On a rainy day, and despite a brief power outage, the Gay Head Light has resumed its watch over mariners.
Maria Thibodeau
At 6:13 p.m. on Tuesday the Gay Head Light resumed its watch over the waters off Aquinnah. A large crowd gathered in a steady downpour, peering up from under umbrellas and hoods to witness the end of the lighthouse’s longest period of darkness since 1856.
Red and white light beams out again from new location. — Maria Thibodeau
In May, following more than two years of intense preparation and fundraising, the historic brick-and-masonry lighthouse was moved 129 away from a rapidly eroding cliff.
Donors, government officials, members of the U.S. Coast Guard, and many others who helped move the lighthouse to safety made their way up a soggy path and gathered under a white tent for a private ceremony prior to the relighting. Rain pelted the tent and splashed those standing around the edges as several speakers offered their thanks and congratulations to the crowd.
Lead donor Amalie Kass, dressed in purple with purple earrings, was given the honor of cutting a large red ribbon wrapped around the lighthouse. Family members sheltered her with umbrellas as she stood in front of the open doorway and snipped the ribbon.
Under the tent, a saxophonist played This Little Light of Mine.