Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
Hatteras Village
The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is a public, non-profit, educational institution dedicated to the preservation, advancement, and presentation of maritime history and shipwrecks of the North Carolina Outer banks from the earliest periods of exploration, through colonization, to the present day with particular emphasis on the periods from 1524 to 1945. The museum preserves, researches, exhibits, and interprets its collections of artifacts and other items for the benefit of the general public and specialized audiences. The museum seeks to inspire appreciation, encourage discovery, and promote an active, responsible understanding of the maritime heritage of the Outer Banks in relation to local history, US history, and the broader history of seafaring. ## A unique museum dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich maritime history of the Outer Banks and the 1,000 known shipwrecks that rest off this coast. Interior construction continues behind the scenes while a section of the Museum is open and a portion of its collections is on display. These include artifacts from diverse sources: The Huron, the Cibao, the captain's desk and ship's bell from the ghostship, the Carroll A. Deering , the wheel from the John Duke , assorted beach ''finds and salvaged cargo, medals from the King of Norway and special exhibit of General Billy Mitchell on Hatteras Island. ## Civil War: describe the Civil War events at or near the site including the capture of Forts Hatteras and Clark in 1861, the sinking of the USS Monitor in 1862 and other wartime shipwrecks in the area graveyardoftheatlantic.com
Jockey's Ridge State Park
Nags Head
Rising 110 feet, Jockey's Ridge is the tallest active sand dune on the east coast. Hiking, hang gliding, kite flying and sunset watching over Roanoke Sound. Facilities include picnic area, museum and auditorium.
Jockey's Ridge is the tallest natural sand dune system in the eastern United States. It is an example of a medano-a huge hill of shifting sand that lacks vegetation. Long before the first European settlers, the Algonquian Indians inhabited the Outer Banks. Following its sighting by Spanish and French explorers, the ridge became an important landmark for mariners. Jockey's Ridge, which was in danger of being compromised by commercial development, was declared a National Natural Landmark in 1974 and became a State Park in 1975. Visitors to this park can enjoy nature trails, educational programs, a museum that interprets the natural and cultural history of the site, and recreational activities including hang gliding. Jockey's Ridge
The Lords Proprietors
King Charles II made 8 loyal supporters Proprietors of his new colony, Carolina, which reached from the southern boundary of Virginia to the northern boundary of the Spanish colony of Florida. The western boundary of Carolina was to be the "South Seas."
The Lost Colony
Manteo
Waterside Theater has been the home of Paul Green's THE LOST COLONY since its inception in 1937. As the oldest outdoor symphonic dramas in America, THE LOST COLONY portrays the fascinating story of 117 men, women and children as they attempt to make a new home in an untamed land, then disappear without a trace. THE LOST COLONY has remained one of history's greatest mysteries for more than 400 years. Director Drew Scott Harris has woven Paul Green's dream into a tapestry of Elizabethan England and the world the colonists found on Roanoke Island. The classic love story - transcending English social boundaries - is at the center of Paul Green's American epic. Clashes with Indians, overcoming adversity, and the ability to still find humor in everyday life keep audiences - young and old - captivated. Lost Colony
North Carolina Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island
Manteo
The North Carolina Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island, located in the historic George Washington Creef Boathouse is a working boat shop where volunteers and staff take on projects including small craft restoration, exhibit design, and new boat construction. The shop has restored several traditional sailing watercraft that, in season, grace the waters of Shallowbag Bay in front of the museum. The Boathouse namesake, George Washington Creef, was a local builder who developed a unique style of workboat called a Shad boat for the surrounding waters of the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds. The Shad boat is designated as the State Boat of North Carolina. The museum exhibits a number of small watercraft representing the region's maritime history - an 1883 Creef Shad boat, spritsail skiffs, and a 1948 Davis Runabout - and offers a variety of educational programs. NCDCR
Outer Banks History Center
Manteo
In July 1986 Outer Banks historian and businessman David Stick donated his personal library, an extensive private collection of North Caroliniana, to the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources. Utilizing this core collection, the department built a unique, regional research facility in Manteo-the Outer Banks History Center or OBHC. Although the holdings of the OBHC are a preeminent source of information about the Outer Banks, they also address many historical, cultural, economic, governmental, and scientific topics pertaining to North Carolina and to neighboring states. Outer Banks History Center
Outer Banks Center for Wildllife Education
Corolla
Life by Water's Rhythms , is the theme of this educational facility dedicated to exploring coastal North Carolina s wildlife, natural history and cultural heritage. Located in Corolla,at Currituck Heritage Park between the Currituck Beach Lighthouse and the Whalehead Club. The center offers both indoor and outdoor classes and attractions. Admission and all classes are free. Registration is required. Outer Banks Center for Wildllife Education (also see NCWildlife main site)
Ocracoke Lighthouse
Ocracoke Island
