Help us save Nantucket Lightship / LV-112, a National Historic Landmark and preserve her in perpetuity. LV-112 is irreplaceable and the world's most famous and largest U.S. lightship ever built.
 
An estimated $175,000 to $250,000 is initially needed to begin restoration and stabilize the ship from further deterioration. Additionally, as a long-term goal, an $8–$10 million endowment will secure the ship’s future. At this point, we anticipate a total cost of LV-112’s restoration to be approximately $850,000, which should put the ship into operational condition. With your support, LV-112 can continue to educate and serve future generations as a vessel of lifelong learning. Preserving this United States Historic Landmark is an important part of our nation's maritime heritage.

LV-112 Naming Opportunity Program

Pilot House engine order telegraph

The Nantucket / LV-112 Naming Opportunity program is the highlight of our Capital Campaign. As you can see, to achieve our restoration and preservation goals in a timely manner, the USLM needs to raise as much funding as possible. We are selling naming opportunities for components of the ship. Please join us in this important preservation project by selecting an item (see list of LV-112 ship components below) to be named in your honor with your generous donation. Donors will be listed on an engraved plaque displayed in an area of high visibility on the ship. In addition, a nameplate will be mounted on the donor’s named LV-112 component (except rivets, which will be designated and numbered at the corresponding location). A certificate suitable for framing will also be awarded to the donor, certifying the selected Naming Opportunity.

The United States Lightship Museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Charitable donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Your support and commitment to preserving one of America's most unique historic landmarks would be greatly valued.

After you have identified your chosen LV-112 component(s) to be named, please send a check for the appropriate amount made out to: USLM – Nantucket / LV-112. Also, indicate on your check, “Capital Campaign” and mail to: United States Lightship Museum, P.O. Box 454, Amesbury, MA 01913. If you prefer to pay by credit card, please click on the “Network for good” button on the “How to Help” page and use the secure donation form. In addition, please indicate in the “Dedication” section, the name that you would like listed for your LV-112 component.

Foremast - Duplex 500mm electric
lens lanterns

Mainmast - equipped with detection radar and high intensity 400,000 candle power lights consisting of 24 locomotive headlights mounted in groups of 6 on each face of a revolving lamp housing. Specified range: 23 miles. Reported to have been seen by other vessels at a distance of 50 miles.

 LV-112 had been berthed at Oyster Bay for seven years with minimal maintenance; it has not been in dry-dock since 1991. Furthermore, the ship is long overdue to be dry-docked (Phase I), which will include a more comprehensive marine survey and service to stabilize the hull to prevent further deterioration (i.e., cleaning, shell plating repairs as needed, painting, replacement of underwater hull zincs, etc.). All the ship’s mechanical and electrical systems (main engine, three auxiliary generators, three auxiliary air compressors, windlass, steering, etc.) also need to be serviced and overhauled (Phase I and II).  In addition to the hull, the weather deck and entire ship’s superstructure needs restoration (mostly cleaning, metal prep and paint). Phase II dry-docking will be implemented as soon as adequate funding can be obtained. Phase II will include structural repairs and restoration of the forward ballast tank frames, forward bilge floor frames and propulsion/steering systems. We anticipate Phase I dry docking to be completed by April / May 2010 and Phase II by Fall 2011(sooner if adequate funding can be secured).

LV-112 is currently open to visitors (by appointment only) and volunteers. LV-112 will be open to the general public during regularly scheduled hours upon completion of Phase I restoration, scheduled to be completed by early Summer 2010.