Keeping the light shining for generations to come.
Greens Ledge Light Preservation Society is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to restore and preserve Green's Ledge Light, a historic offshore lighthouse in Long Island Sound near Norwalk and Darien, Connecticut.
Thanks to generous donors and volunteers, the Lighthouse is nearing the completion of a critical restoration. Before we began, the Lighthouse was listed in ‘Deteriorated’ condition by the National Register of Historic Places, one demarcation above ‘Ruins’.
With urgent restoration work complete - and with ongoing preservation efforts needed in the decades ahead - we’ve launched the “Next 100 Years” – a campaign that seeks to endow the long-term preservation of the Lighthouse through a focus on Education, Community, and Sustainability.
Our History
Constructed in 1902 to aid the navigation of a bustling maritime route from New York City into Norwalk Harbor, the Lighthouse has become an iconic symbol of the Rowayton and Darien coastal communities with an illustrious history and enduring beauty that stands as a testament to resilience, illuminating the rich heritage of the shoreline community it watches over.
Its foundation was reinforced with 30,000 tons of granite from the excavation of Radio City Music Hall in 1932, which helped it withstand the devastating Hurricane of 1938. During World War II, it served as a strategic coastal defense post, monitoring for enemy submarines in protection of New York City.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Lighthouse has inspired generations of renowned artistic works, including masterpieces from Walter Dubois Richards and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. In times of peace and peril alike, it has stood as a steadfast beacon of the Connecticut coast, bridging the past and present.
Our Future
Before efforts began, Greens Ledge was listed in 'Deteriorated' condition by the National Register - one demarcation above 'Ruins' - and was at significant risk of destruction. Greens Ledge Light Preservation Society acquired the Lighthouse from the United States Federal government in 2016 to spearhead restoration efforts.
We launched the "Save the Light" campaign, a privately-funded and volunteer-led multi-phased restoration that addressed urgent structural deficiencies following decades of neglect. Structural stabilization work was completed in 2023, while work continues to restore and preserve the interior and exterior of the Lighthouse.
Because of your support, the Lighthouse has a future. We’ve launched the next chapter in the lighthouse's history - "The Next 100 Years" - a programming and fundraising campaign that seeks to endow its preservation through a focus on Education, Community, and Sustainability - ensuring the Lighthouse never again falls into disrepair.
Preservation Through Education
Restoration
Major structural restoration work commenced in April 2018 and was substantially completed in May 2023, while work continues to restore and preserve the interior and exterior condition of the Lighthouse. The roughly $2M restoration has been entirely privately funded and made possible by the support and contribution of time and services from our community, with volunteer work supplemented by skilled trades work performed by professional contractors.
Education
We now welcome students to the Tombros Research & Education Center for weekly summertime visits by Sound Waters Research Intensive participants and also host annual visits from the Darien Power Squadron boat camp. Future plans include collaborating with area schools to develop a unique curriculum covering off-grid systems, lighthouse history, and the Long Island Sound ecosystem, enriching marine education through hands-on learning.
Community
In 2022, we launched the first public tours in the Lighthouse’s 125-year history - one of the few offshore lighthouses to do so. Since 2023, we’ve partnered with the Seaport Organization for monthly summertime tours and hosted club events and the Rowayton Swim Races. To support preservation efforts, we expanded private events, including weddings and fundraisers, and are fundraising to acquire a launch vessel, set for delivery in 2026.
Sustainability
Built as critical navigational infrastructure, the Lighthouse remains as relevant today as in 1902. Climate monitoring has long been essential to its role, and new technologies enhance its environmental contributions. A state-of-the-art weather system now feeds data to the National Weather Service. Future additions include wildlife cameras, water quality, and tidal monitoring systems, maximizing its unique offshore location for research and environmental observation.
Help Save The Light
Because of your support, the Lighthouse has a future. Through the generations, Greens Ledge Lighthouse has become an iconic symbol of our community since it was first lit in 1902. The lighthouse has served as a source of endless inspiration for so many of us, and now Greens Ledge needs your help to ensure that the lighthouse continues to shine bright for generations to come. Please join us in the restoration and preservation of this historic landmark.
Visit The Lighthouse
Public Tours
We’ve partnered once again with the Seaport Association for our 2025 Public Tours! Greens Ledge Lighthouse is one of the only offshore lighthouses in the world offering full-access public tours. Visiting the Light in person is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Tours, events, and programs will be available from Late-Spring to early-Autumn seasons for ages 5 and up.
Private Events
The Lighthouse is available for private events - large and small - the proceeds of which fund the restoration and ongoing preservation. The Lighthouse is a spectacular venue for a sunset cocktail party with friends and family, a magical couples date night, an unforgettable wedding reception, an extravagant birthday party, or simply a fulfilling private tour with one of our knowledgeable Keepers.
Overnights
As featured in Travel & Leisure, an extraordinary opportunity to enjoy an experience on Long Island Sound like no other. The Lighthouse is one of the only offshore active lighthouses that hosts overnight guests - limited to just a handful of nights each year - which help to fund the ongoing restoration and preservation of the historic lighthouse.
Get Involved
Make a Donation
Please join us in the restoration and preservation of this historic landmark. Greens Ledge Light Preservation Society is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization. All donations directly fund the restoration and preservation.
Host An Event
The Lighthouse is available for private tours and events - both large and small - the proceeds of which fund the restoration and ongoing preservation of the Lighthouse. The majority of event revenues can qualify as tax-deductible donations.
Follow Our Preservation Progress
