Beacons of the Delaware

For Lilac’s 90th birthday in 2023, we launched new on-board exhibits about our ship’s history and restoration. We will continue to add to these displays in coming years.

New in 2024 we are screening one of our veteran interviews in the Main Gallery/CPO Mess. You can also hear Steve Vani remember his days as a Lilac seaman on our YouTube channel.

Also on display is an exhibit highlighting the lighthouses and lightship tended by Lilac. After opening at the National Lighthouse Museum in late 2023, it is now on display onboard in the Petty Officers’ Quarters.

Lilac crew filling water and fuel tanks at Ship John Shoal light in 1970. Michael Rankin Collection, Lilac Preservation Project.