National Project
Preservation
of the Morris Island Lighthouse
(from the National Website)
The 2009-2010 National Project is to raise funds to aid in the restoration and preservation of the Morris Island Lighthouse. By working with Save the Light, Inc., a non-profit
organization located in Charleston, South Carolina, we will have a greater opportunity
to provide financial aid to the lighthouse.
The Morris Island Lighthouse, or the “Old Charleston Light†as it is more affectionately
called, has welcomed ships entering Charleston for more than three centuries. It
is not only a nationally recognized historical landmark, but has become a beacon
of our past that, with our help, will enrich the future. The first cornerstone of
this monument of history was laid in 1767 and nearly three centuries later it continues
to stand tall. This lighthouse has welcomed newcomers, endured numerous battles,
and has been subject to years of erosion. It has served the citizens of South Carolina
and its many visitors for centuries and needs our help now more than ever. Due to
many years of erosion and exposure to the elements, the entire foundation and physical
structure of the Morris Island Lighthouse is in great disrepair. This revolutionary
beacon needs to be restored before it is too late.
The Lighthouse was originally built on Morris Island, 2,700 feet onshore but by
1938 over 1,600 feet of land surrounding the tower had been lost. Today the Morris
Island lighthouse is completely surrounded by water. The funds raised by the National
Society of the Children of the American Revolution will go specifically towards
the completion of Phase 2 of Save the Light, Inc.’s “Master Plan.â€
By contributing to this important project, we will be helping to ensure that the
foundation of this beautiful lighthouse remains strong. The National Society of
the Children of the American Revolution will be recognized as a donor on the Save
the Light, Inc.’s web page; each contributor will be listed individually. The society
will be publicized in Save the Light newsletters, Charleston newspapers, and other
local media and a plaque will be placed at City Hall in Charleston, South Carolina
in our honor.