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Lightship Overfalls LV-118: A Floating Lighthouse

Explore a floating lighthouse! Discover maritime history aboard the Lightship Overfalls LV-118 in historic Lewes, Delaware.

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The Lightship Overfalls LV-118, now a museum ship in Lewes, Delaware, is a piece of maritime history. Built in 1938, it served as a floating lighthouse, guiding ships safely. Explore its preserved compartments and learn about the lives of the crew who served on this vessel.

A brief summary to Lightship Overfalls LV-118

  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on weekends for guided tours to learn more about the ship's history.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through the scenic Lewes Historic District.
  • Check the museum's website for special events or educational programs.
  • Visit the nearby Lewes Life Saving Station and Lewes Maritime Museum to learn more about maritime history.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Lewes, head towards Pilottown Road. The Lightship Overfalls LV-118 is located at 219 Pilottown Rd. Follow the road signs towards the waterfront, where you'll find the lightship along the water's edge. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 219 Pilottown Road, Lewes, DE 19958. There is parking available in the gravel parking lot for Canalfront Park. Street parking near the Episcopal Church is an alternative option. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Lightship Overfalls LV-118

The Lightship Overfalls LV-118 stands as a testament to maritime navigation history in Lewes, Delaware. Commissioned in 1938, this vessel was the last lightship constructed for the United States Lighthouse Service before it merged with the Coast Guard. The ship never served at the Overfalls station but was named to recognize the lightships stationed on Overfalls Shoal. Throughout its service, the Lightship Overfalls (LV-118) served at Cornfield Point, Cross Rip, and Boston stations. These floating lighthouses were equipped with powerful lights, foghorns, and radio beacons to guide mariners safely. The lightships also had a foghorn to guide mariners in fog. With a range of five miles, horns sounded every 30 seconds in cloudy weather. A radio beacon on the lightships directed vessels further at sea, signaling to ships in Morse code up to 25 miles away. Today, the Lightship Overfalls is preserved as a museum ship, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the daily lives of the lightship's crew. Explore the ship's various compartments, from the living quarters to the operational areas, and gain insight into the technology that kept the vessel running for decades. The ship is open for tours, and the surrounding Lewes Historic District offers charming shops and eateries to explore.

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