SOLOMONS, Md. — The Calvert Marine Museum is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Drum Point Lighthouse’s relocation to its current home. Originally built in 1883 at the mouth of the Patuxent River, the screwpile lighthouse guided mariners for nearly 80 years until its decommissioning in 1962.
Following its decommissioning, the lighthouse fell into disrepair due to vandalism and neglect. Access to the site was blocked, and the structure deteriorated rapidly. In 1966, the Calvert County Historical Society intervened, but the most significant step in preserving the lighthouse came when it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 1974, the federal government transferred ownership of the lighthouse to the Calvert County government, though not the land on which it stood. The county then partnered with the Calvert Marine Museum to relocate the lighthouse to the museum’s grounds for preservation and public access. Funding from the Maryland Historical Trust made the move possible.
A 110-foot boom crane, positioned on a barge, lifted the three-story lighthouse and transported it two nautical miles to the museum. A large crowd gathered to witness the move in the spring of 1975. Although its relocation led to its removal from the National Register, the lighthouse was later relisted following a successful restoration effort.
Among those who contributed to the restoration was Anna Weems Ewalt, who was born in the lighthouse in 1903. Thanks to such contributions, the Drum Point Lighthouse was fully restored and officially dedicated on June 24, 1978.
Today, the lighthouse remains a beloved landmark, offering daily tours to visitors. The Calvert Marine Museum continues to honor its legacy, ensuring that its history remains a vibrant part of the community. Today, the museum offers daily tours, keeping the lighthouse a vibrant part of the community.
Watch Afterglow of History on the Calvert Marine Museum YouTube channel to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUgzILcrXUc.
See the CMM event calendar to plan for special events and more: www.calvertmarinemuseum.com.
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