History Trips
Wednesday November 10, 2010 Trips
Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station
Start with a compelling telling of the story of the Station - the scene of the most highly awarded maritime rescue in US history! Learn about its part in the United States Life-Saving Service (est. 1871) which would later help form the United States Coast Guard in 1915. In that 44-year history, these men responded to 178,741 shipwreck victims, saving 177,286! Then listen to Site Operations Manager Linda Molloy tell the exciting story of her role in the movie Nights in Rodanthe.The movie house is half a mile north of Chicamacomico! End the trip with a self-guided tour of site which includes lifesaving stations, outbuildings, and a two-story 1907 periodfurnished home, filled with artifacts, exhibits,
displays, videos, programs and demonstrations. Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station. Cost: adults $10, children 12 and under $5. Noon-2 pm. James Charlet, Linda Molloy.
Visit http://www.chicamacomico.net/ for more information on the Station.
Currituck Beach Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters
Imagine a day in the life of Currituck Beach Lighthouse Keepers of the U.S. Lighthouse Board in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Tour the private quarters of the Victorian 1876 Keepers’ House and other historic structures on the grounds. Learn about the duties of keepers and their families in the isolated seaside outpost. Climb 214 steps to the top of the 1875 Currituck Beach Lighthouse for an exhilarating bird’s-eye view of the northern Outer Banks with close inspection of the operational first order Fresnel lens that can be seen 18 miles out to sea. Currituck Beach Lighthouse. Moderate to Strenuous. Cost $20. 1-3 pm. Meghan
Agresto, site manager.
Friday November 12, 2010 Trips
Lake Mattamuskeet History and Ecology Tour
Lake Mattamuskeet, the largest natural lake in North Carolina, is the site of America’s most famous pump-supported land reclamation project that drained the
lake three times using the world’s largest capacity pumping plant. The Mattamuskeet Drainage District’s drainage project, from 1909 to 1932, excavated 130 miles of large navigable canals in and around the lake that have permanently altered its ecology. Dr. Lewis Forrest will guide a walking tour while narrating an overview of the history of the lake and the Mattamuskeet Lodge, which was originally the pumping plant. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be held indoors. Mattamuskeet Refuge Office. Cost $20. 1:30-3:30 pm. Dr. Lewis Forrest, executive director, The Mattamuskeet Foundation.
Frisco Native American Museum Tour and Program
Imagine ... a moment in far distant time, when the earliest humans first saw birds either on land or in the air. The awesome mystery of their graceful flight and unique magic made it quite easy for natives to consider birds as spiritual connections to daily life and death. Join the director of the Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center for a tour of the museum. Discover the beauty of native art in an interactive “Bird Hunt” to locate special uses of bird feathers in museum exhibits (prizes for the keenest observers!). Discover how birds represent the intimate relationship natives have developed with the natural world and attempt a mini flight of your own in a special “Human Flying Lesson!” Frisco Native American Museum. Cost: adults $10, children 12 and under $5. 2-4 pm. Carl and Joyce Bornfriend.
Visit http://www.nativeamericanmuseum.org/ for more information on the Museum.
Saturday November 13, 2010 Trips
Historic Portsmouth Island Village Exploration
Explore the natural and cultural history of Portsmouth Island village, established by NC’s Colonial Assembly in 1753 and maintained by the National park Service since 1976. Although the last resident left in 1971, the village and its remaining buildings, on the National Register of Historic Places, are a living testimonial to a once-thriving and vibrant coastal community. Bring water, snacks, and bug repellant. Arrive at Hatteras ferry dock by 6:15 a.m. to line up for 7 a.m. ferry. Meet guide at Ocracoke Ferry Terminal in village of Ocracoke on the southwest end of the island to board chartered vessel to Portsmouth Island. Ocracoke Ferry Terminal (SW end of Ocracoke Island. Moderate to strenuous. Cost $45. 8 am-1 pm. Dave Frum, Portsmouth Village caretaker.
The Island Farm on Roanoke Island (Family Friendly)
The Island Farm was established in 1783 by Jesse Etheridge, and his grandson built the restored two-story house around 1850 using hewn and pit-sawn timbers and bricks believed to be from ship’s ballast. Come stroll the grounds - view grazing sheep and preserved outbuildings and stop at stations that recreate the vibrant life of the 1850’s from hearth cooking where you can try your hand at making a cornmeal Johnny cake, to children’s toys and games where you can give the games the Etheridge children played a try, like Hunt the Slipper, England and France, plus many others. Island Farm. Cost $20; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge. Paying for this trip grants free admission to Introduction to Digital Nature Photography for Children trip from noon to 2 pm. 2-4 pm. Island Farm site managers.
Visit http://www.currituckbeachlight.com/islandfarm/ for more information about the Farm.
