U.S. General Services Administration
U.S. General Services Administration Conveys Beavertail Lighthouse to Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
JAMESTOWN, Rhode Island – In a ceremony on Friday, June 21, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM), along with the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the National Park Service (NPS), and U.S. Senator Jack Reed, held a deed transfer ceremony for the Beavertail Lighthouse.
Guests gathered at the Jamestown Town Council Chambers to celebrate this event and listen to speakers share their unique ties to the lighthouse.
“Beavertail Lighthouse is an iconic landmark and a symbol of our cultural and maritime heritage, said Senator Reed. “Nowadays, it helps guide tourists to Rhode Island’s scenic shores rather than warning boats away. Today’s transfer of ownership to the state ensures that Rhode Islanders and visitors alike can enjoy this piece of history for generations to come,” continued Reed, who announced the lighthouse’s intended conveyance last July.
RIDEM plans to continue what they’ve done for years – preserve this site as part of a public park so that everyone can enjoy it. Beavertail Lighthouse, like much of New England, has a rich history which dates back to the Revolutionary War.
“Beavertail State Park offers the best of Rhode Island, with panoramic views of Narragansett Bay, grassy fields for picnicking, hiking trails, shoreline access for fishing, and historic buildings with rich histories,” said Rhode Island DEM Director Terry Gray. “DEM appreciates the longstanding partnership of the Town of Jamestown and the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum Association in preserving this historic destination for the public.”
The original structure was built in 1749 but was burned down by British soldiers leaving the Newport area in 1779 near the end of the war. The current tower was constructed in 1856 but the foundation of the first lighthouse remains on the site. The 4th order Fresnel lens is also on display inside the lighthouse. RIDEM was awarded the Beavertail Lighthouse due to its commitment to ensure that the Beavertail Light will remain a part of our history and heritage and available to the public.
“This is a remarkable piece of property, and everyone worked together to keep it accessible to the public,” Senator Reed added. “While today marks the start of new ownership, it is also a celebration of the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum Association’s outstanding work over the last three decades. I am pleased they will continue to help maintain this landmark and use it to educate and inspire.”
“This ceremony was about so much more than a lighthouse – it’s about ideals and values that are part of what makes America so special,” Katy Kale, GSA Deputy Administrator, said. “It’s about the federal, state, and local governments coming together with the community to preserve our history. It’s also about making new memories - like visiting the Beavertail Lighthouse… seeing the joy as children visit the museum and aquarium. It’s about creating spaces for communities and people to thrive. Thank you for being such great caretakers of this light for years to come.”
Other distinguished guests at the event included:
- United States Coast Guard Rear Admiral Michael Platt
- National Park Service Superintendent of Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park and Roger Williams National Memorial Eric Breitkreutz
- Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Director Terry Gray
- Beavertail Lighthouse Board Member Varoujan Karentz
- Jamestown town council president Nancy Beye
- GSA Regional Administrator Fran Thomas
- GSA Region One Public Buildings Service Commissioner Glenn Rotondo
Each year, GSA, in conjunction with USCG and NPS, issues Notices of Availability for historic lighthouses as part of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act (NHLPA) of 2000.
In 2021, GSA issued a Notice of Availability for the Beavertail Lighthouse. Through this process, the historic lighthouse was made available at no cost to eligible entities. After much interest, RIDEM submitted the required application to NPS and after a thorough review, the Beavertail Lighthouse was awarded to RIDEM. This ceremony will commemorate the conveyance of the historic lighthouse to RIDEM.
Under the NHLPA, the property must be used for educational, park, recreational, cultural, or historic preservation purposes.
Media Contact: Paul Hughes 617-283-6142 paul.hughes@gsa.gov
About GSA:
GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government, managing a nationwide real estate portfolio of nearly 370 million rentable square feet, overseeing over $100 billion in products and services via federal contracts, and delivering technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA’s mission is to deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.