About The

Cuckolds

Cuckolds Rescue Frequently Asked Questions

Q.   How much will this cost?
A.   $1 million.  And we have commitments from many volunteers to donate their time and talent, and already, budgeted work has been done on a volunteer basis.  So we know we can bring the project in at this cost.

Q.   Why can’t you simply preserve what’s there now, without the expense of rebuilding the lighthouse.
A.    Several reasons. First, what’s there now is falling down.  What’s there now is simply a remnant and the only way to stabilize and sustain the remnant is to ask people to give money to take care of costs each year, year after year, forever.  We all know there are already many demands for annual giving.  And that’s not a very secure way to plan for the future.  We’ve chosen to restore the Light Station as it was, and to adapt its use as an asset to the community, generating revenue streams to sustain it for generations to come. 

Q.   What are your plans to generate ongoing revenue?
A.    When the Lighthouse is restored, plans are in place to generate the income necessary to maintain this treasure through room rentals, small events, memberships, youth development program grants, licensing arrangements, foundations that invest in historic preservation, education, and youth development.  We also expect to generate revenue through product sales, partnerships, and other diverse revenue streams.  Don (Kenniston), for a modest fee, we will be glad to scatter your ashes at sea!

Q.   What about all the noise, traffic, and congestion this might cause.
A.    The application to bring the light back to our community addresses this.  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, a launch will be kept on the ways at the Cuckolds, and scheduled launch service will be available to the public.  During the transition period, the launch will be kept in the Newagen town harbor.  Regarding parking, we do not expect any significant increase in traffic. The rebuilt keepers quarters can accommodate up to four overnight guests, on days when wind and weather permit. Access for Inn guests will be handled by the Newagen Inn.  Proceeds from this will help to sustain the Lighthouse’s operating and maintenance costs.  Plans call for 10 youth groups over a season; they will arrive and depart by van from the Newagen Town Dock.  Tidal Transit has already offered to provide kayaks and guides to help visitors access the Cuckolds from Boothbay Harbor. The islands are now on the Maine Island Trail, and trail visitors generally launch from the Pemaquid peninsula, Bath, or more distant points.  There are now three moorings at the Cuckolds, which will provide access for boaters.

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 Elaine Jones.  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 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 through the revenue sources mentioned above.

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.