Frequently Asked Questions
Cuckolds: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Now that people can see signs of restoration, repair and rebuilding at the Cuckolds Fog Signal & Light Station, Cuckolds Council members are fielding many questions from interested visitors, residents, and volunteers. These answers address the most often asked questions. The Council welcomes additional questions, and we will augment and update these FAQs on our website: www.CuckoldsLight.org.
Q. I see construction workers on the island. What’s going on at The Cuckolds?
A. The Cuckolds Fog Signal & Light Station is undergoing repair and restoration of the remaining Light Tower, and rebuilding of the Keepers’ Quarters, Boat House, and Bell Tower. Marden Builders’ skilled construction workers are repointing the granite pier at the base of the Light Tower, doing extensive repairs on the iron work around the Tower, putting a new roof on the conical Tower structure, and shoring up and stabilizing the round Tower structure, inside and outside. The Marden team is also rebuilding the historic duplex Keepers’ Quarters from the granite rock up, pouring a new foundation and replicating the building following the original architect’s designs. This portion of the Light Station housed two Keepers and their families for over 82 years. On-site, volunteers are helping complete the work on the re-built Boathouse, sanding, priming, and painting the structure, and doing other work to assist the construction team. Off-site, Hancock Lumber has been coalescing their suppliers and together, they are donating building materials — lumber, windows, roofing shingles, hardware, fixtures, and other essential components. Several fine, local woodworking shops are providing custom millwork and carpentry for doors and cabinets, and more.
Q. What are your construction plans and schedules?
A. Construction is currently on-schedule, following a multi-year time-phased work plan:
Phase I: Establish Restoration Program and Restoration Planning (2007-2009)
Phase II: Boathouse Restoration and Infrastructure Rebuilding (2010)
Phase III: Exterior Keepers Quarters Restoration and Infrastructure Work (2011)
Phase IV: Interior Keepers Quarters Restoration and Facilities Activation (2012)
Phase V: Open Facility, Launch Programs and Interpretive Education. (2013)
More detailed plans can be found on the website: www.CuckoldsLight.org
Q. When will The Cuckolds be open to the public?
A. Plans call for opening in Spring 2013. Until then, only individuals involved in the rescue and restoration are invited ashore.
Q. If we want to visit The Cuckolds, how do we go about this? Can we take our own boat out there?
A. Access to The Cuckolds is challenging. Once the island is ready to receive visitors, Cuckolds launches will transport people on and off the island on schedules to be determined. There will be no access for private vessels. One or more Keepers residing on the island will welcome visitors.
Q. How will The Cuckolds be used once it is rebuilt? What activities will take place out there?
A. The Cuckolds is being rescued and restored primarily as an historic and educational facility so that residents and summer visitors alike can learn about our region’s rich maritime traditions and history. Our mission includes community building, historic interests and stewardship, experiential maritime education, youth development, and recreation. The Light Station will be available for overnight stays, small life-cycle events, family picnics and clambakes, and much more. Plein air painting, writers’ retreats, spiritual retreats, music salons, and a whole host of other activities may take place at the Cuckolds.
Q. What youth or family programs might take place out on the Western Cuckolds?
Plans for the 5-acre Western Cuckolds include activities that will be orchestrated through partnerships with other regional nonprofit organizations, schools, summer camps, and more. These organizations will be invited to use the Western Cuckolds as a kayaking, canoe, and small skiff destination, family camping, youth summer adventure camps, marine education, boating safety, ocean sciences, tide pools exploration, and other such wholesome outdoor activities. It is also anticipated that programs about The Cuckolds will be incorporated into local school curricula, so they can learn about and participate in this aspect of our maritime history, they can learn career skills, life skills, and team skills. Island clean-ups will be organized early spring on an annual basis in partnership with the Maine Island Trail Association. Families and young people will be invited to participate as volunteers on the clean up, and to help build tent platforms, help create landing places, and more. Boothbay Region High School industrial arts classes will be invited and encouraged to participate in some of the construction-related opportunities.
Q. What about older adults using the island?
A. Older adults are always welcome, as volunteers and visitors alike. There will be much to see and do. Remember that The Cuckolds is an adventure location. There is no handicapped access, and one needs to be fit and bold. Contact us at info@CuckoldsLight.org to volunteer now, or with questions anytime.
Q. We understand you have goats on the Western Cuckolds. Why? Can we visit them?
A. Each summer, Dragonfly Cove Farm loans Savannah Boer Goats to the Cuckolds, so that they can stay in their own summer cottage, welcome visitors to the island (they are friendly and like people!), trim the vegetation in a carbon free way, and bring a bit of life to these islands. They come out to the island in a small skiff, and if and when big storms are predicted, we ensure they are safely transported back to the mainland. When folks kayak, canoe or come out by small inflatable, often a lovely welcoming committee comes to the shore to greet you. Please enjoy them, but do not feed. We have goat caretakers who do this.
