2021-03-31

Queens County Museum taking over operation of Fort Point Lighthouse Park

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

It seems like a natural fit.

The Queens County Museum will be the new seasonal operator of Fort Point Lighthouse in Liverpool for the next three years after the Region of Queens council approved the museum board's proposal at its latest council meeting March 23.

The Fort Point Lighthouse joins the Queens County Museum family of Liverpool attractions, which includes the museum itself, the Thomas Raddall Research Centre, Perkins House Museum and the Queens Museum of Justice.

Built in 1855, the Fort Point Lighthouse is the third-oldest standing lighthouse in Nova Scotia; it and its grounds are steeped in history. It was decommissioned in 1989 and it has been open to visitors since 1997.

"We always call our sites our heritage complex, and we feel the final child has fit into our heritage complex," said Linda Rafuse, director of the Queens County Museum. "We are just so thrilled to finally add this connection to our list. It's a privilege to have this opportunity."

The Fort Point Lighthouse was operated by Lane's Privateer Inn for four seasons from 2017 to 2020, drawing about 5,850 visitors per season. The museum had also applied to take over the management of the park in 2017, but didn't make the cut. The Town of Liverpool and, in turn, the Region of Queens Municipality (RQM), have been taking care of the heritage building since 1970.

This year the museum was the only applicant to the Request For Proposals that was issued by the municipality on January 27, 2021 to operate the lighthouse.

"That's a great opportunity for them. It's wonderful for us as well, because the Queen's County Museum has a strong board and they've proven that they can get things done," said RQM Mayor Darlene Norman. "They have many links with community partners. They've got brilliant ideas and I know they will do above and beyond what is expected of them."

Rafuse indicated the board members have a number of ideas for the area, including a gift shop, an exhibit with interpretive paneling and a Privateer exhibit as well.

Educational programming, in conjunction with their other sites, will be a focus as well, said Rafuse, adding that the board wants to work with the Kings Orange Rangers to possibly do some demonstrations or maybe get them to help with a soldier for a day.

To add a bit of levity, there are plans to bring on the pirates, with private fun days or maybe even a pirate school.

Other ideas include hosting concerts or art shows outdoors.

Inside the lighthouse, said Rafuse, displays may include a photo exhibit of the works of James McLeod, the last of four light keepers who lived and worked the lighthouse from 1936 to 1951.

The Fort Point Lighthouse will officially open June 1 and will be manned by volunteers, staff and summer students dressed in period costumes. It will be open six days a week in June and September, and every day during the summer months.

"Let's hope for a good season tourism-wise. It is still a bit worrisome with COVID-19, and some may still be hesitant about travel, but we hope that people from the province and hopefully from the Atlantic bubble will all come out for a visit," said Rafuse.