Friends Of Cedar Island Lighthouse

Welcome To Our Site!

This is the lighthouse we hope to save...

...and this is one of the reasons it needs our help: vandalism.

Friends Of Cedar Island Lighthouse (FOCIL) is a small but growing group of people concerned for the future, and respectful of the past, of the Cedar Island, NY lighthouse. The goal of this group is, first and foremost, to prepare for a restoration of the Cedar Island Lighthouse.

People sometimes will remark that "they should do something about fixing up the Cedar Island light." Well, there is no "they." "They" do not exist. WE must be "they." Then WE can begin to solve the problem.

The Cedar Island light is a beautiful structure with a long history. It deserves to be protected and restored. An attempt at restoration in the late 1980s failed. Based on articles from that time and the words of some people who were involved, the reasons seem to be lack of preparation, questionable motives, infighting, and a lack of cooperation with, and respect for,   government agencies. When another attempt is made, it needs to be a well planned cooperative effort free of ego conflicts. As with any venture, having good people will provide a solid foundation for our work.

Here are the general goals of our group:

- Assess and document the current condition of the Cedar Island lighthouse.

- Identify stabilization and preservation priorities.

- Research the history of this light as fully as possible.

- Document every detail of this light's past and present and keep that information in a central location.

- Get the light placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

- Promote the awareness of the past, present and possible futures of the Cedar Island light station.

- Seek out others who may be interested in helping us find a way to save the lighthouse, and provide a "support group" for the frustrated fans of this wonderful structure.

- Establish and maintain a web site, e-mail list and hard copy newsletter with the intent of educating folks and staying in touch with each other.

- Establish effective, working lines of communication between everyone involved.

- Eventually find or form a group capable of restoring the Cedar Island lighthouse.

Here are some general ways in which we'll accomplish these things:

- We will photograph the existing property and structures in as much detail as possible. Videotape, with commentary, will be used as a supplementary form of documentation. Damage from neglect and vandalism will be noted in detail. This will all be done within the general guidelines set forth in the Historic Lighthouse Preservation Handbook and other relevant publications. These assessments will be compared to any existing previous assessments and will also be used to identify stabilization and preservation priorities.

- We will research the history of this light as thoroughly as possible by contacting and/or visiting any place which may contain information or any person whom possesses a knowledge of this light station.

- To promote an awareness of this light, we will use the internet, local newspapers, and any opportunities that may arise. Whatever helps to make the plight of the Cedar Island light better known to the general public will be considered.

- We can talk to family, friends and co-workers about the light. We can post on message boards and newsgroups. We can find more folks just by looking around us.

- As education is one of our main goals, especially early on, a web site, e-mail list and newsletter are important.

- We will strive to work with all agencies, both governmental and non-governmental, keeping the best interests of the Cedar Island light in mind. We will make communication and cooperation high priorities.

-  Eventually our group will mature to the point where we will be ready to see a restoration effort launched. If we can find an existing group with the interest and ability to restore the light, then we will assist them. If not, we can adjust our focus toward doing the job ourselves.

Any action to be taken at this point on behalf of the group will be done so only with notifying the rest of the group. This will help us to avoid duplicate efforts and maintain an integrity of purpose and approach.

We need volunteers to do the following:

*Conduct research. This can be through federal agencies, local libraries, newspapers, and historical societies. Assistance will be available to anyone willing to take on some research responsibilities.

*Once we have a solid foundation of information, we will need to begin to make others aware of the light's beauty, history and current state. Letter-writers will be important in this part of the program.

*Since we all know that a picture is worth a thousand words, we need to get super-quality photographs of the light. And if anyone knows an artist looking for a beautiful structure to sketch or paint, we have one for them. We'll eventually find a way to display these things in public and it will help the light.

*At some point down the road we will need to raise funds. We'll need volunteers to plan and run fund-raisers.

*In the event we are unable to find a suitable group to restore the light we will need to understand what it takes to form a successful nonprofit group. Knowing this beforehand will help us to find or form a group that can get the job done. We will need members with such information. We can start learning now.

In order to avoid the burn-out that comes with such projects, we will work to make the project fun. We can get together every so often to visit lighthouses, talk lighthouses, or do whatever else members of the group might decide to do.

Some people refer to the light as the Cedar Point light. We will not. The structure that stands at Cedar Point ceased to be a lighthouse four years before the 1938 hurricane created the peninsula upon which it currently resides. The only light that has ever adorned Cedar Point is the faceless skeleton tower which took over in 1934. THAT is the Cedar Point light. Also, calling the light Cedar Island reminds us, and others, that this light has a legacy that goes back to a time before many of us were born.

Perhaps at this point you're thinking "Fine, but what can I do?" Simple. Join us. You'll find a way to contribute. There's no pressure. You'll do fine. It only costs whatever you wish to put into the effort.

Send us e-mail to get on our e-mail list. Please include your name, town of residence, e-mail address and any other information you feel to be important. Any information you provide will not be given to "outside" people or organizations. In the near future, we will be starting a message board area on this site where you will be able to see many of our discussions and join in.

If you've seen the Cedar Island light for yourself, or know its story, then you know it's in trouble and needs help. Please join us. I hate to sound corny, but you know the saying: "A friend in need is a friend indeed."

For more images showing the Cedar Island Lighthouse's current condition, see June 26, 2026 Photos.

For more information on the Cedar Island lighthouse, visit www.longislandlighthouses.com/cedarisl.htm

Go to www.longislandlighthouses.com