The History of Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Shines Strong

The Lacey Historical Society held a special presentation on the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse.

Peter Harp is the Honorary Lighthouse Keeper of the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse.  He takes pride in maintaining the history and culture of the lighthouse. 

“I would go anywhere for the Lighthouse. I feel honored to be a part of it.” said Harp.

Harp presented historical accounts of the previous lighthouse keepers, along with documents and paintings to show the boating and pier activity around North Wildwood during the height of the nineteenth century and the Lighthouse.

Harp also presented original songs on his banjo that he had written about the lighthouse. 

Hi ho the way we go

It’s a sailor’s life for me…

The nineteenth century introduced a massive increase in shipping activities. American and European ships were coming in along the New Jersey coast by the hundreds each day to clam, fish, and transport trade goods. 

With no modern forms of communication or radar, lighthouses played an essential role in upholding the safety of the ships out at sea. 

The Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, located in North Wildwood is situated in an important part of the Intra-Coastal Waterway that linked Maine to Florida and beyond.

The Hereford Inlet Lighthouse was first built in 1874 with one white light. It later expanded into two large white lights, until it evolved into an exterior beacon.  The lighthouse deteriorated over the years, and became non functional around the 1950s. 

In 1983 local residents started their first restoration progress on the lighthouse. One room was fully restored and opened to the public as a local museum. Over the years there was such a positive response from the community that the lighthouse and tower were fully restored. 

Steve Murray, the President of the Parks Department in North Wildwood, became a major leader in the restoration process.  He took part in designing and installing award winning gardens throughout the property. The cottage gardens have won several awards including the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Suburban Greening Award. 

The Hereford Inlet Lighthouse is listed on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places. It is a part of the NJ Coastal Heritage Trail, and the Delaware Bayshore Birding and Wildlife Trail.

Harp ended the presentation with one last song. Reiterating the importance of the Hereford Inlet Light and its preservation,

Just one thing is always right,

The beautiful Hereford Light…