Q. How will The Cuckolds benefit the community?
A. In addition to serving as an active and beautiful aid to navigation for working fishermen, cruisers, and boaters of all kinds, The Cuckolds provides a rugged destination and venue for small events, family excursions, and more. Just as important as the Light Station is itself, it is a vehicle for coming together, building community, working on something larger than yourself, experiencing quiet and peace on a small island, perhaps getting fogged in from time to time. No matter what, the Cuckolds creates lasting memories for anyone – and everyone – who visits. We envision the Cuckolds as a partner with other organizations in this community. We will offer stays and events to be available for silent or live auctions, with the proceeds benefitting partner organizations.
Q. Will there be Keepers at The Cuckolds? And if so, what skills are you looking for and how can I apply?
A. Yes! We are seeking two keepers for The Cuckolds — gracious hosts, skilled in hospitality and guest services, adept at building maintenance and repairs, and able mariners. Keepers will reside on the island, welcome visitors, and act as guides, hosts, and housekeepers. Guest meals, events, linen service, etc., are catered from the mainland. The position requires winning personality, “can-do” maintenance skills, marine skills and small boat handling expertise. We are seeking keepers with a service ethic, an appreciation for lighthouses and maritime tradition, a reverence for the sea, and an ability to make every visitor carry away lasting memories from their experience aboard this historic property. Interested parties can reach us at: info@CuckoldsLight.org.
Q. The Cuckolds is a rugged destination. How will the public gain safe access to these islands?
A. Remember, families lived on The Cuckolds for 82 years, raised their children, went for mail and shopped in town. Now, The Cuckolds Launch will bring visitors safely to the island. On the Western Cuckolds, access will be enhanced by a landing area defined by pins and ropes. Be sure to leave your watercraft above the high water mark!!
Q. We worry about proper stewardship and conservation on these islands if visitors are coming ashore. What is your commitment to stewardship?
A. We share the same the island use guidelines and “Leave No Trace” low-impact practices of the Maine Island Trail Association. We believe that we all need access to remote places for renewal, inspiration, and recreation, and that we all share an ethical responsibility to protect and care for these places. We welcome visitors to not only clean up your own debris, but participate in island clean up anytime you step ashore. The Leave No Trace Guide can be found in the Maine Island Trail Association’s Guide books, and online at: http://www.mita.org/learn/lnt. In short, these guidelines urge visitors to: 1. Plan ahead and prepare, 2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces, 3. Dispose of waste properly, including human waste, trash, and garbage, 4. Leave what you find, 5.Miminize campfire impacts, 6. Respect wildlife, and 7. Be considerate of other visitors.
Q. What about all the noise, traffic, and congestion this might cause?
A. The Cuckolds will not become Disneyland. This is not a destination for tour boats; not a high-volume attraction. The Cuckolds provides a place for kayakers, fishing, for small celebrations or memorials. For quiet picnics. For a quiet night on an isolated Maine island. When the Cuckolds is rebuilt, and a keeper is installed, scheduled launch service will be available to the public.
Q. Who owns the Cuckolds Light?
A. There are four Lighthouses in our immediate region. Two of these Lighthouses are privately owned, and their owners, Ben and Luann Russell and George McEvoy, are already helping with this restoration. Burnt Island is largely enabled by the State Department of Marine Resources and the able stewardship of a State-employed keeper. This Lighthouse belongs to you, to us. Through the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000, the deed was formally transferred to our community in May of 2006. To acquire the deed, the Cuckolds Council, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, comprised of a broad-based, geographically diverse collection of leaders, came together to enable us to demonstrate to the Federal agencies that we were willing and worthy stewards able to sustain the property.
Q. Why get involved? A. For the sheer joy and satisfaction of contributing to, and participating in a hometown initiative with lasting value. For the pleasure of reclaiming a prominent symbol of our maritime history. For enhancing youth development, building skills, and providing a place for adventure and learning. For building community, contributing to a more vibrant economy, and preserving our character and heritage.
If you value history. If you want to create work and recreation opportunities for our young people. If you want a place to picnic, a “hot” fishing spot with a “to die for” view. They’re not making any more of these. And we think this matters.
One big reason: Because it’s there. Without these efforts, it wouldn’t be here at all. And frankly, without the Cuckolds Fog Signal and light Station, Boothbay Harbor probably would never have existed. These lighthouses are not just symbols. They made it possible for commerce to come to this region, for our town to develop. If you cherish Boothbay Harbor, this is a part of your heritage. It should be part of your legacy.
Q. How can I help?
A. To volunteer, contribute, or simply learn more about the Cuckolds rescue, please visit www.CuckoldsLight.org.