Francesca Arnold, University of Florida Master of Architecture
The Sankaty Head Lighthouse is located on the eastern shore of Nantucket Island. It sits precariously close to the edge of a 100′ high bluff that is perpetually eroding and creeping closer. The history of this lighthouse includes a major move of the entire structure to help save it, yet has only prolonged the inevitable. This project proposes community engagement activities to help better understand the importance of the lighthouse to the community, that can help inform the future steps for preservation.
Was your inspiration a PIN report or other? What is the missing information? Why does this need to be addressed? Why is your work important?
The 1984 PIN report was a built structure documentation, with a brief history of the lighthouse. There lacked any future steps questions regarding preservation of the lighthouse. The context of the lighthouse is not mentioned in the previous report, which is something that needs to be acknowledged. Inspiration to focus on this lighthouse came from a personal interest in lighthouses from my childhood, that fit perfectly in the narrative of the Nantucket issue of vulnerability. Understanding how the community views the lighthouse is key to understanding how to move forward with preserving it, especially because eventually there will need to be a major decision made to move the lighthouse or let it go with the eroding bluff.
What was your methodology? What resources did you use?
The form of methodology used in preparing this presentation was research based on books and articles published on the lighthouse history and present issues. A lot of information was gathered through personal interviews with community members involved with the lighthouse, including the ‘Sconset Trust.
What are your findings, proposal, or recommendations?
There currently is not much community engagement aside from fundraising for the lighthouse. Public events are far and few between, with those events even being limited. I propose an extension of community engagement activities to reach the general community, and eventually have resources for the community to use on a regular basis without having to make reservations and fight for spots. I would recommend a virtual comment box on site of the lighthouse, a free and open event for the community to participate in with community engagement workshop stations, increased open days, and/or a virtual lighthouse tour to be posted online.
What are next steps or further research to be done?
The next steps for future research really fall to the ‘Sconset Trust, as owners of the lighthouse. I have recommended that they network with other lighthouses that have faced similar situations due to environmental conditions. Communicating with these other lighthouses about how they have involved their communities can help the community of ‘Sconset to fully involve their community and reach its potential with the seasonal residents.
Citation List
- Benchley, Rob, and Robert D. Felch. Keeping the Light: The Epic Move and Preservation of Nantucket’s Sankaty Head Lighthouse: A Pictorial History. The ‘Sconset Trust, 2009.
- Butler, Karen T. Nantucket Lights: An Illustrated History of the Island’s Legendary Beacons. Mill Hill Press, 1996.
- “Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.” LighthouseFriends.
- Claflin, James. Historic Nantucket Lighthouses: Sankaty Head. Kenrick A. Claflin & Son, 2003.
- “History.” Siasconset Beach Preservation Fund.
- “Sankaty Head Light History.” NEW ENGLAND LIGHTHOUSES: A VIRTUAL GUIDE.
- “Sankaty Head Lighthouse.” ‘Sconset Trust, 12 Apr. 2021.
- “Virtual Lighthouse Experiences.” National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Contact List
- Rob Benchley, Current Lighthouse Keeper
- Betsy Grubbs, Executive Director, ‘Sconset Trust
- Clement Durkes, Chair and President, ‘Sconset Trust
- Marsha Fader, AIA