Outside restoration completed - Summer, 2009

The Outer Cape has long been admired for its bluffs and spectacular surf. Our rugged coastline has also been, not surprisingly, legendary as "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. Over time better maps, stronger ships, advanced warning systems and the construction of the Cape Cod Canal in 1914 reduced the number of ship wrecks.

Old Harbor Life-Saving Station is one of the original thirteen stations and was constructed in Chatham. It was decomissioned by the US Coast Guard in 1944 and then was privately owned until Cape Cod National Seashore purchased it in 1974. In 1977 the station was in jeopardy of falling into the ocean. The National Park Service placed it on a barge and moved it from Chatham to its current location along Peaked Hill Bars in Provincetown. Under the protection of the Cape Cod National Seashore, Old Harbor has been revived and now welcomes visitors from all points on the compass.

Workman replacing missing stair balusters
with reproduction pieces

FCCNS has embarked on a new and exciting initiative to refurnish this historic station. The National Park Service recently completed a magnificent $489,000 restoration of its outer shell and many interior features. Friends has begun a campaign to raise funds to return the station to its 1900 appearance. 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 conduct our campaign to purchase or accurately reproduce furnishings, from cook stoves to storm clothes, from sand anchors to a surfboat wagon. Learn more about our campaign and how you can help.

Start of the Beach Apparatus Drill
Photo by Robby McQueeney

Each summer on Thursday evenings during July and August, Seashore rangers, portraying the station keeper and surf men circa 1902, present a unique Beach Apparatus Drill at Old Harbor. This is a portrayal of a rescue drill that was performed weekly at the Station at the turn of the 20th century. Thousands of summer visitors watch this event which is the only one of its kind in the country.

The opportunities for helping with the Old Harbor restoration are ongoing. Please go to the Fundraising Campaign page to learn more about this project and how you can help.