This story is from an article in the Portsmouth Herald of May 18, 2004.
Thanks to Jeremy D'Entremont for this news item.
This [April 30, 2003] is a history-making day for the Lighthouse Kids, a chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation, in their efforts to save the White Island (Isles of Shoals) Lighthouse.
Here's the entire text of a press release announcing federal funds secured for White Island Light:
SENATOR GREGG JOINS NORTH HAMPTON STUDENTS TO ANNOUNCE $250,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR PRESERVATION OF WHITE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH), a member of the Senate Appropriations
Committee, today announced that he has secured $250,000 in federal funding in
the Fiscal Year 2003 Omnibus Appropriations measure, signed into law earlier
this year, for structural repairs to restore the
White Island Lighthouse located among the Isle of Shoals. Four eighth grade
students representing the "Lighthouse Kids," a North Hampton Elementary
School Service Project, joined Senator Gregg in his Washington office today
to learn of the funding.
For three years, students at the school have undertaken an aggressive education campaign to raise awareness of the history of the lighthouse and raise money for its protection.
Senator Gregg was able to direct the funding to the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development through the Save America's Treasures program in the FY03 appropriations bill. DRED's Division of Parks and Recreation has jurisdiction over the White Island Lighthouse. The Lighthouse Kids received a formal bid from a local construction firm which set the cost of restoration of the White Island Lighthouse at $122,000.
Senator Gregg, who as Governor presided over the transfer of White Island from the U.S. Coast Guard to the State of New Hampshire in the early 1990's stated, "The leadership and vision of the North Hampton Lighthouse Kids, represented by these four in Washington today, who have worked so diligently to save the White Island Lighthouse over the last few years, is really an inspiring story. These students truly exemplify what can be accomplished when citizens take an active interest in serving their local communities and work in conjunction with public and private organizations to reach their goals.
"Back in 2000, under the leadership of their teacher Sue Reynolds, the Lighthouse Kids began researching the history of the lighthouse, its importance in New Hampshire's maritime heritage and what it would take to preserve it for future generations in an attempt to secure the necessary funding to restore the lighthouse. I am pleased today to announce a $250,000 federal grant through the Save America's Treasures program to undertake the necessary improvements these students have worked so hard to make a reality."
George Bald, Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development, the state agency now charged with the upkeep of the lighthouse, stated, "DRED is excited about receiving this Save America's Treasures grant. It will go far to help restore the White Island Lighthouse, a national historic place and an icon for New Hampshire's coastline. The Save America's Treasures grant will also facilitate partnerships with state and community organizations. I applaud Senator Gregg's leadership role in supporting this and many projects in this state."
I couldn't be more pleased for the Lighthouse Kids, their teacher Sue Reynolds
and all who have worked with them. This shows that hard work and
dedication really do pay off!
Jeremy D'Entremont
Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse
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May 1, 2003. Site copyright 2003 Russ Rowlett and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.