New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse - Ocean City, Maryland

New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse

The New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the historic Fenwick Island Lighthouse, located in Ocean City, Maryland. The organization operates the lighthouse and offers various services to visitors, including guided tours, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities.

Main Services

• Welcome and Information: The New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse provides a welcoming atmosphere for visitors, offering information about the lighthouse's history, significance, and operations.
• Guided Tours: The organization offers guided tours of the lighthouse, led by knowledgeable and experienced guides who share the history and significance of the structure.
• Lighthouse News and Updates: The organization publishes a newsletter, Lighthouse News Flashes, which provides updates on the lighthouse's operations, events, and news.
• Photography and Media: The New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse encourages visitors to share their photos and stories about the lighthouse on social media, using designated hashtags.
• Volunteer Opportunities: The organization welcomes volunteers to assist with various tasks, including welcoming visitors, sharing information about the lighthouse, and participating in educational programs.

Location and Access

The Fenwick Island Lighthouse is located at 103 146th St, Ocean City, MD 21842, United States. The lighthouse is situated in the heart of a residential neighborhood, approximately 0.5 miles from the beach. Visitors can access the lighthouse via a short walk from the parking area, which is located near the intersection of 146th Street and Coastal Highway.

The parking area is well-maintained and offers ample space for visitors to park their vehicles. However, please note that parking is limited, and visitors are advised to arrive early to secure a spot.

Featured Characteristics

• Historic Significance: The Fenwick Island Lighthouse is a historic landmark that dates back to 1867, making it one of the oldest lighthouses in the United States.
• Preservation Efforts: The New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse is dedicated to preserving the lighthouse and its surroundings, ensuring that the structure remains intact for future generations.
• Community Involvement: The organization engages with the local community, promoting the lighthouse as a valuable resource for education, tourism, and historical preservation.
• Accessibility: The lighthouse is partially wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators providing access to the main floor and exhibit areas.
• Events and Programs: The New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse hosts various events and programs throughout the year, including guided tours, educational workshops, and community gatherings.

Practical Information

• Visiting Hours: The lighthouse is open on weekends and holidays, with limited visiting hours. Please check the organization's website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.
• Admission: Admission to the lighthouse is free, although donations are appreciated to support the organization's operations and preservation efforts.
• Guided Tours: Guided tours of the lighthouse are available on a limited basis, and advance reservations are recommended. Please contact the organization directly to schedule a tour.
• Photography: Non-flash photography is allowed for personal use, but commercial photography requires prior permission from the organization.
• Accessibility: The lighthouse is partially wheelchair accessible, but visitors with mobility impairments may find certain areas inaccessible.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

Despite some limitations, the New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from visitors. Some of the positive aspects mentioned include:

* Knowledgeable and friendly guides who provide insightful information about the lighthouse's history and significance.
* Well-maintained facilities and a welcoming atmosphere.
* Opportunities for photography and social media sharing.
* Community involvement and engagement with local residents.
* Preservation efforts that ensure the lighthouse remains intact for future generations.

Overall, the New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse offers a unique and enriching experience for visitors, providing a glimpse into the history and significance of this iconic landmark.

👍 Reviews of New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse

Kevin S.

3/5

Lighthouse is in the middle of a neighborhood and not on the water. Limited visiting hours. I did not go onto the property or enter the lighthouse or museum.

Leslie D.

4/5

A organization operates the lighthouse. No price or registration to enter. If they are open it free to enter. The guides are well versed on the history of the lighthouse and attached keepers house.

C

5/5

The lighthouse is absolutely beautiful. It was closed for renovations, so we were unable to go in. However, we met 2 wonderful volunteers who invited us into light keepers' house, which was absolutely amazing in itself. It's definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. I'm so glad we did!

Exit Z.

5/5

Alright so we showed up at 10am and on google it states they close at 12. However what google did not state was the lighthouse is closed for the season. With that said it’s still a very cute place to visit. The grounds are well taken care of, they even have an amazing garden pumping out all types of veggies. Definitely come out here in the off season and just walk around, take in the views and enjoy it for what it is.

Timothy S.

5/5

Really neat nineteenth century lighthouse with lots of interesting history. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1978 by the US Coast Guard and placed on the National Register of Historic Places a year later. Unfortunately, commercial and residential development over the years has nearly hidden it but thankfully a private nonprofit currently maintains it as a museum. Also located on the grounds is a stone monument that was placed by surveyors in 1750 to mark the
Transpeninsular Line separating Delaware and Maryland. Be sure to visit during operating hours.

Beverly (.

5/5

Whenever I visit Ocean City, I like to see what else is available in the area. This was a nice little stop. I was surprised that this light house was in its original location. You can't climb the lighthouse, but you can visit the entrance area. I received a nice tour of the gift shop and museum area. This is a great place for families as well as solo visitors.

Scott O.

4/5

Lovely lighthouse and friendly staffer!
Thank you for the lighthouse lamp.

Coming J.

4/5

I've been to Ocean City, MD many times over the years, and just recently got the chance to visit this lighthouse. Unfortunately they were closed when I got there. But it was still fascinating to see it up close and personal.