Historic Ocracoke
Ocracoke Preservation Society
PO Box 491
49 Water Plant Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

252.928.7375
FAX: 252.928.4560

www.ocracokepreservation.org
info@ocracokepreservation.org
About the Destination

The Ocracoke Preservation Society is a unique combination of people: island natives, newer residents, longtime visitors and friends of the island, writers, historians, preservationists, photographers, and newcomers to our island community.

It was formed in 1983 with the purpose of encouraging, assisting, advising and participating in the identification, preservation and restoration of significant Ocracoke Island structures, buildings, districts, and objects of local and historic interest. The Society was also formed to facilitate and encourage public participation in preservation programs and activities.

In July 1990 the Society was successful in having the village of Ocracoke listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic district is a collection of nearly 250 homes, buildings and structures nestled around picturesque Silver Lake Harbor and the Ocracoke Lighthouse. Recent and on-going projects include:

  • Restoration of the David Williams House (circa 1900), home of the Ocracoke Museum and Gift Shop
  • Acquisition of historic 'lifecar,' a device used by the US lifesaving Service
  • Acquisition and restoration of the last historic furniture from Portsmouth Island Village
  • Annual sponsorship of the old-timey Fourth of July Parade and fireworks
  • Materials for self-guided tours of the island
  • Archives and library (genealogy and local history)
  • Spring Ocrafolk Festival of music, storytelling, and handcrafts
  • Save an Old House Fund
  • Semiannual meetings and newsletters

    Museum Hours of Operation:In season: Monday - Friday, 10-5, Saturday & Sunday, 11-4. Off season: Monday - Saturday, 10-4, closed Sunday.
    Admission Fees: Free admission, donations welcomed.
    Discounts: 10% discount in gift shop for OPS members
About the Facilities
  • Gift shop
  • Free parking
  • Exhibits
  • Historic structures
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    Handicap Accessibility: Site is partially accessible

    Nearest Major Town/City: Manteo, NC

    For Visitor Information:

    About the Programs

    Major Program Areas: Maritime, Ocracoke Island history.

    Education Resources:
  • On-site interpretive activities
  • Staff interpreters
  • Self-guided exhibits
    •

    School Tour Requirements:
    • We can serve any size tours of the museum; however, we request only 10 -12 students at a time in the building.
    • Free admission
    • Tours can customize to need
    • 1 adult chaperone for every 8 children recommended

    Education Coordinator: Earl W. O'Neal, Jr.