Thacher Island Association Mission Statement
 
The primary mission of the TIA is to serve as the fund raising arm for the Thacher Island Committee. Being a 501 -3C non-profit organization, TIA is able to raise funds via a number of methods including, sale of Thacher Island related merchandise, grant writing, fund-raisers such as an annual lighthouse cruise, art and photography days, auctions, and membership fees, as well as donations for camping and apartment rental. TIA assists in the historic preservation and operation of the Island and its structures. The ultimate role of TIA is to do everything possible to encourage visitors to enjoy the cultural, historical and scenic benefits, which the Island offers.
Goals include;
• Stimulate interest and visits to the Island .
• Serve as the fund raising arm of the Thacher Island Town Committee.
• Improve and maintain the island structures.
• Improve and maintain the scenic trails, picnic and camping areas.
• Preserve the island’s unique natural and historic attributes.

 
Organization Description and Accomplishments      
           

The Thacher Island Association (TIA) was established in 1981 by the Thacher Island Town Committee (TITC) as a non-profit group dedicated to raising funds for the restoration and on-going maintenance of the Island . The Town of Rockport owns the southern end of the Island and manages it via the TITC and TIA. The northern end is owned by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (U.S.F&WS) and is managed by the Town under an agreement with U.S.F&WS.
Today the TIA boasts a membership of over 750 individuals, families and local businesses.  The Board of Directors is composed of 11 members, 4 of which are officers and meets monthly. A member of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service usually attends. All members are volunteers. A newsletter is sent to members 2 times a year and a web site has been created and receives on average over 2000 “hits” per month.
 
The Association has spearheaded major capital improvement projects over the years. One was designing, building and financing a special launch to be used to land on the boat ramp and ferry workers and visitors to the Island . There can be no dock because of high seas in the landing area.
 
A second was the restoration and re-lighting of the North tower with funds raised by TIA and U.S. Fish & Wild Life Service.
 
TIA has raised funds to rebuild the boat ramp in 1999. The Island has been closed off and on since 1991 when the boat ramp was lost in the “no-name” storm. Working with Representative John Tierney’s office we were able to have appropriated $250,000 to the U.S. Coast Guard budget in order for them to reconstruct the ramp. (The Coast Guard owned the southern end of the Island until they turned it over to the Town of Rockport in July of 2001.) Since 1994 the TIA has raised an additional $130,000 via fund- raisers, merchandise sales, auctions, donations and memberships to complete the ramp.  In addition TIA forms weekly volunteer work crews to clear trails, mow lawns and repair the various structures. In the past two years volunteers have provided over 2000 man-hours of labor to the Island .
 
In 2001 we were able to reopen the Island to the public for the first time since 1995. We have installed full-time volunteer keepers who live on the Island from June to October who supervise the Island , welcome visitors and provide interpretive explanations to guests. We are able to provide transportation to the public on Wednesday and Saturday mornings throughout the summer months. Kayakers and boaters are encouraged to visit on their own. We have installed moorings for boaters to use during their visits. A camp-site is available to the general public by reservation.
 
In 2003 TIA completed the restoration of the brick Assistant keeper’s dwelling including the re-roofing, repainting, and total refurbishment of the interior and the addition of new furniture, bedding and storm windows. This total project cost in excess of $70,000 partially assisted by grant awards from Essex National Heritage Commission, Essex County Community Foundation, and The Boston Foundation among others. Completion of this project allowed us to have a very successful first year in renting the apartment of the brick keeper’s house.

In 2007 the Principal Keeper House was restored to it 1874 condition at a cost of $350,000 with grants from the Massachusetts Historic Commission, Lynch Foundation, Essex National Heritage Commission and the Rockport Community Preservation Commission among others.

The Island , known as the Cape Ann Light Station on Thacher Island , was declared a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service in January of 2001. Only 2500 sites are currently designated as NHL’s putting Thacher Island in a very special category as historically significant to the growth of our nation.