford's town historian, David Wright, said the original structure was replaced in 1881 with the now-iconic 35-foot cast-iron tower, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. 

“The lighthouse is amazing,” Wright said. “It has just an incredible role in Stratford’s history.”

Before the tower was automated in 1970, a succession of a dozen keepers managed the lighthouse and lived in the nearby quarters. The U.S. Coast Guard continued to station personnel to watch over the structure in part to prevent vandalism, but essentially vacated the site in 2019. 

In the same year, Stratford reached an agreement with the federal government to use the property and the two associated buildings as part of a 20-year lease that only cost the town a single dollar. 

State Rep. Joseph Gresko, D-Stratford, said local officials have eyed acquiring the lighthouse on behalf of the town for several years and said the GSA’s recent announcement is an encouraging sign that the icon could soon become town property.  

“It's the furthest point that juts out into the sound as far as Connecticut goes,” he said. “It would be great if the town can retain ownership of that property so that we can keep it open for town use.” 

The town offers guided tours of the lighthouse that Wright, the town historian, leads. To help visitors immerse themselves in the structure's history, Wright takes on the character of Theodore Judson, the longest-serving lighthouse keeper before his retirement in 1919.  

Wright said Judson was known for being a colorful storyteller and loved to boast about saving hapless sailors from ferocious sea monsters, making him the ideal figure to help evoke the town’s past. 

The tours cost $10 per person and Stratford is using the money to help fund America 250 — Stratford Committee, which is organizing several events and activities for next year's 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

If Stratford is awarded the lighthouse, Wright said, he hopes the town will be able to expand the number of tours and open up even greater access to the historic site to the public.  

“I am hoping that we can take over ownership of the lighthouse and come up with a purpose for it,” he said. “I know that we have people come in from all over the United States and are disappointed it is not always open.”  

It is unclear when the federal government will transfer ownership of the lighthouse. Eligible entities had until May 15 to submit an application, which a National Park Service committee and the secretary of the interior will receive.