National Lighthouse Day: Here's how Brunswick County's 2 lighthouses are celebrating

Cheryl M. Whitaker, Wilmington StarNews
·3 min read
The famous lighthouse on Bald Head Island known affectionately as "Old Baldy" celebrated her 200th anniversary on April 15, 2017.
The famous lighthouse on Bald Head Island known affectionately as "Old Baldy" celebrated her 200th anniversary on April 15, 2017.

National Lighthouse Day honoring the beacon of light that for 100 years symbolized safety and security for ships and boats at sea, will be observed Sunday, Aug. 7.

In Brunswick County, there are two lighthouses that visitors can tour — Bald Head Island Lighthouse and the Oak Island Lighthouse.

Bald Head Lighthouse, known as Old Baldy, is the oldest lighthouse still standing in North Carolina. It is the second of three lighthouses that have been built on Bald Head Island since the 19th century.

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In recognition of National Lighthouse Day, Old Baldy Lighthouse and Smith Island Museum of History will be sponsoring a Historic Happy Hour. Participants can enjoy craft beer, wine, cocktails and heavy hors d'oeuvres while learning about the US Lifesaving Service. The event will be held 6-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5. on the lighthouse grounds. Purchase tickets at https://www.oldbaldy.org/even.../a-living-history-happy-hour.

Also the annual Old Baldy's Run for the Light 5K/10K/Mile race, hosted by Old Baldy Lighthouse and Smith Island Museum of History, will be held Sunday, Aug. 7.

Run for the Light is a scenic run near coastal dunes and through the maritime forest on Bald Head Island.

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In addition to the race, visitors can take part in an afternoon festival celebrating National Lighthouse Day which would feature, games, crafts, music, barbecue, beer, and more.

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The race begins at 6 p.m. To register and for more information, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Southport/OldBaldyRunfortheLight. All proceeds from The Run for Light go towards the mission of The Old Baldy Foundation.

Lighthouse summer hours: 9-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11-4:30 p.m. Sunday. Gift shop hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, visit https://www.oldbaldy.org/.

The lighthouse at Oak Island remains a fun tourist spot for visitors on the island. The lighthouse was opened in 1958 and has remained open.
The lighthouse at Oak Island remains a fun tourist spot for visitors on the island. The lighthouse was opened in 1958 and has remained open.

Oak Island Lighthouse is the only lighthouse in the world that has "ship's ladders" from the ground level all of the way to the top. The light was the brightest lighthouse in the United States from 1958 through 1962. The lighthouse is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

“We are the first (and only to date) United States Lighthouse to have a rotating LED light (installed in December 2020 by the Coast Guard)," said Bob Ahlers, chairman of Friends of Oak Island.

PHOTOS: Celebrating National Lighthouse Day

Since National Lighthouse Day falls on a Sunday this year and it is one of Oak Island Lighthouse normal three top tour days, visitors will not be allowed to climb, as that requires a prior reservation. But visitors can tour the lighthouse 9 a.m.-noon.

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Open house tours are open to the public with no reservation required. Free tours to the second level are offered 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays, and 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays through Labor Day. Visitors climb one level (12 steps), anyone ages 7 and over. A docent will provide information about the lighthouse and answer questions.

But the view form the top of Oak Island Lighthouse is so spectacular. Climbing to the top (131 metal ship stairs to an outside balcony) is available year-round for anyone 9 years or older. Six weeks in advanced notice is required. All requests will be offered the opportunity to join already scheduled tours if openings exist.

For more information, email oakislandlighthouse@gmail.com or visit http://www.oakislandlighthouse.org/tour-information/.

Contact Cheryl Whitaker at cheryl.whitaker@starnewsonline.com or 910-343-2004.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: National Lighthouse Day is Sunday, Aug. 7. Check out Brunswick's two lights.