History Lesson #5: Maritime History in Outer Banks North Carolina

 Roanoke Island Festival Park and Elizabeth II offers historical lessons about both Native Americans and the Roanoke Voyage of 1585.  This 25 acre interactive historic site represents the first English settlement attempt in 1585.  The museum had several interactive exhibits capturing the kids imagination including 16th-century and pirate costumes and ship ropes to pull. 

Taking a wooded path, you will discover the American Indian Town educating tourists about the homes and agriculture of the Algonquian culture.  Two longhouses represent the historical homes of American Indians, including one measuring 30 feet long.  Outside stands a ceremonial dance circle. 

The kids most enjoyed the 16th century representative ship of Elizabeth II located in Shallowag Bay.  It represents one of the seven English merchant vessels from the Roanoke Voyage.  Enthusiastic interpretive staff encouraged the kids to turn the capstan to raise the ship's anchor.  The kids examined the lines and riggings while the adults simply appreciated the views from the quarterdeck. 

The square-rigged sailing ship replica has a relatively short history; constructed in Manteo (across the waterfront), it was dedicated in 1984 and even Her Royal Highness Princess Anne attended.  The admission cost ($10 adult, $7 children age 3-17) was well worth the cost.  Tip:  check the website ahead for a $1 coupon.

 If you want to find other maritime museums in the United States, check out the Council of American Maritime Museums (CAMM) website with an extensive list including:

1.  Hawaii Maritime Museum (Honolulu, Hawaii)
2.  Maine Maritime Museum (Bath, Maine)
3.  Portland Harbor Museum (Portland, Maine)
4.  Fells Point Maritime Museum (Baltimore, MD)
5.  American Merchant Marine Museum (Kings Point, NY)
6. Toms River Seaport Society Maritime Museum (Toms River, NJ)
7.  Michigan Maritime Museum (South Haven, MI)

Lighthouse Lesson #3: Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse in Manteo, North Carolina

Before you begin your lighthouse tour, check out The Outer Banks Lighthouse Society website.  Besides hosting America's largest keepers' descendants' gathering, the society teaches children about lighthouse history.  Before getting in your car, print off their free 19 page coloring book.  If ambitious, tell your kids about the Lighthouse Explorer Patch Program.  If your child completes 7 out of 10 activities, noting 3 are required, he or she can earn a OBLHS embroidered patch.  

While in the Outer Banks, you should visit the relatively new Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse.  Built in 2004, the lighthouse stands as a replica to the 1877 lighthouse also known at the third Roanoke lighthouse.  Due to the lighthouse protecting river traffic versus ocean traffic, the light doesn't need to stand as tall.  Even at 37 feet tall, you will easily see the lighthouse.  It jets out 40 yards into the Roanoke Sound with white exterior, black shutters, and a red shingle roof.  

Several lighthouses have served to protect boats entering and leaving the Shallowbag Bay:

- First Roanoke lighthouse (1831) experienced floods and repairs that led to abandonment

- Second Roanoke lighthouse (1858) suffered wood rot

- Third Roanoke lighthouse (1877) sold to a private owner in 1955 who placed it on a barge; the lighthouse fell off the barge and sunk into the Albemarle Sound

Fortunately, the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum manages today's lighthouse and light still shines 19 miles offshore.  In the spring, summer, and early fall, you can visit the interior which also includes a fourth-order Fresnel lens and local Manteo exhibits.  Just walk down the wooden boardwalk and visit.