Why is National Lighthouse Day celebrated every August 7th? The Lighthouse Act of 1789 was approved by the new United States government. This act established that a lighthouse would be built at Cape Henry and was signed into law by President George Washington. (Check out the copy in our museum shop!) Learn the history of …

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 a Cape Henry Lighthouse charm bracelet. Afterward, each guest is welcome …

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 …