Life Lines April 2021

Salt marsh on Toms Cove is one of many captivating places at Assateague Island National Seashore, this month’s National Park Getaway. (NPS photo)

The National Park Service’s Green and Grey published this photo for their March issue.  An eagle eyed USLSSHA member should easily be able to distinguish the Tom’s Cove Coast Guard Station in the distance.

Publications Now Available as Print-on-Demand

The two books that the USLSSHA produced are now available by print-on-demand at lulu.com. Search for either “They Had to Go Out” or “Rescue: The Stories of the U.S. Life-Saving Service” edited by John Galluzzo. If you have not added these two books to your library here is your chance to do so.

Chronology of Coast Guard History

If you were looking for a link to a chronology of Coast Guard History here is that link. https://www.history.uscg.mil/research/chronology/

Wallops Beach Station Again Looking for a New Home

Photo Credit: NASA

This call will stay in Life Lines each month until we determine that the structures have been saved or time has run out and they have been demolished.  If you can help please do so now.

The Wallops Beach Station in Virginia needs someone willing to take and move the structures from the NASA Wallops Flight Facility.  Both the station and the tower could be yours.  NASA will demolish the structure in 2021 to reduce their mandated allotted square footage, but there is still time.  If someone is interested in moving these structures please contact:

Steve Taylor
Realty Specialist
NASA Wallops Flight Facility
Bldg N-161, Rm 135
Work:  757-824-1194
Cell:  503-317-0073

New Jersey Shipwreck Museum Symposium Scheduled May 1, 2021

Photo Credit: Dan Lieb, USLSSHA Member

The members of the USLSSHA are invited to attend a virtual event to support the New Jersey Historical Divers Association’s New Jersey Shipwreck Museum located in the InfoAge Science and History Museums in Wall, N.J.

The theme is “Heroes, Shipwrecks and a Mellon Patch”

May 1, 2021 – 8pm to 10:30pm

Admission is $20

This year’s symposium will be held via Zoom

To register:  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Fe2hI7B6RnSwY5_ObPZPcA

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Restoration Work Continues on Plum Island Station

Photo Credit: Tim Sweet Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands

The Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands organization (FOPPI, plumandpilot.org) has received a $50,000 grant from an anonymous foundation and a contribution of nearly $38,000 from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) to restore and fabricate 42 windows in the Plum Island Lifesaving Station.

Located in the middle of the Death’s Door Passage, the 1896 building is historically significant because it’s the only Duluth-style station still standing on the Great Lakes. 

The USLSSHA has also donated to this organization to assist with their restoration plans in the past.  If you want to read more go to: https://doorcountypulse.com/plum-island-restoration-work-continues-on-plum-island-lifesaving-station/

Hull Lifesaving Museum Sets Summer Schedule

Photo Credit: Hull Lifesaving Museum Website

Visit the Hull Lifesaving Museum to see their virtual exhibits, current events, book club reads, and summer schedules.

Check out the online exhibit using lifesavers in their advertisements for Lifebuoy Soap.  https://www.hulllifesavingmuseum.org/lifebuoyexhibit.html

If you are in the area sign up for their summer activities.  https://www.hulllifesavingmuseum.org/

North Carolina is the Next Virtual 2021 Annual Conference

Photo courtesy of North Carolina Maritime Museum, Southport

The Committee from 3 local sites have begun planning the 2021 Virtual/Hybrid annual meeting.  Taped interviews with local station owners are being conducted that will be showcased as part of the virtual portion.  A live Question and Answer segment is also being planned for attendees to participate and learn more.

This year the North Carolina Maritime Museum, Historic Wilmington Foundation, and the Old Baldy Foundation will be our Virtual/Hybrid hosts.

Virtual activities will include speakers, site visits, interviews, a Virtual History Happy Hour, an online auction and more as we creatively think of it.

Mark your calendars for the 2021 Conference, Southport, North Carolina on September 23-25, 2021.  We are in touch with the North Carolina conference planners and are monitoring the COVID-19 status in their State so those who feel safe making the trip will be able to.  Watch this site and Wreck and Rescue for more information.

If you have a story to submit for the next Life Lines please contact us through our website.  http://uslife-savingservice.org/contact/