By Rachel Balderson Over many centuries, lighthouse technology has continuously evolved and improved. Although the earliest known lighthouse dates to the Egyptians in 280 B.C., European style lenses were first invented in 1810 and consisted of thick, poor quality glass that gave the beams of many lighthouses a ‘muddy’ appearance. In 1811, Lecoat de …
Jun 18, 2023
10:00 am — 5:00 pm
Authorized by George Washington and overseen by Alexander Hamilton, the Cape Henry Lighthouse wouldn’t have been possible without the Founding Fathers. Learn more about the Founding Fathers who can put their name on the lighthouse and how their influence changed our history. Dune Talks are available all day and are included in the price of …
May 29, 2023
// no rows foundStanding sentry over the Chesapeake Bay since 1792, Old Cape Henry Lighthouse has witnessed and has played a part in 230 year of military history in Virginia. Join us on May 29th, 2023 in a focused walking tour to learn about the various wars that affected the lighthouse and its operation, as well as the …
Nov 1, 2023 - Dec 6, 2023
// no rows foundExtend some holiday cheer to our troops deployed overseas this season. Card making supplies, including paper, stickers and markers, will be provided by Cape Henry Lighthouse and available in the visitor’s center for use in creating holiday cards. Consider donating a pre-packaged, sealed snack to complete our holiday care package. Donations and cards will be …
Jun 10, 2023
11:00 am — 4:00 pm
Cape Henry hosts our first ever car show! There is fun to be had for everyone! Peruse the collection of antique and show cars, ask questions of their owners and snag a picture. Grab lunch at Marine Canteen LLC Taco Truck. Compete for prizes in the tire toss and hula hoop competition. Vote for your …
May 31, 2023
10:00 am — 2:00 pm
Homeschoolers are invited to Cape Henry Lighthouse for a dedicated opportunity to explore the site on Wednesday, May 31st from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Historic interpreters will provide opportunities for students to climb the Cape Henry tower, enjoy a historic walking tour and more! We will also be offering hands-on activities, crafts, scavenger hunts, …
Oct 28, 2023
10:00 am — 5:00 pm
Join us on First Responder Appreciation Day with free admission for EMS, Firefighters, Police Officers and Nurses. During your visit make a card or a small craft showing thanks for all the hard work our first responders do to be gifted to our Fort Story Emergency Services that day! …
Feb 22, 2023
7:00 pm — 8:00 pm
Join us as we follow the life and time of Willis Augustus Hodges, the Cape Henry Lighthouse’s only African American keeper. An avid abolitionist, Hodges left his mark throughout Virginia and New York in the 1800’s. Examine primary sources and read quotes from his autobiography. Tickets are free but donations are welcome to help us …
Mar 1, 2023
// no rows foundNot just a man’s job! Visit us at Cape Henry Lighthouse in the month of March as we talk about the important women who manned the lighthouse. We will discuss Julia Harding, and Carrie Richardson who played important roles here at Cape Henry as well as other notable woman keepers like Margaret Novell and Ida …
Feb 12, 2023
// no rows foundJoin Cape Henry Lighthouse on February 12th, 2023 in recognizing the birthday of Willis Augustus Hodges (1815-1890). A noted abolitionist, Hodges served as Cape Henry’s only African American lighthouse keeper in 1870! Dive deeper into the history and significance of Hodges’ service both at Cape Henry Lighthouse, as well as an anti-slavery activist, newspaper editor, …
