MATTAPOISETT — From sailors to beachgoers, kite surfers and those enjoying a picnic in the park, Ned’s Point Lighthouse has looked over the Mattapoisett community from its 40-foot-tall perch for nearly two centuries. 

Built in 1838, Ned’s Point is certainly one of the staples of the town, no matter who you ask. 

Originally, it was used to guide ships safely into the harbor. Today, it is used for many things — like a backdrop for photographs and a scene for celebrations. 

However, due to its growing age, Ned’s Point Lighthouse is in need of some help. 

The lighthouse is owned by the United States Coast Guard, rather than the town of Mattapoisett. 

Sal Giglia, United States Coast Guard Flotilla Staff Officer 6-3 and Mattapoisett resident, said that the lighthouse is in need of around $300,000 worth of repairs. 

Recently, Giglia has been working with the non-profit Friends of Ned’s Point Lighthouse in an effort to raise funds to help restore the facility. 

According to Giglia, glass at the top of the lighthouse is in need of replacement, cracks and fractures along the ancient walls of the structure should be addressed and some electrical work needs to be done, among other issues. 

“This is a very emotional place,” said Giglia. “It provides the community with a lot.” 

Giglia said he sometimes receives letters with donations from past and present Mattapoisett residents who are looking to help. 

“One letter said ‘I was conceived here, I lost my virginity here and I got married here,’” said Giglia. 

Giglia believes that the process of raising money has been slow due to a lack of awareness. 

He said that $40,000 worth of repairs have already been completed, including a deleading of the lantern room. 

Additional future repairs include a fresh coat of paint for the cupola, which is the dome surrounding the top of the lighthouse, and a reinforced railing that lines the staircase. 

On Saturday, Aug. 3, Giglia met up with Judianne Point, Vice President of the American Lighthouse Foundation and her husband Gary, also a member of the non-profit. 

Point learned about the history of the lighthouse and its facility from Giglia while taking a tour up the spiral staircase and into the lantern room. 

Point will detail her findings about Ned’s Point in an upcoming podcast episode. She is an occasional contributor of the U.S. Lighthouse Society’s podcast “Light Hearted”, hosted by Jeremy D’Entremont. 

Giglia and Point hope that lighthouse aficionados across the country will learn about Ned’s Point and wish to donate. 

For those who have always wondered what the inside of the landmark is like, The Friends of Ned’s Point Lighthouse are also hosting tours on certain Saturdays in the coming months. 

The next tours will be held on Aug. 10 and Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

For more information on the repairs needed for the lighthouse, visit https://friendsofnedspointlighthouse.com/.