HIGHLAND
LIGHT
NAUSET
LIGHT
NOBSKA
LIGHT
CHATHAM
LIGHT
RACE POINT
LIGHT
LOCATION: Woods Hole (part of Falmouth), MA on a point overlooking Falmouth and Woods Hole harbors.
HISTORY: First erected in 1828 and known as Nobsque Point Light, it was the typical "Cape Cod style" lighthouse, where the lens is situated on top of the house. A 5th order fresnel lens was added in 1856. In 1876, because of deteriorating conditions, a separate cast-iron tower and 1 1/2 story keepers house were built to replace the original structure. The new tower was painted red. In 1888, the lens was upgraded to a 4th order, which is still present today. In 1900, a second 1 1/2 story keepers house was added. In 1930, a garage and radio beacon were added. The light was automated in 1985, and the keepers house now serves as the home for the Group Commander of the Woods Hole Coast Guard base.
DIRECTIONS: Take Rt. 28 to Falmouth (from either direction, Bourne or Mashpee). At Falmouth center, follow the signs for Woods Hole Rd to Woods Hole. Just before your first glimpse of water, turn left onto Church Street. This leads right up to a small parking lot at the lighthouse.
OTHER INFO: Seen easily from the Martha's Vineyard ferries, Nobska Point Light has a 4th order fresnel lens, white with a red sector. It flashes once every 6 seconds. It is 87' above sea level and can be seen from 16 nautical miles (red sector - 12nm).
PHOTO TIPS: Afternoons are recommended for full sun shots on the front side of the keepers house. This time of day will give you dramatic lighting shots on the side of the keepers house (at the highest point in the roadway, Martha's Vineyard directly behind you - PHOTO ABOVE). Morning lighting will depend on the time of year. On summer mornings, you will get dramatic (early AM) and full sun shots on the side views of the lighthouse. Frontal views not recommended in the AM. On winter mornings (late AM), expect nice lighting on the frontside of the keepers house and full sun on the side view of the lighthouse.