Tour
Info | Wedding Rentals | Stewardship
The Martha's Vineyard
Museum is privileged to be the steward of three of the Island's lighthouses. The
Gay Head, East Chop, and Edgartown lighthouses are not historic remnants of a
bygone age, but are working beacons that still send a light out into the night.
Beyond their important functional role, these structures also offer visitors spectacular
views of the majestic cliffs of Aquinnah, the breathtaking beauty of Vineyard
Sound, and the simple elegance of Edgartown Harbor and Chappaquiddick.
The Edgartown Lighthouse is open to the public 5 days a week as well as open on Thursday nights for sunset tours. Following major renovations in 2007 including installation of a staircase, the interior of the Edgartown Light is now open to the public. Admission is $5.00 for adults, members and children are free. A lighthouse keeper will be available and the doors are open at the following times:
Thursday - Monday: 11 AM - 3 PM, through October 19. 
Both
East Chop and Gay Head lighthouses are open to the public for sunset tours from
mid-June to mid-September. Admission is $5.00 for adults, members and children are free.
The Gay Head Light in
Aquinnah is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings.
The East Chop Light
in Oak Bluffs is open only on Sunday evenings. Tours begin 1 ½ hours prior
to sunset and continue ½ hour after sunset.
All fees and admissions are
used to maintain these fragile guardians of our coast. Tours at the two lighthouses
are led by their respective lighthouse keepers and include the opportunity to
climb to the top of the lighthouse structure.
Please Contact the lighthouse keepers directly for more information
about sunset tours, school tours, and educational group tours.
Edgartown Lighthouse:
Lighthouse Keepers: David Savage, Alex Friedman - Phone: 508-627-4441
Lighthouse Location: North Water Street, Edgartown, MA. 02539
Gay
Head Lighthouse:
Lighthouse Keeper: Richard Skidmore-Phone: 508-645-9954
Lighthouse Location: 9 Aquinnah Circle, Aquinnah, MA. 02535
East
Chop Lighthouse:
Lighthouse Keeper: Rob Hammett--Phone: 508-693-8104 Fax:
508-693-8627
Lighthouse Location: Telegraph Hill, East Chop Drive, Oak Bluffs,
MA. 02557
What could be more romantic
than getting married in the shadow of one of the Island's historic lighthouses?
Try to picture gentle ocean breezes, the hues and fragrance of lush beach roses,
and fabulous water views. Just imagine the pictures! Although receptions are not
allowed, each of the lighthouses offers a unique experience for the ceremony.
Please call Ree Kuser to find out more about this one-of-a-kind setting at: 508-939-9155
or email at ree@vineyard.net. Please consult
the MVM Weddings page for rental information.
As the steward of these lighthouses, the Martha’s Vineyard Museum is raising money to maintain these functioning historic beacons. Admission and rental fees are used to help offset the costs of maintaining these structures. The MVM also encourages donations from the public to help renovate when necessary. These lighthouses continue to play a vital role for the Island’s community, and serve as a critical physical
monument to our history. If you are interested to donating money to the MVM's efforts to preserve the lighthouses, please consult the MVM Donate page for more information. Or, contact the MVM's Director of Development Amy Houghton at 508-627-4441, ext. 121 or email at
.
Ray Ellis Limited Edition Lighthouse Prints
One of the Island's best known watercolor artists, Ray Ellis, has created these images to benefit our stewardship. The MVM is selling signed copies of three Limited Edition watercolors, one of each of our lighthouses. Available framed ($595) or unframed ($250) prints may be purchased at the MVM's Museum Shop. Please stop by the Museum or call to order.
