As a consequence of recent local and national media coverage about the Cuckolds Rescue, we've received many inquiries asking how one goes about acquiring a lighthouse, and what is involved in obtaining and maintaining a formerly Federally owned Light Station.

Under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000, the federal government declared hundreds of lighthouses excess property and is “giving away” these lighthouses to eligible nonprofits that have the resources and resourcefulness to restore and maintain them.

Some 300 lighthouses are on the list. The Cuckolds Fog Signal and Light Station was the first in the nation to be transferred under this act, in Spring 2006.

The Cuckolds is also considered a model restoration project by several federal agencies and is featured online and in accomplishments reports by the U.S. General Services Administration and others.

The following is a summary by the numbers, documenting some of the many activities, tasks and partnerships involved in the rescue and restoration. Of course, this is a dynamic initiative and these numbers grow daily.

542 – Pages in application submitted to federal government agencies (GSA, U.S. Coast Guard, National Park Service, etc.) under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000.

335 – Days of conversation, clarification, addenda and negotiation from date of application to receiving the deed to the property.

1,500 – Brochures written, printed and distributed throughout our community articulating vision and asking for volunteers.

1000s – Miles traveled to Washington, Boston, Augusta, Portland and Warwick, R.I., to meet with government officials.

60 – Council members individually recruited to join the Cuckolds Rescue.

9 – Board members engaged as volunteer leaders to guide the Cuckolds Rescue, eight with homes on Southport Island.