CAPE HENRY LIGHTHOUSE TO HOST NATIONAL LIGHTHOUSE DAY EVENT
For immediate release
For more information, contact:
Rachel Balderson, rbalderson@preservationvirginia.org
(757) 422-9421
CAPE HENRY LIGHTHOUSE TO HOST NATIONAL LIGHTHOUSE DAY EVENT
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Thursday, July 16th, 2026) – On August 7, 1789, the bill authorizing the construction of Old Cape Henry Lighthouse was signed into law. Included on the City of Virginia Beach seal and operated by the nonprofit Preservation Virginia, Old Cape Henry Lighthouse is offering a day of special programming to celebrate “National Lighthouse Day.”
On Friday, August 7th, 2026, from 10AM-5PM, guests can access both the Old and New Cape Henry Lighthouses, a rare opportunity as the “new” lighthouse built in 1881 is still in active service. Families can enjoy crafts and activities while learning about maritime life from local museums. Food will be available for purchase from Miami Fusion and La Cocina D’Tula, and other local vendors will be on site. Tickets for this event are $10 for adults, $5 for children aged 7-18, and free for children under 6. This year, advance ticket purchase is required.
Both Cape Henry Lighthouses are situated on an active military base, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. Guests must submit and pass a background check and reserve their tickets prior to the event. No foreign nationals are allowed on base. Parking will be located at the Virginia Beach Sports Center located at 1045 19th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. A shuttle system allows visitors to travel to and from the base security gate and to the location of the lighthouses. In order to attend this event, all guests over the age of 18 must present a valid REAL ID. Guidelines for visitation and tickets can be found at capehenrylighthouse.org.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Fort Story to reopen our site Old Cape Henry Lighthouse and host National Lighthouse Day,” said Will Glasco, Preservation Virginia CEO. “If you’ve never seen the lighthouses before, this event is the perfect opportunity to explore and enjoy all that historic Cape Henry has to offer.”
The Old Cape Henry Lighthouse, the first federally-funded project of the U.S. government, was authorized by George Washington and overseen by Alexander Hamilton. The lighthouses are located near the “First Landing” site of early English settlers headed to Jamestown. Built with Aquia sandstone like much of Washington, D.C., the lighthouse safely guided sea travelers for almost 100 years before the new lighthouse was constructed.
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About Preservation Virginia
Preservation Virginia is a private, nonprofit organization seeking to inspire and engage the public in fostering, supporting and sustaining Virginia’s historic places through leadership in advocacy, education, revitalization and stewardship. The organization operates six historic sites open to the public: Bacon’s Castle, the John Marshall House, Cape Henry Lighthouse, Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown, Historic Jamestowne and Smith’s Fort; while being the statewide voice for historic preservation issues. Learn more at www.preservationvirginia.org.