Ship Restoration and Maintenance
Restoration on the ship began in 1999, with a handful of volunteers, a bucket, and hand tools! They took on 25 years worth of maintenance, including cleaning, scraping, and painting. This era in the ship’s history brought about the name “Dirty Hands Gang” (DHG) since each volunteer would be covered in dirt, rust, and grime at the end of each work day!
The DHG has invested over 16,000 hours in the ship. The ship’s surfaces have been prepped and painted, hull repairs and welds have been completed, the electrical system upgraded, a boat winch overhauled, and over 28,000 lbs of pig iron ballast was removed from the ship’s bilge. Ongoing maintenance and preservation by the DHG keeps her ready for tours every day.
Total Volunteer Effort
Today, the Overfalls and Overfalls Foundation are maintained and managed 100% by volunteers. There are no paid staff members. Please check out our “Support Us” link for volunteer opportunities.
Please visit the Overfalls National Historic Monument to learn more about the ship’s history. For a record of the renovation program, you may purchase “The Big Lift” at the Ship Store.
Restoration Photos
The restoration of the Overfalls lightship is a story best told in pictures.
Before
Air driven, primary anchor windlass located in bow compartment.
After
Before
Officer’s quarters and bunk
After
Before
Crew’s head
After
Before
Crew’s Mess
After
219 Pilottown Road
P.O. Box 413
Lewes, Delaware 19958
Phone: (302) 644-8050
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