Additional Resources

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Welcome to our Additional Resources page! Here, you'll find a curated list of valuable links and references to further enrich your understanding of lighthouses and maritime history. Whether you're a lighthouse enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about these iconic structures, we've got something for you.
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Educational Resources and Websites

 

Maritime History and Navigation​

• American Maritime Museum
  Learn about American maritime history and its impact on trade and exploration.

 

Lighthouse History and Preservation

• Lighthouse Digest
  A magazine dedicated to the preservation and history of lighthouses worldwide, featuring articles and resources for enthusiasts.

• Lighthouse Friends
  A comprehensive resource on lighthouses across the U.S., including history, photos, and preservation efforts.

• The National Lighthouse Museum
  Located in Staten Island, NY, this museum offers exhibits and educational resources about the history of lighthouses and their role in navigation.

 

Historical Preservation

• National Trust for Historic Preservation
  Learn about efforts to preserve historic sites across the U.S. and get involved in local preservation initiatives.

• Historic Preservation Education Foundation
  Offers resources and educational programs related to historic preservation and architectural history.

• Preservation North Carolina
  A non-profit organization dedicated to preserving historic sites and promoting awareness of historic preservation in North Carolina.

 

Local and Regional History

• North Carolina Office of Archives and History
  Provides resources and information on North Carolina’s historical sites, archives, and preservation efforts.

• Historic Sites in North Carolina
  A comprehensive guide to historic sites across North Carolina, including detailed information on visiting and learning opportunities.

• Carolina Beach Historical Society
  Explore the local history of Carolina Beach and its surrounding areas through exhibits and educational programs.

 

Books and Publications

Expand your reading list with these recommended books and journals on lighthouses and maritime history:

• “The Lighthouse Encyclopedia” by Bruce Roberts and Jeffery L. Smith
  An extensive reference covering the history and significance of lighthouses.

• “The Lightkeepers’ Men: The American Lighthouse Service and Its Legacy” by S. T. McLaughlin
  An in-depth look at the people who have maintained and operated lighthouses throughout history.

​Books Available in our Gift Shop​​

• "A Short Bright Flash: Augustin Fresnel and the Birth of the Modern Lighthouse" by Theresa Levitt
  Discover the groundbreaking innovations of Augustin Fresnel and how they transformed lighthouse technology.

• "The Story of Cape Fear and Bald Head Island" by Kevin Duffus
  Explore the captivating history and lore of Cape Fear and the enigmatic Bald Head Island.

• "The Last Days of Black Beard the Pirate" by Kevin Duffus
  Delve into the dramatic final moments of the infamous pirate Black Beard and his notorious reign.

• "The Civil War in Coastal North Carolina" by John S. Carbone
  Uncover the impact and strategic significance of the Civil War on North Carolina’s coastal region.

 

Explore Other Historic Lighthouses

Discover more about historic lighthouses in North Carolina:

• Currituck Beach Lighthouse
  Visit the historic Currituck Beach Lighthouse and learn about its history and preservation.

• Bodie Island Lighthouse
  Explore the rich history of Bodie Island Lighthouse located in Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

• Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
  Discover the tallest brick lighthouse in the U.S. and its role in maritime navigation.

• Ocracoke Light Station
  Learn about the charming Ocracoke Light Station and its significance to local maritime history.

• Cape Lookout Lighthouse
  Visit Cape Lookout Lighthouse, known for its distinctive diamond-patterned paint.

• Oak Island Lighthouse
  Explore the history and ongoing preservation of the Oak Island Lighthouse.

• Roanoke River Lighthouse
  Discover the history of the Roanoke River Lighthouse and its role in the region's maritime heritage.

• Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse
  Learn about the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse and its significance to the local community.

 

Affiliated Organizations

Connect with organizations dedicated to lighthouses and maritime history:

• Outer Banks Lighthouse Society
  Support the preservation of Outer Banks lighthouses through this dedicated organization.

• United States Lighthouse Society
  Join a community dedicated to preserving the history of American lighthouses.

• U.S Life Saving Service Heritage Association
  Explore the history and legacy of the U.S. Life Saving Service.

• Southport Historical Society
  Learn about Southport's rich history through exhibits and educational programs.

• Brunswick County Civil War Roundtable
  Engage with local Civil War history through meetings and events.

• Cape Fear Civil War Round Table
  Connect with others interested in Civil War history in the Cape Fear region.

• Historic Wilmington Foundation

       Support the preservation of Wilmington's historic properties and learn about its architectural                   heritage.

 

Life Saving Stations

Discover historical life-saving stations and their impact on maritime safety:

• Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station
  Visit the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station to learn about its role in maritime rescue operations.

• Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum
  Explore the history of surf and rescue operations along the Virginia Beach coast.

• Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum
  Discover the history of the Ocean City Life-Saving Station and its contribution to maritime safety.

• Indian River Life-Saving Station
  Learn about the Indian River Life-Saving Station's history and preservation.

 

Additional Research Outlets

• National Archives and Records Administration
  Access historical documents and records for in-depth research on American history.

