Tuesday, August 7, 2018

National Lighthouse Day – 350th Anniversary Celebration

This year’s annual celebration of National Lighthouse Day is part of the 350th Anniversary of Chowan County, observances will be held at the historic 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse, here on the waterfront in Edenton. We invite you to celebrate with us and explore how the Riverlights kept those traveling by water safe. We will have the lighthouse open free to visitors 9:30 am until 5 pm. Special hands-on activities, games (bubbles, sidewalk chalk, face-painting) and chilled watermelon slices are offered.

Built in 1886, the fully restored Roanoke River Lighthouse now stands proudly in the harbor at Edenton, NC. The lighthouse first served as a guide for ships navigating the waters of the Albemarle Sound into the Roanoke River, and then, after being decommissioned in 1941, was moved by barge across the sound to private land, where it ultimately deteriorated as a neglected residence.

National Lighthouse Day, an annual commemoration of the anniversary of the federal lighthouse establishment and a day to celebrate lighthouses and the commitment and service of those who tended America’s lights for generations.

For the bicentennial of the U.S. Lighthouse Service in 1989, the Society petitioned Congress to declare National Lighthouse Day on August 7, the date in 1789 that the Ninth Act of the First Congress, establishing federal control of lighthouses, was passed and signed by President George Washington. Sen. John H. Chaffee of Rhode Island sponsored the joint resolution, which was championed in the House by Rep. William J. Hughes of New Jersey, and the measure was signed by President Ronald Reagan as Public Law 100-622 on Nov. 5, 1988.

All lighthouse organizations across the country are encouraged to celebrate each August 7 as National Lighthouse Day.

9:30 am – 5 pm

Colonial Park – South Broad and West Water Streets

252-482-2637

info@ncdcr.gov

www.edentonlighthouse.org