Thanks to the huge efforts of the Park Service and the people of the Outer Banks, we are now able to return to our original celebration! Though somewhat modified, we can now have a full celebration to honor 200 years of light at Cape Hatteras, and you are invited to be there for a wonderful memorable historical weekend. If you are planning to attend, the new schedule is below. You'll find most of the changes in the daytime activities for Sat. the 18th.
We thank everyone for their understanding of our scheduling problems due to Hurricane Isabel. If you are still on the fence, please join us. This is a once in a lifetime event! There's still time to register and there are rooms available.
A full program for The Keeper's Weekend, Celebrating 200 Years of Light at Cape HatterasOctober 17th & 18th is back!
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse survived Isabel & the Outer Banks has made AMAZING progress to get back on it's feet!
Step back in time to the year 1803 and meet the Keeper of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse as he raises the flag! Be a part of a special ceremony at the Circle of Stones where the names of all the Keepers of Cape Hatteras past will be read as a bell is rung in their honor.
The Outer Banks Lighthouse Society in partnership with the Cape Hatteras National Seashore invites you to join in this historic event. This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet and talk with authors, historians, and costumed interpreters.
THE LIGHTHOUSE WILL BE OPEN for FREE CLIMBING OCT. 18th from 10:00 -4:00PM. For dinner reservations & to order box lunches or to purchase raffle tickets, contact Judy Castleberry, VP & Director of Fundraising
castleberry1@comcast.net
Questions? Contact Judy Castleberry or Bett Padgett
bett_padgett@mindspring.com
FOR A FULL PROGRAM of the WEEKEND'S EVENTS, Read On! *****Start your weekend, Friday evening Oct.17th from 5:00 until 7'ish PM at Lighthouse Gallery and Gifts, 301 Driftwood Street in Nags Head. Join us for Book Signings under the tent.
Homer Hickam, author of the best sellers
Torpedo Junction , and
Rocket Boys (subsequently made into the movie
October Sky will be present to sign his new book
The Keeper's Son Also on hand, David Stick, author of
Graveyard of the Atlantic and
The Outer Banks of North Carolina and other titles, and Kevin Duffus, creator of several videos on Outer Banks history and author of
The Lost Light: The True Story about the Disappearance and Finding of the Hatteras Lens. Bruce Roberts and Cheryl Shelton-Roberts will also be available to sign their various lighthouse publications and enjoy talking with everyone.
The OBLHS Keeper's Shop will be open, and major credit cards will be accepted!
To reserve copies or order signed books to be shipped call Lighthouse Gallery & Gifts at (800) 579-2827. Great lasting gifts! Partial proceeds benefit OBLHS.
*****Saturday from 10-4, please join us at the Cape Hatteras Light Station. Tickets will be available for free climbing of the lighthouse from 10 -4!
At 11:30, there will be a ceremony at the Circle of Rocks to honor all the Keepers of Cape Hatteras.
Music will be provided by Bett Padgett.
We will then move over to the lighthouse where the Keeper will raise the 1803 flag.
Kevin Duffus, author of
The Lost Light will be the Keynote Speaker. Homer Hickam, author of
Torpedo Junction and the new
The Keeper's Son will talk about why his new book was set on the Outer Banks.
Costumed interpreters including a children's storyteller from Chicamacomico LSS will be on the grounds and at the Keeper's Dwelling all day.
Visit the book shop for informal talks with all the authors, including Bruce & Cheryl Shelton-Roberts.
Boxed lunches can be ordered below, if you plan to be at the lighthouse all day.
PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLES! There are no concessions on the lighthouse grounds.
Bodie Island Lighthouse will be open to visitors, and a volunteer will have the first level open for viewing...so please plan a visit there!
*****Saturday evening, THE KEEPER'S DINNER will begin at 7PM at the Comfort Inn Oceanfront South in Nags Head (ballroom). Cash bar opens at 5:00, with special music by Bett Padgett. The Keeper's Shop will be open, and the authors will be available for book signings. Cost of the dinner is $35. Dinner will be buffet style, prepared by an outstanding local caterer.
We are honored to have Keynote Speaker Homer Hickam on
"Lighthouses, Rocket Ships, and the Dreams of Boys." Homer is a retired NASA scientist whose expertise was training astronauts how to manipulate in a gravity-free environment. To hear him speak is truly inspirational and uplifting. His books are NY Times Best Seller List titles.
Special guest will be John Gaskill, son of a Keeper.
Following the dinner and Keynote Speech by Homer Hickam, the lucky Raffle Tickets will be drawn, and the Auction will begin! Look for auction items to be the best we've ever had!
For the Auction, all major credit cards are accepted!
Items will include a print by Terry Elkins, and other beautiful artwork matted and signed by the artist, including photography of the Outer Banks by Steve Exum and Gary Martin and pen & ink illustrations by Brent Westwood.
Look for author-autographed books and nautical items, Southeastern Stamp Cachets signed by the artist, Harbour Lights Collectibles, jewelry, and many surprises!
John McPherson is back as emcee!
This is a wonderful and delightful event each year and always a highlight for the Society to see old and new friends.
With grit and grace, just like Outer Bankers and lighthouse enthusiasts, we return to the Outer Banks! Please plan to join us and become a part of a historic weekend! Help support OBLHS and the people & area businesses of the Outer Banks!
We'll see you soon!
*For reservations at Comfort Inn Oceanfront South in Nags Head: 252/ 441-6315. Identify yourself as being with the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society for a special rate.
**TO SECURE DINNER SEATING, PLEASE REGISTER SOON! For more information on this event and to make dinner reservations, order raffle tickets, and order box lunches, please contact:
Judy Castleberry, VP & Director of Fundraising, OBLHS by email: castleberry1@comcast.net
Questions? Please contact Bett Padgett, VP & Director of Events
bett_padgett@mindspring.com or Judy Castleberry castleberry1@comcast.net
We'll be glad to help you!
