Built in 1938 for the U.S. Lighthouse Service, the LV-118 was decommissioned by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1972 and has been in Lewes, Delaware since 1973. LV-118, renamed Overfalls in honor of the Overfalls Shoals lightship station located nearby and the American lightship sailors that served there, is now preserved, maintained and operated by a dedicated team of volunteers.

Come visit our facilities and learn the story of how the ship went from near ruin to becoming a National Historic Landmark worthy of ship tours and public events. You will hear about the roles lightships played in American history and see what life aboard a lightship was like. We’ll introduce you to the Delaware Maritime Hall of Fame, explain what a Monomoy is and show you several life-size aids to navigation.

Don’t forget to visit the Ship Store and American Lightship Museum where you can learn more about the history of lightships and purchase ship related clothing, jewelry, original artwork, books, maps, and other items.