The Outer Cape has long been admired for its bluffs and spectacular surf. Our rugged coastline has also been, not surprisingly, legendary as the graveyard of the Atlantic. During the late 19th century thirteen life-saving stations were built on Cape Cod to respond to frequent shipwrecks, and they served their purpose well. But over time better maps, stronger ships, advanced warning systems and the construction of the Cape Cod Canal in 1914 rendered these stations obsolete.

In 1977 Old Harbor, the last remaining station, was moved by barge from Chatham to its current location along Peaked Hill Bars at Race Point. Under the protection of the Cape Cod National Seashore, Old Harbor has been revived and now welcomes visitors from all points on the compass.

FCCNS has embarked on a new and exciting initiative to refurnish this historic station. The National Park Service recently completed a magnificent restoration of its outer shell and many interior features, while the Friends group will raise funds to outfit and provide displays for Old Harbor's various rooms. Our objective is to promote a better understanding of the rich history of the U.S. Lifesaving Service in general and to offer an authentic glimpse of those who bravely manned these stations.

The types of furnishings needed have been well researched and documented from early supply lists and property inventories. Our charge is to faithfully follow the established historical plan as we mount a campaign to purchase or accurately fabricate furnishings, from cook stoves to storm clothes, from sand anchors to a surfboat wagon.

We hope that members and their friends will join us in meeting this exciting challenge.