Lightship Overfalls (LV118) in Lewes, Delaware

The Light

What is a lightship?

A lighthouse that floats, it serves the same function such as:

A light to aid navigation at night
A horn to warn mariners in fog
A radio beacon for longer range identification

Lighting the way
The Overfalls main aid to navigation was a 375 mm dual electric lantern located 57 feet above the water line. Rated at 15,000 candle power, (approximately 1,000 watts), it flashed every 3 seconds from dusk until dawn. On a clear night it could be seen for 12 miles.

The ship also had a dual diaphone fog horn with a range of 5 miles that sounded every 30 seconds in foggy weather.

A radio beacon with a range of 25 miles transmitted the call letters of the ship (NMJF) in Morse code. In foggy weather it was synchronized with the horn and broadcast every 30 seconds.

Click here to see Overfalls' full specifications.

Click here to read the about the history of lightships.

We've Made It!

This site tells the story of the eleven-year project to save and preserve one of America’s maritime treasures. It’s a story of tens of thousands of volunteer hours of dirty work bringing one of the few remaining lightships back from the brink of ruin and all of the behind the scenes tasks that made it a reality. It’s a story of community support that maintained the momentum when any rational person would have thrown in the towel. And, it’s how this infectious community support spread farther afield raising the $1.2 million necessary to complete the project,

Home of the Lightship Overfalls in
Historic Lewes, Delaware

The Overfalls is one of only 17 remaining lightships out of a total of 179 built from 1820 to 1952. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 2011, it is one of seven lightships in this country still open to the public. (What is a lightship, you ask?)

Come visit the Overfalls!

The Overfalls is closed for 2012 season regular tours. However, special tours can be arranged in advanced. See the tour information page.

News and Events Summary

75th Birthday Party for BIG RED - Annual Party & Auctions

You are invited to a 75th Birthday Party for "Big Red", the historic lightship in Lewes, DE. Don your party hat, get a birthday card and come join the fun at the big celebrtion. The annual Opening Party and Auction will take place on Friday evening, May 24 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at the Virden Center on the University of Delaware Marine Campus. Tickets are $40 per person in advance and $45 at the door (if available). Read more or Purchase Tickets

Two Projects to Help Overfalls Foundation Meet Its Mission!

The Overfalls has two exciting projects underway which, when completed, will result in a great improvement to the grounds and will significantly enhance the Foundation’s ability to meet its mission.

The first project will bring the pilot house from an historic, Lewes fishing vessel to the grounds to be used to display maritime artifacts. The pilot house will be attached to the existing Ship’s Store making an attractive complex.

The second project will bring a restored 26-foot Monomoy life/surf boat to the grounds. The Monomoy will be housed in a display/storage shed that will blend well with the grounds and the adjacent Lewes Canalfront Park. (Read Cape Gazette article)

Membership Message from Tracy Muveny

The success of the restoration of the Lightship Overflls would not have been possible without the support of the members who gave generously to make this dream come true. Today the ship is a beautiful home to an exciting new maritime museum featuring glimpses into a vanished era of our maritime history. The future for the ship looks bright as the Foundation continues to add exhibits, activities and events, all of which enhance our ability to tell the lightship sailors' story. Member donations are more important than ever to keep the ship strong and develop all these new programs. Don't delay-It is easy to join or renew membership online by clicking on this link.