Letter to the Editor:
With the relighting of the Gay Head Light on Tuesday, August 11, the monumental task of saving the Gay Head Light has come to an amazingly successful conclusion. Based on the relocation of the structure to its new location, 180 feet back from the cliff face, U.S. Geologists predict that another move won’t be needed for a minimum of 150 years. The remarkable work done by everyone in our Vineyard community, as well as contributions those from across the country and even overseas, has made it possible to save this iconic landmark for future generations to visit, learn its history and utilize its maritime beacon from the open waters of Vineyard Sound.
There are many people to thank for this incredible project, starting with the Aquinnah community. On a cold February night in 2013, residents came to a special town meeting and voted to acquire the Gay Head Lighthouse, and to initiate a process to relocate the lighthouse within the town of Aquinnah. With a town annual budget of only $4 million, it seemed quite formidable to know that $3 million would have to be raised separately to relocate the lighthouse safely away from the eroding cliff face, after first acquiring it from the US Coast Guard. But that was the challenge to be faced and it was met with unanimous approval.