Cape Henry Lighthouse to Host National Lighthouse Day Event
Special offerings include a chance to climb the “New” Cape Henry Lighthouse, local food trucks, vendors and family-friendly activities.
For immediate release
For more information, contact:
Rachel Balderson, rbalderson@preservationvirginia.org/
(757) 422-9421
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Thursday, July 24th, 2025) – 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 Thursday, August 7th, 2025, 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. The Virginia Beach Police Department and the U.S. Navy’s Environmental Mascot Stewie the Sea Turtle will be in attendance. Families can enjoy crafts and activities while learning about maritime life from local museums. Food will be available for purchase from the Marine Canteen Food Truck and local vendors will be on site. This event is free and open to the public.
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.
“We at Preservation Virginia are proud to be stewards of the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse,” said Will Glasco, Preservation Virginia CEO. “As Lighthouse Day approaches, we invite the community to join us for a memorable experience. If you’ve never seen the lighthouse before, this is the perfect opportunity to explore and enjoy all that historic Cape Henry has to offer.”
Both Cape Henry Lighthouses are situated on an active military base, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. A shuttle system allows visitors to travel from the base security gate to the location of the lighthouses. In order to attend this event, guests over the age of 16 must present a valid REAL ID. Be sure to visit our website at www.capehenrylighthouse.org to learn more about rules and regulations for visiting the base.
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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.