Who We Are: Old Baldy Foundation

Old Baldy was listed on National Register of Historic Places in 1975. In 1985 a group of dedicated individuals founded the Old Baldy Foundation, a public not-for-profit 501-c3 organization dedicated to the maintenance and preservation of Old Baldy Lighthouse. The Old Baldy Foundation is governed by a nine member board of directors and managed by an executive director. The lighthouse and property on which Old Baldy stands and the current Smith Island Museum were deeded over to the Old Baldy Foundation by the Mitchell Family in 1987.

For years visitors to Old Baldy could climb literally “at their own risk”. In 1991 the Old Baldy Foundation launched a campaign, “Steps to the Top”, to repair the steps to the top of the lighthouse. Between 1991 and 1995 Old Baldy Foundation raised over $125,000 for renovation efforts.

In 1997 plans were developed to recreate one of the three keepers’ cottages that stood on the site. The Old Baldy Foundation undertook a loan to finance the building of this one and a half story building. It now holds a small gift shop, museum exhibits and office space for staff. In 2000, upon opening this museum and gift shop the Old Baldy Foundation started to charge a $3/person fee to see the museum and climb Old Baldy. Over the past eight years those fees, and the proceeds from the gift shop, have been set aside for maintenance and long term preservation work.

Some Activities and Programs

Community Events: We offer our grounds free of charge for the community including an Easter Sunrise Service and a Memorial Day Service.

Weddings Brides and grooms may rent the lighthouse grounds for a wedding or reception. These events are planned by wedding planners or BHI Hospitality staff. OBF does not provide tables, chairs or any other equipment. Cost to use the grounds is $500/event.

School Groups We welcome large school groups to Old Baldy and have hosted several groups of over 100 participants. These events require extra volunteer help and organization. Generally we close the lighthouse to other visitors as we can not accommodate them and the large number of children. We provide activities for the children while they wait their turn to climb the lighthouse. It takes us close to 3 hours to accommodate 100 participants.

Lighthouse Learners This is a special school program for Southport Elementary School 4^th grade students. Each year we work to find the funds to bring these school children to the lighthouse. All 4^th grade students in North Carolina study North Carolina history including lighthouses. This program makes the Old Baldy Lighthouse accessible to students in our community who otherwise may never see the lighthouse right in their own back yard.

Donate to Old Baldy

Send your tax deductable donations to:
Old Baldy Foundation
P.O. Box 3007
Bald Head Island, NC 28461