July 25, 2013
Cape Henry Lighthouse is undertaking an archaeological survey of dune as part of the Dune Restoration Project
Preservation Virginia’s Cape Henry Lighthouse is working with The James River Institute for Archaeology and the City of Virginia Beach to survey the top of the dune and to examine the foundation of the 221 year old structure. Archaeology work will resume on Monday, July29th through August 1st and then again from August 5th to August 8th. The archaeologist will be happy to talk with visitors and answer questions throughout the day.
The Dune Restoration is a two phase project which will preserve the exposed sandstone base of the lighthouse and create a new walkway up to the base of the dune that will be ADA compliant. This project is being completely funded through grants from the Virginia Department of Transportation and donations from visitors and supporters like you.
About Cape Henry Lighthouse
The Cape Henry Lighthouse was the first public building project of the new United States government after the Revolutionary War and safeguarded maritime traffic from 1792 to 1881 when the “new” Cape Henry Light was placed into service. Since 1930 the old lighthouse has been owned and operated by Preservation Virginia.
About Preservation Virginia
Preservation Virginia, a private non-profit organization and statewide historic preservation leader founded in 1889, is dedicated to perpetuating and revitalizing Virginia’s cultural, architectural and historic heritage thereby ensuring that historic places are integral parts of the lives of present and future generations. Preservation Virginia provides leadership, experience, influence, and services to the public and special audiences by saving, managing, and protecting historic places, and developing preservation policy, programs, and strategies with individuals, organizations, and local, state, and national partners. For more information, visit www.preservationvirginia.org, find us on Facebook or Follow us on Twitter @preservationva.
The Cape Henry Lighthouse is located within Fort Story military base. All visitors without military ID must enter through Gate 8 at the end of Atlantic Avenue near Shore Drive. All visitors age 16 and over must show a valid federal or state issued ID card or student ID card. Visitors will also be required to show the current registration and proof of insurance for their vehicle. Fort Story is an important part of our nation’s defense and base security is of the highest priority. The security personnel have the right to examine your car before issuing a pass to enter the military base and visit the lighthouse. The security guards are courteous and efficient, but please allow a few extra minutes for entry into the site. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Also, for your safety and comfort please note that guests must be at least 42 inches tall to climb the lighthouse, children may not be carried up the steps, and backpacks and frontpacks are not allowed on the staircase.
Also located nearby on Fort Story is the Cape Henry Memorial, a part of the National Park Service.
Press Contact
Any media wishing to attend this event MUST contact Spencer Layne, Assistant Public Affairs Officer at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story for access prior to the event. He can be reached at (757) 462-8423 or Spencer.Layne@navy.mil.
For more information on the Cape Henry Lighthouse please contact Stuart Nesbit, Site Coordinator at (757) 422-9421 or jsnesbit@preservationvirginia.org.