• Library of Congress
  Explore an extensive collection of historical and research materials, including documents related to maritime and lighthouse history.

• Southport Historical Society’s Susie Carson Research Room
  Discover local history and archival resources related to Southport and its maritime heritage.

• U.S. Lighthouse Society
  Utilize resources and archives focused on the preservation and history of American lighthouses.

• U.S. Lighthouse Society’s J. Candace Clifford Lighthouse Research Catalog
  Access a comprehensive catalog dedicated to lighthouse research and historical documentation.

• U.S. Life-Saving Service Heritage Association
  Explore historical records and materials related to the U.S. Life-Saving Service.

• State Archives of North Carolina
  Access archival materials and historical records related to North Carolina’s history and heritage.

• New Hanover County Public Library’s Local History Room
  Explore local history resources and archives specific to New Hanover County.

• University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Special Collections and University Archives
  Access a rich collection of historical documents and materials related to Wilmington and its maritime history.

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Other Museums and Historic Sites

Explore additional museums and historic sites related to maritime and local history:

• NC Maritime Museum at Southport
  Visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport for maritime exhibits and educational programs.

• Southport Visitor Center at Ft. Johnson
  Explore Southport's Visitor Center and its historical exhibits.

• Fort Fisher Visitor Center
  Learn about the history of Fort Fisher through its visitor center.

• Fort Fisher Aquarium
  Discover marine life at the Fort Fisher Aquarium, part of the North Carolina Aquariums.

• Brunswick Town / Fort Anderson
  Explore the historical ruins of Brunswick Town and Fort Anderson.

• Bellamy Mansion
  Visit the Bellamy Mansion for insights into antebellum architecture and history.

• Cameron Art Museum
  Engage with local art and history at the Cameron Art Museum.

• Battleship NC
  Tour the Battleship North Carolina and learn about its naval history.

• Fort Caswell
  Explore Fort Caswell and its role in local history.

• Oak Island Nature Center
  Visit the Oak Island Nature Center to learn about local ecology and conservation efforts.

• Tryon Palace
  Discover North Carolina's colonial history at Tryon Palace.

• Museum of Coastal Carolina
  Explore the coastal environment and maritime history at the Museum of Coastal Carolina.

• Graveyard of the Atlantic
  Learn about shipwrecks and maritime history at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum.

• Airlie Gardens
  Enjoy the beauty of Airlie Gardens and its historic grounds.

• Wilmington Railroad Museum
  Discover the history of railroads in Wilmington at the Wilmington Railroad Museum.

• Cape Fear Museum
  Explore local history and culture at the Cape Fear Museum.

• Poplar Grove
  Visit Poplar Grove Plantation for a glimpse into the life of a 19th-century plantation.

• Fort Macon State Park
  Learn about Civil War history at Fort Macon State Park.

• NC Museum Beaufort
  Explore maritime history at the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort.

• National Maritime Museum
  Explore maritime history and navigation through a range of exhibits and educational resources.

• American Maritime Museum
  Learn about American maritime history and its impact on trade and exploration.

 

Bald Head Island

Explore the history and charm of Bald Head Island, home to the iconic Old Baldy Lighthouse:

• Bald Head Island Conservancy
  Learn about the island's environmental conservation efforts and its role in preserving the unique natural and historical resources of Bald Head Island.

• Cary Cart Golf Cart Rental
  Rent a golf cart for convenient travel around Bald Head Island.

 

Food and Drink on the Island

• Jules Restaurant
  Enjoy a meal at Jules Restaurant, known for its waterfront dining experience, seafood and coastal cuisine.

• Mike’s Bites
  Grab a bite to eat at Mike’s Bites, offering casual summer dining.

• Sandpiper Coffee
  Start your day with coffee and grab-n-go breakfast from Sandpiper Coffee.

• Boat House Breakfast
  Serving up breakfast, brunch & cocktails in the Bald Head Island Marina.

• The Wisp Pizza
  Savor delicious pizza at The Wisp Pizza.

• Maritime Market
  Shop for groceries and deli items at the Maritime Market.

• Jailhouse Provisions
  Enjoy a meal at Jailhouse Provisions, known for its unique menu.

• Bald Head Bottle
  Find a selection of alcoholic beverages and snacks at Bald Head Bottle.

 

Rentals and Beach Gear

• Riverside Bike / Kayak / Beach Gear Rentals
  Rent bikes, kayaks, and beach gear for your island adventures at Riverside.

• East Beach Surf Shop
  Get your surf gear and beach apparel at East Beach Surf Shop.

 

Clothing

• Riverside Adventure Beach Apparel
  Shop for stylish and functional beachwear at Riverside Adventure.

• Bald Head Blues
  Find upscale coastal-inspired clothing at Bald Head Blues.

• Coastal Urge
  Explore a variety of beach and outdoor clothing at Coastal Urge.

• Island Passage Clothing
  Discover casual and chic clothing options at Island Passage.

• The Silver Peddler
  Browse unique jewelry, gifts and accessories at The Silver Peddler.