VOLUME 12, NO. 2     JANUARY 1999

Light Preservers

wo WPI students were hard at work when they hit the beach at Martha's Vineyard last summer. For their Interactive Qualifying Project, seniors Edward J. Cameron and Eric C. Wilhelm helped the Martha's Vineyard Historical Society chart the right course in its plans to restore three lighthouses on the island.

While the Coast Guard owns and operates all five lighthouses on the Vineyard, federal budget cuts mean that it can maintain only the structures' automated beacons. As a result, interested civic and historical organizations are left to determine how to preserve the towersÑand pay the bills. The Martha's Vineyard Historical Society is the "keeper" of the Gay Head, Edgartown and East Chop lighthouses. The Edgartown tower is presently closed to the public; the other two are open only during specific hours.

Cameron and Wilhelm conducted detailed surveys of these lighthouses. They spoke with experts, dug up historical facts in local libraries, evaluated maintenance records, researched other lighthouse restorations, and documented their findings with numerous photographs. On-site visual inspections were key to the project. Local contractors and representatives from the Coast Guard and the historical society accompanied the students on their visits to the lighthouses.

In a few years, the results of their efforts may shine in the island's harbors for all to see. On June 28, the historical society announced the beginning of a three-year campaign to raise funds to repair the lighthousesÑanticipated to cost "in the mid-six figures," according to director Bruce Andrews.

The students report that the problem with lighthouses is that they are no longer essential in the world of commercial shipping. "Due to the uniqueness of lighthouses by nature, there is no ready-made plan for the restoration of a lighthouse," they say. "In addition to technology and construction issues, cost is a major concern for a civic organization such as the historical society."

The students agree that the lighthouses are well worth savingÑfor the benefit of mariners and as treasured symbols of the island's seafaring past. Their IQP detailed the history of the five lighthouses and identified the necessary upgrades.

"The students' 82-page reportÑfrom meticulous condition assessments to specific recommendations for safe, sensible and attractive restoration and upkeep Ñhas been an invaluable guide for the historical society as it has embarked on the huge undertaking," says WPI English Professor Wesley Mott, who served as IQP advisor. "The work Eric and Ed did was very helpful," adds Andrews. "They helped us establish what really needs to be done and did an excellent job."