Historic lighthouses get fresh coats of paint

Both of the historic lighthouses off the coast of Cape Henlopen State Park near Lewes are getting makeovers.

Volunteers from the Delaware River and Bay Lighthouse Foundation have been busy repainting the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse (white) on the outer Delaware Breakwater while a Delaware Division of Cultural Affairs contractor is repainting and making repairs to the exterior of the Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse (red) on the inner breakwater.

The 76-foot Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse, which runs by automation, has been in operation since 1926. The 56-foot East End Light, decommissioned in 1996, started operation in 1885.