Spend time at Cape Henry Lighthouse on June 15 taking a deep dive into the history of the War of 1812, also known as “The Forgotten War.” You’ll have a chance to engage with our historic interpreters on the events of the War of 1812 and learn about what occurred after the arrival of British …

Prior to the English arrival at Cape Henry in 1607, there were at least two Chesapeake Bay towns surrounded by wooden walls (palisades) and populated by Native Americans. The main towns were Chesepioc (at modern Great Neck) and Skicoak (on the modern Elizabeth River). The Chesapeake tribe was conquered by the Powhatan in 1607. Their …

The Battle of the Capes was the largest and most decisive naval battle during the Revolutionary War. It happened in the Chesapeake Bay between two capes: Cape Charles and Cape Henry. Visit Cape Henry Lighthouse September 7 to learn about the importance of this battle, what went wrong for the British and how it ultimately …

A lighthouse at Cape Henry was necessary long before one was actually built. The Chesapeake Bay is the northern most point of the Grave Yard of the Atlantic and dangerous to navigate. During the colonial period, merchants and sailors were fearful to travel the bay during the night or storms. In order for our iconic …

Spend time with mom this Mother’s Day while making a beautiful piece of Cape Henry Lighthouse jewelry. Get tickets for our jewelry making workshop on top of the newly restored dune May 12 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. to learn how to make one of the Cape Henry Lighthouse charm bracelets pictured below. Afterward, …

For Preservation Month this May, Cape Henry Lighthouse interpreters will discuss the dune restoration project with guests, including: The story of drifting sands since 1792. Why the restoration project was necessary. The goals and end product of the restoration. Come learn all the facts from our staff and see before and after pictures! …

Visit Cape Henry Lighthouse April 26 for First Landing Day. Our historic interpreters will be hosting walking tours and dune talks focused on the 1607 arrival of English settlers to Cape Henry. Be sure to also stop by the Cape Henry Memorial, a part of the Colonial National Historical Park, to speak with a National …

You can join the global Earth Day movement early by visiting Cape Henry Lighthouse April 20 to learn how to make a positive impact on your environment and the planet every day. Earth Day is April 22 and this year’s theme is “Protect Our Species.” At the lighthouse you can learn about ocean life in …

Enjoy a craft beer this Preservation Month during one of three Pints for Preservation happy hour events taking place in Virginia Beach. Proceeds from each event will go towards the ongoing restoration needs of the old Cape Henry Lighthouse. Preservation Virginia and the Virginia Beach Historic Preservation Commission are partnering with the following local craft …

Celebrate the reopening of the Cape Henry Lighthouse tower and completion of the dune restoration project with us on May 4. Bring your friends and family to the lighthouse for a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:00 a.m. with officials from the City of Virginia Beach and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story as well as …