About this Artifact

Shining a light on the rich maritime history of the House of Refuge!

In October 1904, a fierce hurricane battered the Florida coast and caused two shipwrecks within 24 hours near Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge. Among these was the Cosme Colzado, a Spanish ship that met a tragic fate amidst the stormy seas. The ship’s crew of sixteen faced tremendous peril, with one life lost and nine others suffering injuries. Amidst the chaos, Keeper Rea provided sanctuary to the beleaguered sailors, offering them refuge at the House of Refuge.

Remarkably, during the aftermath of the shipwreck, these exquisite lamps were salvaged from the wreck of the Cosme Colzado. Each lamp stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the compassionate aid provided by Keeper Rea. These artifacts not only illuminate our physical spaces but also shine a light on the rich maritime history that the House of Refuge continues to preserve.