A key component of saving Gay Head Light came signed, sealed and delivered 10 days ago to Aquinnah officials from the federal government.
Those papers, received by the Martha’s Vineyard town from the U.S. Department of the Interior on Feb. 20, turned over official ownership of the venerable and vulnerable lighthouse, which teeters a mere 46 feet from the eroding cliffs of Gay Head.
“It was a historic day for the town and the island,” said Len Butler, chairman of the Save the Gay Head Lighthouse Committee’s relocation subcommittee.
According to a press release issued by the town and committee, a memorandum of understanding between the town, Government Services Administration, National Park Service, Massachusetts Historic Commission, U.S. Coast Guard, Advisor Council on Historic Preservation and Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) outlines the future management, maintenance and care of the structure.