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Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station Historic Site 252.978.1552
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About the Site
The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site & Museum is the only museum in North Carolina that commemorates the Outer Banks shipwrecks, rescues, men, and daily events of the early United States Lifesaving Service. It is one of the most complete Lifesaving Station sites in the country and the only one designated as a "hands-on" teaching museum. Located on the Atlantic beaches of Rodanthe, the unique site includes structures from two historic periods: the 1874 station and its outbuildings, and the 1911 station and supporting structures. Our goal is to provide interpretation of both these exciting historical periods in the US Life-Saving Service and to provide living history programs that help recreate the era. Children and adults alike will enjoy our fun, family-oriented programs. From demonstrations and drills to living history and storytelling, we relive the lives of the men who participated in some of the most daring sea rescues of the last century. Our extensive exhibits boast on the largest collections of maritime photography from the era of Outer banks lifesaving. We are also a repository for personal collections and artifacts. Journals, uniforms, tools, rescue equipment, and other collections bring the story to life. The collections are only a portion gathered and managed by the Chicamacomico Historical Association. ~ 2009 SEASON ~ Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 10 am to 5 pm Tours: Individual and small group tours are self-guided with the aid of navigational pamphlet. A comprehensive Site Guide is presented to each group that identifies each building and all the rooms in both stations. This guide answers all the “what’s that?” questions; staff and volunteers are eager to answer all of your deeper questions. Formal Group Tours with Presentation: By advanced reservations. Programs: June, July, and August only. All programs last approximately one hour. Inclement weather may cause programs to be cancelled for your safety. Staff has the final call as to whether programs will be cancelled. Chicamacomico’s Site Operations Manager, Linda Molloy, had a role in this Warner Brothers movie opposite Richard Gere. Come hear her exciting story and ask her to autograph the book and DVD available in the Gift Shop. A most unique vacation souvenir. Tuesday @ 2 pm - “America’s Forgotten Heroes: Amazing True Local Wreck & Rescue Stories”A brief history of the Service and this site, culminating with details of the true, daring, and heroic rescues of these brave “storm warriors”, especially the dramatic S.S. Mirlo rescue story. Family-friendly (but not for toddlers). Some of the most amazing history you never knew! Admission stickers purchased in Gift Shop. Wednesday @ 2 pm - “The REAL Taffy of Torpedo Junction”. Taffy of Torpedo Junction is a fictional work first published by the University of North Carolina Press in 1957. In 2008 the book was syndicated in many newspapers throughout North Carolina, being published in serial fashion one chapter at a time and used in many classrooms. It tells the dramatic story of a 12-year-old girl living on Hatteras Island and is set during World War Two. The story was written by Nell Wise Wechter who previously had been a teacher at the Buxton school on Hatteras Island. One of Mrs. Wechter students was the then 12-year-old Carol Dillon. The Taffy character is based on Ms. Dillon. Ms. Dillon is alive and well as the owner/operator of the Outer Banks Motel in Buxton, very near the lighthouse. As is often the case, the truth is more amazing than fiction. Come hear stories and eye-witness accounts as told by Ms. Dillon about her life on the Island during this tumultuous time. Suitable for ALL AGES and highly recommended. Thursday @ 2:00 pm - Beach Apparatus Drill Reenactment. Also commonly known as the historic Breeches Buoy Rescue Drill. One of only two places in the entire country to perform the full drill with live black-powder firing and projectile. ONLY one in the world performed by active-duty U.S. Coast Guard personnel. A popular event, so come early. Program begins precisely at 2:00 p.m. Gather at the 1874 Life-Saving Station after purchasing tickets at the gift shop in the 1911 Life-Saving Station. Friday @ 2:00 pm - What REALLY Happened to the Lost Colony?Once you know the basic true facts, it is no mystery at all! Scott Dawson will mesmerize you with his vast knowledge and staccato style. He is the author of a book on the subject and lectures widely. And why this topic at a life-saving station? Because in their day they were the social, cultural and educational centers of their villages. This is precisely the kind of topic a visitor would hear there. ANNUAL EVENT: American Heroes Day, Thursday, August 6, 2009 from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Come see and talk to the real heroes of today. See the personnel, equipment and vehicles of area Coast Guard, law enforcement, fire fighters, water rescue, EMS, and much, much more. Static displays throughout the day and scheduled demonstrations include Coast Guard Honor Guard and Color Guard, Coast Guard Search & Rescue helo and motor lifeboat demonstration, military flyover, jet ski ocean rescue demo, Beach Apparatus Drill. $5 per person, Parking across the street and along the highway. Schedule will appear on www.chicamacomico.net Admission: $6 Adults (ages 18-61) $4 Seniors (62+) $4 Youth (ages 6-17) |
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About the Facilities
Handicap Accessibility: Beach wheelchair available Nearest Major Town/City: Nags Head, 20 miles north For Visitor Information:
One Visitors Center Circle Manteo, NC 27954 Toll-Free: (800) 446-6262 Fax: (252) 473-5777 www.outerbanks.org |
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About the Programs
Major Program Areas: Maritime History Education Resources:
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