Norwalk, CT - The Sheffield Island Lighthouse sits proudly in Long Island Sound off the coast of Norwalk. Constructed in the Victorian style in limestone masonry, Sheffield Island Lighthouse has guided mariners for more than 150 years and is cherished in Connecticut and beyond. The story of its continuing restoration and maintenance didn't happen by magic, hard work, special fundraising events, and a team of dedicated and determined volunteers, making up the Seaport Association is what preserves this structure that is so important to Connecticut's and Norwalk's history.
Today, the Seaport Association needs financial help. Along with many others, the Seaport Association has had to cancel many fundraising events because of the restrictions posed by COVID-19. As a non-profit organization, the Seaport Association operates year to year with very modest cash reserves and an army of faithful volunteers. In order to remedy the situation, the Seaport Association has created a GOFUNDME campaign to help raise desperately needed funds, which will go toward educational programs, and the maintenance, and preservation of Sheffield Island and the Sheffield Island Lighthouse.
In its long history, Sheffield Island Lighthouse has withstood many storms. "For the first time in 42 years, we had to cancel the beloved Norwalk Oyster Festival, our major fundraising event of the year, along with many other signature fundraising events. We need financial contributions to offset the loss of income from our inability to implement our key fundraisers due to COVID-19. Making donations of any size now is more important than ever," said Mike Reilly, President of the Seaport Association. "As we adjust to the new normal we want to stay positive and not lose the momentum we have so diligently strived to achieve. We need your help and are asking the public to send a financial gift." It is easy to give, just go to the GOFUNDME Page or mail a check to Seaport Association, 213 Liberty Square, Norwalk, CT 06855.
“Together with public and corporate support, the Sheffield Island Lighthouse will continue to enlighten lives with our maritime cultural heritage, and the story of resilience and hope for generations to come,” Reilly said. “Somehow, with everyone’s help, Sheffield Island Lighthouse will weather this storm too.”
About the Seaport Association
In 1978, a core group of faithful volunteers formed the Seaport Association that sparked the resurgence of South Norwalk. The Seaport Association became a founding member of the Maritime Aquarium, now one of the best in the country. Members of the Seaport Association didn't stop there. Never resting on their laurels, the Seaport Association went on to purchase Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Keeper's Cottage in 1986, and, by 1989, through their efforts, the Lighthouse and Island were put on the National Register of Historic Places. Through the years, members of the Seaport Association have worked tirelessly coordinating fundraising events in order to work on the infrastructure of the island and lighthouse. Their efforts have paid off with a much better experience on the Island, continued maintenance of the Lighthouse, and even a new wooden pavilion for the public to enjoy. This year, the Seaport Association is running harbor cruises passing three lighthouses and many Norwalk Islands at half capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions.
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