News From Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse in its 150th Year: Fresnel Lens, Coyote Book, and That Secret Buffett Video
As Chesapeake Bay lighthouse enthusiasts prepare to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse, located in the waters off the shores of Annapolis, we wondered, 'Whatever happened to that Jimmy Buffett video from the lighthouse?' You’ll have to read to the end to find out!
The Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse (TPSL) manager, John Potvin, is fired up about numerous improvements and events underway. Three-hundred seats for the two-hour tours that dock there had already been sold at the end of May; that’s half the entire season!
This season two new davits will be installed on the western side of the lighthouse with the permission of the Maryland Historical Trust. John also noted that TPSL’s Fresnel lens, now in storage at the Calvert Marine Museum, will one day soon be displayed in the lighthouse, as the skilled craftsmen at the Annapolis Woodworkers Guild have been working on a custom display case.
Natasha Nash Dixon’s children’s book, “Drew’s Grand Adventure,” written about the TPSL coyote mascot Drew, has sold 350 copies, with $2500 donated to the lighthouse fund.
On June 21, aka the Summer Sailstice, TPSL and Chesapeake Light Craft hosted a small-boat morning sail around the lighthouse, including safety vessels and professional photographers David Sites, Jay Fleming, Will Keyworth, and James Ronayne.
The big 150th Anniversary Celebration will unfold Saturday, August 9 at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. SpinSheet co-founder and author of “Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse,” Dave Gendell, will act as master of ceremonies. Speakers will include Senator Chris Van Hollen, Representative Sarah Elfreth, Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman, Mayor Gavin Buckley, U.S. Lighthouse Society president Henry Gonzalez, and Wendy O’Sullivan of the National Park Service Chesapeake. The Eastport Oyster Boys will play live music. Learn more about the celebration and purchase tickets.
