President of Friends of the Light Society Nancy Knowles

You just cannot come to Yarmouth without visiting this beautiful picturesque towering fortress, the Cape Forchu Light Station. This leisurely country drive takes you from Yarmouth town through magnificent ocean side scenery to experience a part of Nova Scotia that is sea coast, fog, beaches, fishing vessels, shanties, bird watching, the world's highest tides, wild flowers and breathtaking sunsets.

Some years ago, it became apparent that lighthouses in various parts of the world were going to become part of the past because of new satellite technology. Several interested Yarmouth folks believed that these sites, our own in particular, should be preserved as a part of our history, culture and heritage. For that reason in 1996 a small group of people gathered together to keep alive the spirit of Cape Forchu Light and its contribution over the years to the historic town of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, and surrounding areas. In the early 1990's it was first learned that lighthouse keepers were going to be eliminated, and there was a big uncertainty about the future of the Cape Forchu site, including the possibility of the site being bulldozed and closed to the public.

At that time Nancy Knowles was on the Executive of the Yarmouth County Tourist Association (YCTA), under Executive Director Barrie McGreggor. She was appointed by the YCTA Board to be Chairperson of a Committee to stay on top of things with regard to the situation with the Cape Forchu Light Station. It was at that time that Nancy came up with the name "Friends of the Yarmouth Light". With Board approval, a steering committee was formed with Nancy as Chair. The original Friends of the Yarmouth Light committee consisted of Joan Jenkins, Joan Thibault, Mauritta Fevens, Linda Campbell and Dawn-Marie Skjelmose, all of whom worked with dedication and enthusiasm.

The first public meeting of Friends of the Yarmouth Light was held at the Yarmouth County Museum and was attended by approximately 30 people. These 30 people discussed what direction should be taken to save this site. The first task was to communicate, through the YCTA, with the Canadian Coast Guard. Years of effort and negotiations followed, with Cape resident Craig Harding in the position of President of the Board of Directors. As happens with any crusade, there were ups and downs, and many frustrations during the years until finally in 2001, Cape Forchu became the first lighthouse property in the history of Canada to be turned over from the Canadian Government and saved. Warden Chris Perry proudly accepted on behalf of the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth, the transfer of this property, and, in turn, we of the Friends of the Yarmouth Light Society were proud to be given the role of caretakers of the site.
Sadly, Mr. Harding passed away in early 2001, but days before his passing he was presented with the paperwork of the official transfer by representatives of the Canadian Coast Guard and the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth, as well as our MLA Richard Hurlburt, thus realizing that his efforts had indeed been successful.

After taking a break, Nancy returned in 2001 and now serves as President of the Board of Directors. Since its inception, Friends of the Yarmouth Light has taken its love and dedication for this piece of property and nurtured it into the wonderful site that it is today. Along with our employees, many of whom are local students, we and many dedicated volunteers have opened a museum in what was once the Keeper's Dwelling, and the grounds have been improved with landscaping and flowers. We have added stairs which make access up the hill to the museum easier, two look-off areas, washroom facilities and we are constantly working to improve access to the site while insuring that it's original beauty remain. Through the efforts of many people this impressive and important part of Canada's history has been saved from being irretrievably lost.

We invite you to "Come Sea Us". Come stroll the heights of our Cape; stand at one of the look-offs and watch the majestic sea before you; take a tour on site with one of our wonderful tour guides. Visit the Gift Shop and let Zelaina and her staff show you souvenirs you will treasure for years to come. Want to chat with Someone? You may just find one of us from the Board there too, as we often go out and talk with our visitors! Once at the top of the hill, stand at it's base and look up at our unique "Apple Core" tower, the prototype for it's kind in the world. We know once there, you will return if you can, and if not you will take memories home with you that will live in your heart forever.

We who love our Cape and our Lighthouse invite you to Come Sea Us !