1811 Scituate Lighthouse Restoration Project Receives Paul & Niki Tsongas Award

Preservation Mass is pleased to announce that the 1811 Scituate Lighthouse Restoration Project has received a 2025 Paul & Niki Tsongas Award.

In 2022, the Town of Scituate commissioned a conditions assessment of Scituate Light - documenting its historical significance, the condition of the structure and severity of deterioration, and most importantly, the safety of its stabilization. The restoration project at Scituate Light can be seen in two parts: the removal, restoration, and replacement of the lantern; and the restoration of the tower.

Five major incarnations of the lighthouse were determined: the short, original 1811 lighthouse with tapering granite base; the 1827 extension with brick superstructure; the 1841 remodeling of the lantern room and deck; the 1860's abandoned tower; and the 1930 restoration. The 1930 iteration was identified as the period of significance for restoration, highlighting the Town's commitment to preserving their built heritage just as they first saved the lighthouse from public auction in 1916.

The most recent restoration required precise engineering to ensure that the tower and its lantern were realigned after the removal of the lantern, and that the historic views remained unchanged. While the newly restored lighthouse might not look any different from the old, the restoration efforts have made it much safer to enjoy and ensure it will be around for many, many more years.