This edition is sponsored by Gumption Savannah Membership
Local Weather
The Story of the Tybee Island Lighthouse
Tybee Island’s Lighthouse is the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Georgia. In fact, it’s one of the most intact historic lighthouses remaining in America to this day. However, it wasn’t always in such great shape.
In 1732, General James Oglethorpe ordered the construction of the lighthouse tower. The building’s development was completed in 1736, but was felled by a storm in 1741. The tower was rebuilt the following year by a man named Thomas Sumner. This time around, though, workers used stone and wood. The lighthouse tower was not illuminated either time — rather, the structure sported a very tall flag pole instead.
After the second lighthouse was swept away by encroaching tides and erosion, a third tower was erected in its place in 1773 by John Mullryne. Made of sturdy bricks and wooden stairs and landings, this base remains intact within the current lighthouse.
In 1790, Georgia ratified the Constitution and yielded the lighthouse to the federal government. The lighthouse was then fitted with reflectors and candles, but soon was upgraded to oil lamps. In order to form a navigation range for ships entering the narrow Savannah River, a second tower was added approximately 1,000 feet from the current site in 1822.
In 1857, both towers received Fresnel lenses. During the Civil War, Confederate forces burned the lighthouse but removed the precious lens when they retreated to nearby Fort Pulaski. The fourth establishment of the Tybee Island lighthouse began in 1866, but was delayed when a cholera outbreak struck the area.
When the new tower was finally constructed, it was built upon the first 60 feet of the pre-existing tower. This elevated the finished height to its current 145 feet, and the tower was equipped with a larger Fresnel lens. But, as luck would have it, the lighthouse was severely impacted by a hurricane in 1871.
Next, keepers dwellings were installed on the light station’s five-acre grounds. In 1933, the tower was fitted with electricity and the lighthouse reduced its staff to a single light keeper. The beacon became automated in 1972.
The Tybee Island Historical Society began a major restoration project in 1999, taking the illustrious structure under their wings. Shortly thereafter, in 2002, the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act allowed this altruistic group of locals and historians to repaint the tower in the 1916-1966 black-white-black daymark and open for public tours of the lighthouse and the impressive grounds.
To this day, the Tybee Island lighthouse’s original beacon shines brightly, beckoning visitors to marvel at her infamous past and present beauty.
Have you been to the lighthouse? You can climb all 178 steps, take photos overlooking the entire island and peruse the on-location museum and gift shop!VISIT WEBSITE
News bites
 Traditional Haitian independence day celebration on Jan. 1 at Unforgettable Bakery Cafe encompasses storytelling by local griot Lillian Baptiste. Read more. |
 Celebrate Tybee Post Theater Polar Plunge on Jan. 1. The public is invited to show up in person or go virtual; enter a video of “plunge” win prizes. Read more. |
 Savannah’s 41st MLK Observance Day Association parade took place Monday morning, and WSAV brought you the entire thing LIVE. Read more. |
 Savannah Feed the Hungry (a local charitable organization) is hosting various events to celebrate the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King… Read more. |
EVENTS
Today
 Bruce Davidson: Face to Face is an exhibition at Telfair Museums . Read more. |
 Contemporary Spotlight: New Acquisitions from the Brandywine Workshop is an exhibition at Telfair Museums . Read more. |
 Chul-Hyun Ahn: Beyond is an exhibition at Telfair Museums . Read more. |
 Sips at the Station is Savannah’s best networking event benefiting our community and encouraging guests to discover all things local! Read more. |
Wednesday
 Metal Madness at The WormholeInhuman Condition:Death/thrash metal band from Florida featuring former Massacre members Terry Butler (Obituary, Death, Six Feet Under) on bass, Jeramie Kling (Venom Inc, The Absence, Goregäng)… Read more. |
 Jeremy Denk, piano, performs Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier Book 1.The esteemed pianist Jeremy Denk—MacArthur Fellow, writer, and noted musical commentator—performs Book I of Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier, the preludes and fugues that… Read more. |
 Paint & Sip!Join us with some friends, and I’ll teach you how to paint this beautiful painting! There’s room for some creative license if you want to use other colors,… Read more. |
Thursday
 Lawless Ent & Liquid Cafe present: Trippy Thursdays Every 3rd Thursday of the month Hookah & Bottle Service available Ladies FREE with RSVP Read more. |
 Party with the HOTTEST Queens in town!. Bachelorette Birthdays! Read more. |
Friday
 Augusta rockers Public Mind at The WormholePublic Mind is a 3 piece Alternative/indie Rock band out of Augusta, GA. Our influences span many different genres of music, including Punk, Rock,… Read more. |
Saturday
 After an unexpected birth diagnosis of Down syndrome, April must come to terms with her new life and the guilt of her reaction to it.Join us for a beautiful evening… Read more. |
 This event is sold out! To be added to a waiting list in case tickets become available, please contact Smcclelland@savannahcblv.orgWhat happens in the Dark? This unique dining experience will take… Read more. |
 At The Dinner Detective, you’ll tackle a hilarious and challenging crime while you feast on a fantastic dinner. Read more. |
Sunday
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