Lightship Overfalls, photo by Jeremy D'Entremont

The Lightship Overfalls, more properly known as the LV-118 or the WAL 539, was the last lightship built under the U.S. Lighthouse Service. Built in East Boothbay, Maine, in 1938, the 116-foot-long vessel incorporated the latest features of lightship design at the time. The LV-118 saw duty in several locations in its active career. From 1938 to 1957 it was at Cornfield Point, at the east end of Long Island Sound off Old Saybrook, Connecticut. From 1958 to 1962 it served at the Cross Rip station near Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. And from 1962 to 1972 it marked the approach to Boston Harbor, six miles east of Boston Light.

John Bolster and his grandson ringing the ship's bell aboard the Lightship Overfalls

From 1938 to 1957, the LV-118 was at Cornfield Point, at the east end of Long Island Sound. (USLHS archives)

Today, the Lightship Overfalls is a National Historic Landmark. Thanks to thousands of hours put in by countless volunteers, the vessel is fully restored and is open to the public on the Lewes waterfront. The guest in this episode, John Bolster, is the curator and a board member for the Overfalls Foundation.