The Ocracoke Lighthouse is a 75-foot sturdy, whitewashed tower built of brick with a concrete veneer exterior. The walls of the lighthouse are five feet thick at the base. Work on the lighthouse was actually completed in 1823. The total cost for the lighthouse and other buildings around its base was less than $12,000.00. For more than 175 years, its beacon has shown out across this remote island and across the treacherous waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It has braved countless storms and weathered many hardships. Its bright light is visible 14 miles at sea. It has led generations of sailors home and has become a symbol of the independent islanders who have made Ocracoke their home for more than 200 years. The interior of the lighthouse is not open to the public but wonderful photo opportunities are available on the grounds. Historic Ocracoke is on the Historic Albemarle Tour. The lighthouse is also one of 10 historic sites on the Hyde County Talking Houses and Historic Places driving tour. These sites are equipped with am radio transmitters which you can tune to from the convenience of your car to learn the history of the area. Ocracoke Light
Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum - Historic Ocracoke
Ocracoke Island
Many threads of history have been woven together into the fabric of life of this small barrier island community. Over 200 homes and buildings make up the historic district and have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Ocracoke Lighthouse, built in 1823, is the oldest continuously operating light on the eastern seaboard. The Union Jack proudly flies over the British Cemetery where sailors from World War II rest in peace. Native islanders speak in what is called the Ocracoke brogue, a rich dialect derived from the early Scots-Irish settlers who colonized much of the Eastern seaboard during the 18th century. Their unique speech is only part of the magic of this special island. With the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum as your starting point, whether you stroll down a sandy, tree-shaded lane, relax on an isolated bit of beach, or visit one of many fine shops or restaurants your experience will be memorial. Historic Ocracoke is on the Historic Albemarle Tour. ## The Ocracoke Preservation Society rescued a 100 year-old house which was threatened by new construction in the area. Ocracoke author and historian Ellen Fulcher Cloud worked with the developers, the National Park Service, and a legion of local volunteers to relocate and restore the two-story structure built by David Williams, the first keeper of the Ocracoke lifesaving Station. The building now houses the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum and The Museum Store, offering visitors a glimpse of what life was like in earlier times through displays, artifacts, and historic photographs. The Preservation Society offices, the museum and the Museum Store are open to the public from Easter to Thanksgiving, and by appointment during the remaining portion of the year. ## The Ocracoke Preservation Society is a nonprofit, community-based organization dedicated to the preservation of Ocracoke Island's rich historical, cultural, and environmental heritage. The David Williams House was built around the year 1900. Its first occupant David Williams was the first captain of the Coast Guard Life-Saving Station of Ocracoke. The house is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In 1989, it was moved to its present location on National Park Service property to prevent its demolition and was subsequently restored. The ground floor rooms have been converted to a museum. The second floor contains a research library and administrative offices. In midsummer, talks about local historic subjects are given on the back porch. ocracokemuseum.org
Roanoke Adventure Museum
Manteo
Want to dress up in a suit of armor or Native American garb? Family adventure begins in The Rogues Gallery located in the huge Roanoke Adventure Museum where you can explore daily life in the early colonial English settlements.
Roanoke Adventure Museum
Roanoke Island Festival Park
Manteo
Homeport of Elizabeth II, a 16th century representative sailing vessel. Experience a working Settlement Site, Adventure Museum with 400 years of Outer Banks history, Art Gallery, Museum Store, performing arts, summer children's series and boardwalks through natural marshes. ••• Roanoke Island Fesitival Park, a 27-acre North Carolina State Site and cultural center, is a celebration of history, education and the arts. Step aboard the Elizabeth II, a representative 16th century sailing vessel with garbed interpreters. Visit with soldiers in the Settlement Site. The Roanoke Adventure Museum explores 400 years of Outer Bank history. Learn how the arrival of the English Colonists changed the lives of the Native American inhabitants forever by watching the 50 minute docudrama, The Legend of Two-Path. View a new artist each month in The Art Gallery. Visit the Museum Store, which is overflowing with unique gifts inspired by the English whose first attempts at colonization in the New World were on Roanoke Island. Stroll our boardwalks, through natural marshes, and get up close to nature and observe its hidden pristine beauty and quiet surroundings. The North Carolina Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island, just a block away, features a working boathouse and the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse. The screw-pile light is a reproduction of one that stood near the site. A permanent display is provided on the history of the light. ••• Civil War: museum includes a very good Civil War display with maps, artifacts and some interesting stories about the February 1862 battle for the island and other war-time events in the area. Roanoke Island Festival Park
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Kill Devil Hills
Site of the world's first controlled powered flights by the Wright Brothers on December 17, 1903. Museum exhibits, reproduction of the 1903 airplane and 1902 glider. Monument to the Wright Brothers, reproduction of living quarters and hangar. First flight grounds. Wright Brothers National Memorial recreation.gov
Whalehead Club Currituck County Museum
Corolla
The Whalehead Club, located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, was the private residence of Mr. & Mrs. E.C. Knight, Jr. of Philadelphia. Originally named Corolla Island, the Knight's built this substantial house between the years 1922 and 1925 as an exclusive hunting lodge and winter home. Art nouveau architecture, mahogany woodwork, Tiffany lighting fixtures, corduroy walls and cork flooring contribute to its unique style. ## Built in the 1920s, this restored hunt club is known as the ''Crown Jewel of the Outer Banks.'' On 28.5 acres, the first home on the Outer Banks to have an elevator, swimming pool, and basement. Open for tours daily May through October. Admission fee. Listed on the national Register of Historic Places. Whalehead Club
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