Cape Ann Light Station on Thacher Island - A National Historic Landmark
| New book on Thacher Island just published. Twin Lights of Thacher Island, Cape Ann captures the history, adventures, and intimate stories from over 200 years of lighthouse keepers living on the island, including how the two towers were built and how scientific discoveries were applied to improve the lights over the years. Using archival photographs, each present the distinctive stories from the past that shape the character of Thacher Island today. Go to 'Store,' to order now. |
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Thacher
Island Association Mission Statement The primary mission of the TIA is to serve as the fund raising arm for the Thacher Island Committee. Being a 501 -3C non-profit organization, TIA is able to raise funds via a number of methods including, sale of Thacher Island related merchandise, grant writing, fund-raisers such as an annual lighthouse cruise, art and photography days, auctions, and membership fees, as well as donations for camping and apartment rental. TIA assists in the historic preservation and operation of the Island and its structures. The ultimate role of TIA is to do everythingpossible to encourage visitors toenjoy the cultural, historical and scenic benefits, which the Island offers Goals include; • Stimulate interest and facilitate visits to the Island . • To raise funds through Association memberships and other sources. • Improve and maintain the historic structures. • Improve and maintain the scenic trails, picnic and camping areas. • Preserve the island’s unique natural and historic attributes. |
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E-Mail: info@thacherisland.org
Mailing Address: P.O.Box 73
Rockport, MA 01966
Web address: www.thacherisland.org
Reservations for a mooring, camping or launch ride: 617-599-2590
| The Thacher Island Association (TIA) was established in 1981 by the Thacher Island Town Committee (TITC) as a non-profit group dedicated to raising funds for the restoration and on-going maintenance of the Island . The Town of Rockport owns the southern end of the Island and manages it via the TITC and TIA. The northern end is owned by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (U.S.F&WS) and is managed by the Town under an agreement with U.S.F&WS. Today the TIA boasts a membership of over 750 individuals, families and local businesses. The Board of Directors is composed of 13 members, 4 of which are officers and meets monthly. A member of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service usually attends. All members are volunteers. A newsletter is sent to members 2 times a year and a web site has been created and receives on average over 2000 “hits” per month. |
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TIA was formed in 1980 to raise funds for the island and not burden the Town tax rate. Since 1994 TIA has raised over $2,000,000 for restoration and maintenance of the island and it's historic structures. Since 2001 TIA has raised over $14,000 from rental and camping fees all turned over to the Town's General Fund. 2002 - Established weekly work crews every Wednesday providing over 3000 man/hours each summer 2002. 2011-Raised $306,000 for new launch to ferry volunteers and the public to the island. |
The Island , known as the Cape Ann Light Station on Thacher Island , was declared a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service
in January of 2001. Only 2500 sites are currently designated as NHL’s
putting Thacher Island in a very special category as historically
significant to the growth of our nation.  |
MEMBER CATAGORIES $125.00 Corporate Box 73 Rockport ,MA 01966 Click here to download and print membership form. Benefits to Membership Window sticker for your car or boat. Attendance at our Annual Meeting. |
Participation in trips to the Island via the Thacher Island launch (Reservations required.) Satisfaction of helping to preserve a National Historic Landmark.
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Trips to Thacher Island.
Reservations for the 2012 season will be accepted starting May 15,2012.
The new Thacher Island II Launch Commissioned September 17,2011
Beginning on June 2 (weather permitting) we offer three (3) trips each Saturday at 8:00, 9:00 and 10:00AM, returning at 11,12 and 1PM.
Also one trip on Wednesday mornings at 9AM returning at 1PM.
Trips will run thru September 8 and leave from the Town dock next to Sandy Bay Yacht Club.
Trips are limited to 10 passengers.
Reservations are required by calling the island keepers at 617-599-2590.
Trips are free. Donations are gratefully accepted.
Also available:
Ocean Reporter Launch Service
Rockport Harbor to Thacher & Straitsmouth Islands
Bird Watching-Eco-Tours-Water Taxi
Captain Bill Lee
978-502-5994
Reasonable Rates.
Annual Meeting:2012
June 18 Monday
At the Rockport Community House, Broadway at 7:30.All are invited,refreshments will be served and we will recap the past years accomplishment and our plans for 2012.
Kayak-a-thon:
TBD
Register for our Annual Kayak-a-thon and help raise funds for the Island.
Race launches at 11am from Granite Pier in Rockport to Thacher and back. Free participant parking at Granite Pier.Entry fee is $25.00.Donated prizes will be awarded to participants who raise the most money. Refreshments and prizes awarded on the island.
