VIRGINIA BEACH — In observance of National Lighthouse Day, Preservation Virginia will hold a special celebration at the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
National Lighthouse Day, which is actually on Aug. 7, marks the day when, in 1789, Congress approved an act that established support for lighthouses, beacons, buoys, and public piers.
Work on the “old” Cape Henry Lighthouse near the First Landing site started shortly thereafter, and it was completed in 1792 at a cost of $17,700. Concerns over the condition of the old lighthouse led to the construction of a new one just 350 feet away in 1881.
“The old and new Cape Henry Lighthouses are the only ones located in Virginia Beach, so this is a great time for locals to celebrate their history and enjoy a view of the Atlantic from the top of the Old Cape Henry tower before the dune restoration project starts in the fall,” said Brittney Jubert, marketing manager for Preservation Virginia, which manages the old Cape Henry Lighthouse.
The event will feature a bounce house and other family-oriented activities, as well as an appearance by a lighthouse keeper, who will talk about what life was like tending to a lighthouse.
There will also be walking tours and a last chance to climb the old light house before it closes for repairs. Tickets are available online.
