Visiting Sandy Hook

Point of Clarification

In recent months questions have been asked about what The Sandy Hook Foundation does and what our position is about the restoration of Fort Hancock. 

We are the only authorized friends group of the National Park Service at Sandy Hook. We are a fifteen year-old, not-for-profit, non-political organization that raises money to support programs and projects that the federal government does not adequately fund. We also act as a catalyst to involve the community in enjoying Sandy Hook and in its protection for future generations. Recent activities have included our involvement in the Shorebird Protection Program and the Habitat Restoration Program, the restoration of the Lighthouse Keeper’s Quarters, the opening of the Multi-Use Path, the sponsorship of summer interns, and the presentation of a free summer beach concert series.   

We have no financial involvement in the Sandy Hook Partners project at Fort Hancock, a separate agreement with the National Park Service to restore National Historic Landmark designated buildings, nor are we affiliated with Save Sandy Hook, a group formed two years ago to oppose the agreement.   

We understand that the National Park Service is bound by Congress to preserve Fort Hancock, a National Historic Landmark, and are also aware that President Bush and his predecessors Clinton, Bush, Reagan and Carter, have supported the concept of public/private partnerships to preserve National Park Service properties.   

We have yet to hear of an alternative comprehensive proposal to preserve Fort Hancock.  

Because of the critical condition of the buildings, and, therefore, time being of the essence, and with a lack of a comprehensive alternative proposal, The Sandy Hook Foundation decided to support the agreement reached between the National Park Service and Sandy Hook Partners.