Did you know that the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse celebrates its 150^th birthday this year?!! Join Annapolis sailor and author David Gendell as he unpacks the story of this beloved screwpile-style lighthouse which has been remarkably preserved. David wrote the first and only book specifically devoted to the lighthouse. His presentation is packed with images, maps, and history, including a 2020 lighthouse visit with Jimmy Buffett! David’s stories are spellbinding, and will both educate and amuse listeners. You’ll find yourself repeating a few stories yourself the next time you pass this legendary beacon on the Chesapeake Bay.

Note: CAPCA members will have an opportunity to visit the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse this summer, on a docent-led private tour arranged just for CAPCA members. Stay tuned for the date.

David's book Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse: A Chesapeake Bay Icon, was published in 2020 and is widely available. His book The Last Days of the Schooner AMERICA was published in August 2025. David is a licensed captain and first earned a 25-ton Inland operator license at age 19. He currently holds a 50-ton Near Coastal license, with Sail endorsement. 

David Gendell is a lifelong Annapolis sailor and licensed captain. He is the co-founder of SPINSHEET Magazine (1995) and PROPTALK Magazine (2005). He served as SPINSHEET's editor for 12 years. He is the author of "Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse: A Chesapeake Bay Icon" (2020), the first and only book devoted to the 1875 landmark lighthouse. He is the author of  "The Last Days of the Schooner AMERICA" (2024) and the forthcoming "Battles at Annapolis" (August 2025) which focuses on two Army-Navy football games played at the United States Naval Academy. David first earned a 25-ton Inland license at age 19 and currently holds a 50-ton Near Coastal license, with Sail endorsement.