09/22/2026
Chatham Light has watched over the waters of Chatham since 1877, becoming one of the most recognizable symbols of our town. This watercolor by Kate Merrick captures the timeless character of the lighthouse and the coastline it has guided for generations.
This summer, the U.S. Coast Guard replaced Chatham Light’s longtime rotating beacon with a new LED light. Since then, local mariners and residents have raised concerns about changes to the light’s visibility and its familiar sweep across the water. The Town of Chatham has requested a collaborative review with the Coast Guard to look at the light’s nearshore and offshore performance and possible solutions.
As this conversation continues, we’re reminded of just how much meaning this lighthouse holds for our community—not only as a navigational aid, but as a piece of Chatham’s history and identity.
Kate Merrick’s watercolor of Chatham Lighthouse is currently available at Artnova Gallery. Stop in to see it in person and take home a piece of one of Cape Cod’s most iconic landmarks.