Ocracoke Light Station’s 200th anniversary will be celebrated at May 18 special event

Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) plans to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Ocracoke Light Station at a special event on Thursday, May 18, 2023. In addition to the special event, a series of weekly educational programs are being planned for this spring and summer.

In 1822, the federal government purchased two acres at the south end of Ocracoke Island for $50 as the site for a new lighthouse and support structures.

Constructed by Massachusetts builder Noah Porter, the 75-foot-tall Ocracoke Lighthouse and surrounding buildings were completed in 1823, with the lighthouse first lit in 1824. The Seashore protects and preserves the lighthouse, Double Keepers’ Quarters, oil house, and the other support structures that make up the 200-year-old Ocracoke Light Station. The light continues to serve as an active aid-to-navigation thanks to support from the United States Coast Guard.

Special Event – May 18, 2023

On Thursday, May 18, from 1-2 p.m., the public is invited to the Ocracoke Light Station for a special 200th-anniversary event. The event will feature several speeches, activities, a birthday cake and more. Outer Banks Forever, the Seashore’s official philanthropic partner, plans to livestream the event for those who cannot attend.

Educational Programs

Educational programs will be conducted this spring and summer at the Ocracoke Light Station and on social media. Once program details are finalized, they will be added to the Seashore’s special Ocracoke Light Station 200th anniversary webpage at http://go.nps.gov/ocracoke.

Text Alerts

A new text alert service has been created for the 200th anniversary of the Ocracoke Light Station. To receive text alerts about the special event and educational programs, text Ocracoke to 333111. To stop receiving alerts, text stop to 333111.

Partnerships

The Ocracoke Light Station’s 200th-anniversary planning committee includes Seashore staff, Outer Banks Forever, Hyde County, Ocracoke Preservation Society, Ocracoke Township Tourism Development Authority, Outer Banks Lighthouse Society and members of the local community.