A lasting commitment
The Harbour Town Lighthouse was constructed between 1969 and 1970 by William and John Whalley. Financed by developer Charles Fraser, the lighthouse initially was mocked by some residents as “Fraser’s Folly.” Fraser, however, envisioned it as a symbol of community identity and a tribute to the history of Hilton Head Island.
In 1994, curators Mark King and Nadia Wagner added a gift shop. In 2001, Wagner and King partnered with local historian Porter Thompson to expand Fraser’s original vision into a historical museum. Thompson conceived the idea of an ascending timeline staircase that would guide visitors through the island’s history — from the Paleo tribes and Gullah culture to the Civil War, the Fraser family, and the development of The Sea Pines Resort and the RBC Heritage.
Recognizing Hilton Head’s deep maritime heritage, King and Wagner believed the U.S. Coast Guard should have a place within the museum. Ron and Jack Winarchick, both members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, [COA] helped bring that vision to life in 2012 when they invited Wagner to speak at an Auxiliary meeting. The response led to to a permanent Coast Guard exhibit.
In 2015, COA member John Handfield assumed a leading role in expanding the exhibit, assisted by Bob Woodrum. Handfield contacted U.S. Coast Guard Station Tybee and Coast Guard Air Station Savannah in search of historical artifacts. His secured a substantial collection of memorabilia for the museum.
The exhibit’s centerpiece became a 16-foot replica of the USCGC Eagle, the Coast Guard Academy’s famous tall ship. Originally constructed in 1988 by two pilots from Coast Guard Air Station Savannah, the replica required extensive restoration before being carefully maneuvered into the lighthouse. Officially dedicated March 24, 2019, its installation completed the Coast Guard exhibit.
Handfield also envisioned a Coast Guard Appreciation Day to accompany the exhibit. With support from Rob Bender of The Sea Pines Resort, the event became part of Harbour Town Spring Fest. The celebration expanded in 2022 when COA member Brian Hand, assisted by Barry Woods, organized a larger active-duty and Auxiliary presence.
The enhanced event transformed into a public showcase of Coast Guard operations and service. Featured assets included the 87-foot USCGC Ibis, 45-foot and 29-foot response boats, an Auxiliary surface facility, an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, and an HC-130 Hercules aircraft. A live search-and-rescue demonstration became one of the event’s highlights.
After seven years, COA members Robert and Susan Moore, along with Wagner, recognized that the replica Eagle’s sails and rigging had become worn. Husband-and-wife seamstress team Barbara and Al Breininger agreed to take on the project. The work required more than 80 hours to complete.
Upon finishing, the Breiningers delivered the newly crafted sails and rigging and assisted with their installation.They declined compensation, stating it was an honor to contribute to the Coast Guard’s legacy. Their generosity and craftsmanship inspired a rededication of the Eagle, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Brian Hand PFC FSOPA Flotilla 10-11 South East District is a volunteer members with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary.
