Editor:

In December, The Alabama Historical Commission (AHC), in a unanimous decision, elected to preserve and maintain Middle Bay Lighthouse in its historic location. Concurrent with this decision, was a recommitment to the ongoing maintenance of all of the properties in the Commission’s collection. The Commission adopted a strategic plan for the staff that uses the preservation and fundraising program for Middle Bay Lighthouse as the model for an annual maintenance budget and the funding of capital improvements through public-private partnerships at all levels for all of the properties. The decision to preserve the lighthouse in place followed an exhaustive public discussion that lasted approximately 16 months and involved input from interested parties and concerned citizens from throughout Alabama.

The AHC at a meeting earlier in 2009 approved spending $120,000 to implement stabilization work on the unique tie rod structure that supports this Mobile Bay landmark. This work is scheduled to begin in late spring of 2010. This stabilization work is the first phase of a multi-year program of work the AHC staff architect, in consultation with maritime professionals, has scheduled. The AHC and many of those supportive of preserving the lighthouse in Mobile Bay are keenly aware of the fact that state funding cannot be counted on as the sole source of funding for the necessary preservation work. The AHC has pledged to work with those interested in preservation of the lighthouse in its historic location to create a funding stream that can be leveraged with state and federal resources to accomplish the stabilization plan.

In making this decision, the Commission reviewed a number of options including a proposal to move Middle Bay Lighthouse (MBL) on shore near the Battleship USS Alabama. All proposals were taken seriously and studied for feasibility and merit. In the end, the commission members were unanimous in their belief that the lighthouse is most appropriately located in its original location and that as commissioners charged with preserving and protecting Alabama’s architectural heritage, our best course of action was to preserve Middle Bay Lighthouse in its prominent location where thousands see it every week.

The citizens of Alabama along with the visitors to the Mobile Bay area are fortunate the lighthouse has withstood the many tests of time. Her prominence in our beautiful bay is a testament to those who built her and who have maintained her for the past 125 years. It is because of the good stewardship of the federal authorities, the volunteers of the Alabama Lighthouse Association and AHC that we have enjoyed this important national landmark since her light was first lit in 1885. She is one of only two screw-pile lighthouses left in their original location in the United States. The AHC intends to continue the planning for the 2010 stabilization work and to set up a program to secure the necessary funding for the remainder of the needed work.

This spring, the AHC will announce plans for raising the additional $350,000 projected for the multi-year preservation plan. We encourage you to let us know of your interest in helping with this effort. Contact Stacy Little at the AHC office (334) 230-2690 or mailto:slittle@preserveala.org to give us your contact information.

The outpouring of affection for Middle Bay Light has been heartwarming and gives us confidence that Mobile Bay area residents will come together to ensure that our beloved lighthouse will stand as an icon of stability for our area for generations to come.

Commissioners, Alabama Historical Commission