The Gay Head Cliffs in the town of Aquinnah on Martha's Vineyard are so spectacular that they make it to the bucket list. The popularity of the colorful cliffs and the Gay Head Lighthouse is nothing new. According to a newspaper article, Charles Vanderhoop, a light keeper, retired on disability due to "visitor-itis!"
Charles Vanderhoop, a member of the Wampanoag tribe, served as assistant light keeper at Sankaty Lighthouse 1912-13 and Gay Head from 1913-19. In 1919 Vanderhoop served at Sankaty Lighthouse on Nantucket. He returned in 1920 as the head light keeper of Gay Head. Three thousand Wampanoag lived on Martha’s Vineyard in the 17th century. In 1620, the Wampanoag taught the pilgrims how to grow food, catch and process fish. They helped the Pilgrims survive their first winters. Indigenous Heritage Month is a celebration of the contributions and achievements of the people of Indigenous descent and Native Americans.
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AuthorWhen I am not traveling to or painting lighthouses, I am writing or researching lighthouses. Archives
December 2022
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