July 8, 2010. We will be raising a banner on the lighthouse within weeks to kick off our publicity efforts for the restoration. Suffolk County Parks has been cooperating with us to raise the banner without disturbing the environment around the lighthouse.

We are planning a benefit concert in Sag Harbor during HarborFest in September. Details to follow.

       October 30, 2009:   The William H. Follett Nature History Trail was officially opened today! Suffolk Parks Commissioner John W. Pavacic, representing Suffolk Couty Executive Steve Levy, along with members of the LI Chapter, including Carol House, Chapter President, Brian Keena, Chapter VP, and Michael Leahy, Chapter Board Member and CI Restoration Committee Chairman, representatives from the Nature Conservancy and CI Park staff participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony. Visitors can pick up a trail guide at the CI Park office and enjoy an educational hike to the Lighthouse.
Visit the LI Chapter trail page at www.lilighthousesociety.org/FollettTrail.htm

      October 12, 2009:    The report prepared by Lucchesi Engineering for Phase 1 of the restoration has been received. This report outlines the steps necessary for reestablishing the structural integrity of the roof and interior supports ae well as repairs or replacement of primary building components. Preliminary cost estimate for Phase 1 is $935,500. To view the report click on Lucchesi Engineering Rept in the navigation bar on the left.

 
     September 16, 2009:     Committee members met at Cedar Point Park with our engineers, Joseph Lucchesi Engineering, PC and began the condition survey of the lighthouse in order to establish the extent of the restoration work required as well as an estimate of the cost. The masonry exterior is in remarkably good shape for a 140 year old structure. The interior, however, which was destroyed by the fire in 1974, must be completely redone. The first phase of restoration is expected to consist of a new roof structure and trim. The lantern and its base will need to be removed for refurbishment or replacement. New windows and doors must be installed. On the interior, new floor joists, floors and stairs are necessary. We expects to receive the engineering report in the coming weeks.

The interior of the lighthouse will then be finished depending on ultimate use.

The U.S. Coast Guard is cooperating to move the navigation aid back into the lantern once this phase is complete.

    August 11,2009:     As a follow on to the July 30th meeting, Mike Leahy and Carol House met with Richard Martin and Lillian Fais (Historian and Librarian, respectively) of the Suffolk County Parks Historical Office. Possible project approaches and plan submission requirements were discussed. Archival documents and photographs from the Historical Office collection were used in the discussions to assist in accurate plan development. Ideas for further research, including plans used for the restoration of CI's sister lighthouse at Saugerties, NY, and works of local historians and researchers were noted. Other topics discussed included security, restoration materials and site utility requirements. Many historical documents were copied with the permission of the Historical Office.
 
     August 10, 2009:    Committee Chairman Michael Leahy and Chapter President Carol House met with Congressman Tim Bishop to discuss efforts and goals for this project. Congressman Bishop appreciates what we are trying to accomplish and agreed to assist us in obtaining government grants that may be available.

     July 30, 2009:        Chapter and Committee members held an initial meeting with Suffolk County Parks Department Commissioner John W. Pavacic and his staff  to discuss our options and Parks Department involvement in the restoration of the lighthouse. A detailed plan and historical study must be submitted for approval. A renewal of the Chapter's stewardship agreement was also discussed. The Parks Department plans to have existing damage to the lighthouse roof repaired and has offered access to their archive of historical information about the structure for project use. We hope to set a date in the coming months for the official opening of the William H. Follet Nature History Trail that runs from Cedar Point Park to the lighthouse.