252.978.1552
FAX: 252.987.1559

The Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station Historic Site 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 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 the provide interpretation of both thee exciting historical periods in the US Lifesaving Service and provide living history programs that help recreate the era.

Children and adults alike will enjoy our fun, free 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.

Programs also include knot-tying, children's storytelling, scavenger hunts, historical and geological presentations about the barrier islands, and local lore and mysteries.

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.

~ 2008 SEASON ~

 Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 12 noon to 5:00 p.m.

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.

Tuesdays @ 7:30 p.m.  Beach Bonfire Program.  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!  Bring chairs or blankets, bug spray (just in case!) and flashlights for an evening adventure on the beach.  Admission stickers purchased in Gift Shop.  Arrive early and allow yourself enough time to walk to the beach program area at the site.

Wednesdays @ 2:00 p.m.  “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 only 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.

Thursdays @ 2:00 p.m.  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.

Admission:

$6  Adults (ages 18-61)

$4  Seniors (62+)

$4  Youth (ages 6-17)

Handicap Accessibility:

Nearest Major Town/City: Nags Head, 20 miles north

For Visitor Information:

Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
One Visitors Center Circle
Manteo, NC 27954
Toll-Free: (800) 446-6262
Fax: (252) 473-5777
www.outerbanks.org

Major Program Areas: Maritime History

• Maximum group size: 100
• Reservations required
• $2.00/student (suggested)
• 1 hour tour
• Suggested chaperone ratio of 1 to every 10 students
• Curriculum-based tours to fourth and eighth grade North Carolina students