claimed it and it was rebuilt, with a change from reflector lamps to red and white revolving prisms. The sea would not be denied, and reclaimed the lighthouse in 1892. It was rebuilt as a 33-foot-tall tower that lasted only another 35 years. The present white wooden structure was built in 1922, and is 55 feet high with a light visible for a distance of 12 miles. In 1985 it gained the distinction of being the first entire lighthouse to be moved by helicopter; in 1997 the lantern was again moved by helicopter for repairs. The lighthouse’s present site is 300 feet from the ever-hungry sea. The Trustees of Reservations (508-6273599) offer tours of the Cape Poge Lighthouse. The Gay Head, East Chop, and Edgartown Lighthouses are maintained by the Martha’s Vineyard Museum (508-627-4441) under a 30-year lease with the United States Coast Guard. The Gay Head and East Chop Lighthouses are open for sunset tours from late June through mid-September, from 1 1⁄2 hours before sunset to 1⁄2 hour after. The Edgartown lighthouse opened to the public in 2008 and is open daily. The lighthouses are available for wedding ceremonies and other special events; call the Martha’s Vineyard Museum at 508-627-4441. Tax-deductible donations to help save the lights may be designated as “lighthouse donations” and mailed to The Martha’s Vineyard Museum, PO Box 1310, Edgartown, MA 02539. DID YOU KNOW...? In May 2015 workers successfully moved the Gay Head lighthouse 129 feet away from the eroding cliffs, buying at least 150 years before erosion may require another move inland. The 400-ton tower survived the move without a single crack. For more information and to see a fascinating video of the move, click on: gayheadlight.org The Gay Head Lighthouse The Edgartown Lighthouse Peter Simon Peter Simon 2019 -20 Travel Guide 95 LIGHTHOUSES
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