The Exhibit Refurbishment Project
Introducing the new Exhibit!
In 2018, The Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers were awarded a grant from the Avila Beach Community Foundation to refurbish our aging exhibits. The new exhibit project is a comprehensive collection of new signage, including a new entrance sign at the Lighthouse. The exhibit now encompasses the complete history of Avila Beach and the Point San Luis Lighthouse; from the Chumash, to the Spanish and Mexican eras and into the creation of the piers in Avila. Many pioneers are discussed, including John Harford the pier builder, Ah Louis the Chinese businessman and labor broker, and Luigi Marre the hotel owner. Point SLO history through the Lighthouse Society years to the Coast Guard era is also mentioned. The exhibit also focuses on the restoration of the historic site which began in the early 1990s.
Our trypot is also restored by hand and is on display with signage that depicts the whaling station that used to be in Whaler's Cove back in the 1860s-1890s.
The Point SLO Lighthouse Keepers thank the Avila Beach Community Foundation and the many smaller donors for their generous assistance in helping us to create these wonderful new displays.
The exhibit is open!
Project work Included:
Installation of protective UV film on the windows of the Fog Signal Building to filter harmful rays and protect the new signage from fading.
Installation of blinds on all windows in the Fog Signal Building for further protection when tours are not ongoing.
Design and installation of a over 40 new signs as part of the exhibit.
Design and installation of the new sign and map at the entrance to the Light Station.
Construction of the faux "tryworks" around the historic trypot, along with the restoration of the trypot.
Installation of signage on the trypot discussing the shore whaling station that existed in Avila Beach.
The final part of the new exhibit is the completion of the short film on the Coast Guard era at the station. This film will be ready for viewing by 2020.
