Reviewed by Barbara Lemos

McAllie Givens, Old Baldy Foundation, portraying Rebecca Long

Keeping Bald Head Island Lighthouse illuminated was a full-time operation, vital to the Port of Wilmington and Cape Fear River maritime interests. In 1795, Henry Long was appointed lighthouse keeper, the first in North Carolina. The year-round effort of hauling whale oil to the top of the light house, keeping the light burning, and cleaning the significant accumulation of greasy, malodorous grime fell to Henry, with the unofficial assistance of his wife Rebecca, several slaves, and an indentured servant.

This arrangement was successful until 1806, when Henry and Rebecca’s son-in-law Joseph Swain who was staying with them on Bald Head Island set out on a hunting excursion. Henry later set out on his own in the opposite direction. Joseph, hearing a noise, fired his gun, hitting Henry with a fatal shot. Whether accidental or intentional we will never know, but the net effect was that Rebecca was now in charge of lighthouse operations until a replacement keeper could be put in place.

No stranger to the task, Rebecca performed admirably, so much so that many in Wilmington wrote to President Thomas Jefferson recommending her as Henry’s replacement. Fearing that the world was not quite open-minded enough to welcome a female lighthouse keeper, Jefferson awarded the post to Sedgwick Springs and the rest, as they say, was history.

Rebecca eventually moved to Smithville, where she remained a respected member of society recognized for her heroic efforts. Today, 37 Zoom participants were joined by folks watching on Facebook Live for a compelling retrospective on Rebecca’s life, reenacted by McAllie Givens of the Old Baldy Foundation (www.oldbaldy.org) assisted by her colleague Travis Gilbert. Through their efforts, Rebecca Long’s light continues to shine centuries later.

Watch the entire presentation here.

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