Last updated: 7/20/2017
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Street Address
583 Atlantic AvenueVirginia Beach, VA 23451
Mailing Address
204 W. Franklin StreetRichmond, VA 23220

Hours

January 3 - March 15
Daily
10 AM - 4 PM
March 17th - October 31
Daily
10 AM - 5 PM
November 1 - December 30
Daily
10 AM - 4 PM
Closed on March 16th for the Shamrock Marathon, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day and New Years Eve and Day and January 2nd.

Admissions

Note to Our Visitors: The Cape Henry Lighthouse is located within Fort Story military base. To visit the lighthouse, you must pass through the security gates of Fort Story at 89th Street and Atlantic Avenue. Please have identification including a picture with you for all visitors aged 16 years or older. This ID should be a student or state or Federal issued ID card. Proof of vehicle insurance and current vehicle registration is also required for admission to Fort Story Military Base.The security personnel have the right to examine your car before issuing a pass to enter the military base and visit the lighthouse. While we apologize for the inconvenience, we respect the military's interest in force protection. The security guards are courteous and efficient, but please allow a few extra minutes for entry into the site. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Adult Group: $5 (call for info) /// Youth Group: $5 (must be 42 inches tall, call for info)

Adults (13 & over): $8
Seniors (55 +): $7
Military: $7
Preservation Virginia Members: free
Youth 12 and under (must be 42 inches tall): $6
AAA: $7

Staff

Jennifer Hurst-Wender
phone: 804-648-1889
Nancy Dabney
phone: 757-422-9421
Description

The first federally funded lighthouse, was built to guide maritime commerce at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. It is standing near the “First Landing” site where English settlers arrived in 1607. It has stood sentinel since it was completed in 1792. Authorized by George Washington and overseen by Alexander Hamilton. Designed by New York architect John McComb. In active use for nearly a century before being replaced by a new cast iron lighthouse still standing nearby. It is one of the oldest surviving lighthouses in the United States.

Today, visitors to the Cape Henry Lighthouse can climb to the top of the tower to enjoy spectacular views of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean.

During the summer months, the temperature at the top of the tower can reach extreme levels. Cape Henry Lighthouse will close the tower when the temperature inside reaches 110°. Visitors will still be able to walk to the top of the dune and shop in the museum store. Winter weather advisories also may effect the opening of the lighthouse. If you have questions about closings call 757-422-9421.

History

Preservation Virginia acquired the Cape Henry Lighthouse in 1930 when Congress deeded the house and 1.77 acres of land to the organization in order to preserve it and make it accessible to the public. Over the years lighthouse and its surroundings have been restored including repairing the lantern after damage from Hurricane Barbara in 1953, repairing the damaged original Aquia sandstone and restoring the surrounding dunes.

Services
Gift Shop
Group Tours
Exhibitions
Museum Events
DISCLAIMER
This information, including business hours, addresses and contact information is provided for general reference purposes only. No representation is made or warranty is given as to its content or the reliability thereof. User assumes all risk of use. Stories USA, Inc. and its content suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such use. Please call ahead to verify the dates, the location and directions.

MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Museum Trustee Association Spring Forum 2024

April 10 - 14, 2024

Atlanta, Georgia

Texas Association of Museums 2024 Lubock Annual Conference

April 14 - 17, 2024

Lubbock, Texas

2024 Colorado-Wyoming ANNUAL MEETING

May 1 - 4, 2024

Worland, Wyoming

West Virginia Association of Museums 2024 Conference

June 6 - 8, 2024

Shepherdstown, West Virginia

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