Hatteras Light Station Restortation Update- November 2023

Using a template, Dan Spinella checks to see the alignment of the bracket in the lantern room to inform his design of the replica lens.

NPS Photo

In early November 2023, Dan Spinella from Artworks Florida visited the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse to take measurements for the replica first-order Fresnel lens that is set to be installed in the lighthouse as part of the restoration project. The main goal of the visit was to determine exactly how the lens pedestal will attach to the floor of the lantern room. To facilitate, Mr. Spinella brought some templates that he fabricated using the original architectual drawings from the lighthouse's original construction over 150 years ago.

To accomplish this, a wooden table had to be removed to expose the original mounting brackets. The table was installed to cover the hole in the floor that was left when the previous pedestal was removed. Once the table was removed, it was amazing to see that Mr. Spinella's template aligned almost perfectly.

Mr. Spinella took some additional measurements and oriented park staff to how the replica lens will work and function. From this data, Mr. Spinella will be able to begin fabrication of the replica lens.

For the rest of the project, the National Park Service and the main contractor continued to work on restoration schedules and specific needs for staging of equipment. The National Park Service expects staging of equipment, including scaffolding, to begin in January of 2024.

Return to the Restoration Project Landing Page to learn more about the overall project and other updates.