Port Royal Lighthouse Association treasurer Andrew Welch and chairperson Medea Holtz view the Schafner Point Lighthouse interpretative panel after it was unveiled Oct. 10. Photo by Jason Malloy /Annapolis Valley RegisterArticle contentMedea Holtz couldn’t believe what she was hearing.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe chairperson of the Port Royal Lighthouse Association was overwhelmed when the group heard the Nova Scotia Lighthouse Preservation Society wanted to sponsor an interpretative sign at the Schafner Point Lighthouse.Article contentArticle content“We were floored,” she said.Article contentCommunity members formed the association in September 2022. They acquired the lighthouse, which dates back to 1885, from the Annapolis Heritage Society in October 2022 and began raising the funds needed to complete the restoration work. The numerous improvements included replacing the corner posts, rotted sheathing and upper sills, reshingling the building and replacing the broken windowpanes.Article contentArticle content“People rolled up their sleeves and did the work,” Holtz said. “It was remarkable.”Article contentThey raised more than $120,000 through fundraising, grant-writing and securing sponsorships from local and regional businesses.Article contentThe repairs began in late July 2023 and were completed in early November. Holtz credited Theriault Quality Carpentry from Smiths Cove for allowing community members to assist with some of the work, including painting the shingles.Article contentPreservation society president Denyse Contrasty said it was pleased the lighthouse was going to be rescued and amazed at the speed the work was completed.Article content“I have never seen a group move so fast and be so motivated to fix a lighthouse that was literally falling apart,” said Contrasty, who has worked with the preservation society for more than 20 years. “We really felt they deserved a sign.”Article contentArticle content Port Royal Lighthouse Association officials were pleased to receive an interpretative panel sponsored by the Nova Scotia Lighthouse Preservation Society. Front row, from left, are board members Diane Hall and Carol St-Amour. Second row, board member Allan Holtz, chairperson Medea Holtz and treasurer Andrew Welch. Missing were secretary Rebekah Benoit and board members Mary Ritchie and Randy Swigart. Photo by Jason Malloy /Annapolis Valley RegisterArticle contentThe society’s first panel was erected in 2023 in Margaretsville. It was a pilot project for the volunteer organization. It was a way to educate visitors to the lighthouse when it wasn’t open. Contrasty hopes the society can sponsor a sign every two years.Article contentArticle contentHoltz said whenever the association had questions, the society was very helpful.Article content“Their whole group has been just great.”Article contentArticle contentPanelArticle contentThe panel details the lighthouse’s history and facts about the structure.Article content“This was a deep-water shipping channel,” Holtz explained, noting goods were shipped to New Brunswick, the United States and Europe. “This was a very active lane here. So, the lighthouse was really important. And it is still important today because it’s an active lighthouse.”Article contentThe panel also includes details about the association’s grassroots movement to preserve the structure.
Preservation society donates interpretative panel for Schafner Point Lighthouse
