Friends of Cuckolds Light Station (FCLS) Co-Director Bruce White said it seems its plans for becoming custodian of the Cuckolds have been delayed by the pandemic.

“After establishing the organization as a nonprofit last year, we made an application to the National Park Service to take over custody of the lighthouse. Apparently, because of COVID, there’s been no one in the office and our application has sat for five months,” White said.

In May, the group reached out to U.S. Sen. Angus King (I - Maine)’s office in Augusta to see if it could help. “The senator’s office has been extremely helpful and has requested updates in our behalf,” said White. “The latest we heard, Sen. King’s office has been in touch with the National Park Service several times over the past few weeks but they’re still waiting on a response.”

Thanks to its 501 (c) (3) status, the group is continuing to accept donations and is holding funds in escrow. “We’ve had some very generous donations and pledges,” said White. “The original Cuckolds Fog Signal and Light Station Council (CFSLSC) has been very generous in helping us, and one of its founders, Paul Coulombe, has given us a very generous financial donation. Everyone is helping and positive. It just seems like an administrative hold up.”

The directors of FCLS are frustrated, but remain hopeful. “We’re still planning to have a dock out there and to allow people to schedule visits to the island. We’re aware that the Cuckolds is a tough place to get ashore, so people will have to plan their visit. We might also be able to offer light overnight use for donors. But our main plan is to open it up to the general public. If we can have a docent out there, we’ll be able to let people go through the lighthouse and the keeper’s house and the museum.”

The group continues to wait on the National Park Service. “There’s no reason to think it won’t happen,” said White. “We may not be high-powered D.C. lawyers and lobbyists but we are a small town organization with great heart and commitment.”

For more information or to offer support, contact Friends of Cuckolds Light Station, P.O. Box 84, Southport, ME 04576 or email parthill@live.com