Register on-line at www.thacherislandpaddle.com
Annual Lighthouse Cruise:
July TBD
Cash bar, sandwiches and snacks available or bring your own.
Boat sails promptly at 6:30PM and returns at 9:30 from the Cape Ann Whale Watch docks on Main St.in Gloucester. Call 978-283-7223 for reservations.Donation is $30.00 per person.
Art & Photo Days on Thacher Island:
August TBD
Three trips each day at 8,9, and 10am returning at 1, 2, and 3pm.
We will also have special 4:00 am trips on Saturday August 6 and Wednesday August 10 for those photographers who want to catch the sunrise on Thacher!
Artists and photographers of all levels are invited.
Donation is $25.00 and beverages will be supplied.
Call 978-546-2250 for reservations.
Reservations will only be accepted after June1,2012
Volunteers Needed!
Once again we are asking for volunteers to help with various projects this summer.
Workers to help with various projects on the island on Wednesdays during the summer. Jobs include wood working, painting, landscaping, mowing with a tractor, brush removal.
We also need help with electrical installations. Anyone who has experience with renewable energy systems, photo voltaic cells, wiring or solar power is welcome.
Call Paul St.Germain at
978-546-7214
or Syd Wedmore at
978-546-3754
if you are interested.
[Internet Explorer 8 viewers click here to watch]
A Great Gift. New book on Thacher Island Paul St.Germain is the President of the Thacher Island Association, has put together a revealing record and a fascinating pictorial history of this fabled island. |
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In Time for Holiday Gift Giving
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150th Anniversary Commemorative Ornament For Sale A special commemorative Christmas ornament has been created in time for this Christmas gift giving.This beautiful 3 ¼ by 2 ½ inch 3 dimensional gold engraved ornament is packaged in its own navy blue velvet lined box ready for gift giving. Get your orders in by December 10 in order to have them by Christmas. Price: $20.00 (includes shipping) |
Half Hull of the Schooner Onato. This beautiful handmade half hull of the schooner Onato is available, in limited quantities, in time for Holiday giving . Each half hull is 8 ½ inches long and is mounted on a cherry wood back plate that measures 4 by 10 ½ inches. Taken from the original drawings and handmade by local Rockport craftsman Ed Locke,this is a special model just right for your home or study. The Onato was a typical fishing schooner used around Thacher Island around 1904.It was a medium-large “Indian Header” designed by Tom McManus and built by Oxner and Story at Essex. She was 106 feet long, one of several of an advanced, round-bowed type all given Indian names. Price $75.00 (includes shipping) |
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150th Anniversary Limited Edition Commemorative Coins These coins commemorate the 150th Annivesary in 2011 of the completion of the twin lighthouses on Thacher Island in 1861. Each coin has the Thacher Island Association logo in full color on one side and shows a fishing schooner passing the island engraved on the reverse with the words"Cape Ann Light Station Thacher Island America's Twin lights Since 1771." Available in antique silver or antique gold with a rope edge and measures 1 3/4 inch in diameter.These coins have been struck in limited quantities, so order now. Price $10.00 (includes shipping) |
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Article published in the United States Lighthouse Society publication The Keeper's Log. Full color cover of aerial of the island and 12 page story includes many photos and drawings. $7.00 |
New Colorful T-Shirts
In three designs,"Flag" on White,"Paddle" on Putty and "Rays" on Blue. All are 100% Cotton.
Sizes: Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large
$20.00
Polar Fleece Jackets Available in Red, Navy Blue, or Charcoal Gray. Sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL. Compare at $65.00 elsewhere. |
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LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER'S CAPS Nautical Red / Charcoal / Yellow / Denim Blue / Khaki / Faded Blue Made of 100% cotton. adjustable strap. $20.00 each |
Drift Wood Bird Houses of Thacher Island Built and designed by local Rockport resident Ken Perry. Ken and his wife Garie have been members of the Association for many years. Their house looks out across Loblolly Cove on to Thacher. Ken comes out to the island every summer to collect driftwood for his unique bird houses. $50.00 ea, plus shipping |
 #303 |
Made from an oar found on Thacher. |
#285 |
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Send your orders to:
Thacher Island Association
74 Marmion Way
Rockport,MA 01966
Make checks payable to Thacher Island Association
All prices except Bird Houses include postage and handling.
All proceeds go toward the restoration efforts on the Island.
Thanks for your help!
Other
Interesting Lighthouse Pages
John
& Darlene Fulton’s daily photo log of their keeper duties. http://www.jfulton50.smugmug.com/ Stereopticon Views of Thacher/Rockport
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Links
to Rockport and Cape Ann The Rockport Chamber of Commerce Website
Parker
River Refuge
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