Next Thursday, August 7, is National Lighthouse Day. The National Park Service is celebrating at Cape Hatteras National Seashore with a number of special programs.

Lighthouse Day is an observance of the day the Federal Government became involved in the construction, maintenance and repair of these special structures with the Lighthouse Act August 7, 1789.

The Cape Hatteras National Park Services describes:

Lighthouses, whose solitary beacons have guided countless ships through perils of fog and darkness, are a cherished part of our Nation’s heritage. Often isolated and repeatedly tested by the ravages of storm and sea, lighthouses are monuments to the courage and determination of the people who built them and the keepers who have maintained them.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore protects and preserves three lighthouses: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Bodie Island Lighthouse, and Ocracoke Lighthouse.

You’re invited to take part in special Lighthouse Day programs including:

August 7, 1 pm & 4 pm – The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse–Why is it Here: Have you ever wondered why this lighthouse was built on a remote barrier island? Learn about the storied history of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and its purpose. Meet at the Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion. (20 mins)

August 6, 5 pm – The Oldest Lighthouse: The Ocracoke Lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in North Carolina. Learn how this tower is truly part of the Ocracoke community and get a peek inside the base of the tower. Meet at the Ocracoke Lighthouse. Parking is very limited. We recommend that you walk, bike, or be dropped off. (30 mins)

August 7, 3 pm – A Link in the Chain: While the Bodie Island Lighthouse stands alone, it serves as a link in the chain of a network of lighthouses on the east coast. Learn more about the U.S. Lighthouse Service and of what life was like for the Bodie Island Lighthouse keepers and their families. Meet on the front porch of the Bodie Island Visitor Center. (30 mins)

All programs are free and open to all.

Related Posts

Short Stays Make Hatteras Island Vacations Flexible

Vacation rental homes on the  Outer Banks  are known to be rented by the week, but did you know that most of our 450+ homes are available for partial week reservations?   Have you ever felt like you need a vacation  but just can’t stay for an entire week,  or that one week just isn’t enough? We know how important […]

Cape Hatteras Named Best Beach

How can one beach consistently be at the top of the best family beaches lists? 70 miles of pristine coastline, uncrowded beaches, clean surf and quaint village charm are what keep Hatteras Island coming out on top. Here are a few of 2016’s recent mentions: Cape Hatteras specifically was named one of the 10 best […]

8 Reasons to Love Fall on Hatteras Island

Some places it’s the turning color of the leaves, or the start of football season. On Hatteras Island fall is marked by cooler comfortable  evenings  and warm golden  light. The waters’ warmth lasts into October, the pace slows down a bit after the full swing of summer.  Residents and visitors take a deep breath and pause to  enjoy what for […]