Walk through Springer’s Point - Springer's Point enjoys a cultural history as vibrant as the astounding array of plant and bird species it supports. This site, historically referred to as "Teach's Plantation", is the reputed favorite haunt of the legendary pirate, Blackbeard, who marauded, eluded capture and finally met his fate at Teach's Hole, off Springer's Point.
 
Relax on the historic docks of the Community Square in the heart of the village on the harbor - Almost a century after its 1918 founding, the Community Store remains a center of commerce and social activity in the heart of Ocracoke Village. Amasa 'Mace' Fulcher’s grocery faced the harbor, appropriate for a business whose freight arrived by boat. Island men gathered on the porch to share stories, whittle birds and ponder the ways of fish. In winter months the congregation moved inside near the pot-bellied stove.

The porches surrounding the square remain places where people gather to share jokes, gossip and more vital information: the Community Store bulletin board promotes events that invite people to participate in the life of the community - pot-lucks; fund-raising fish fries; Civic & Business Club meetings. The chalkboard reliably informs islands of shared joys (births, birthdays), triumphs and sorrows. Today the wooden rockers and benches welcome visitors and locals alike.

Take a tour, via 20 minute boat ride, of the Historic Village on Portsmouth Island - Established in 1753, Portsmouth grew to be the largest settlement on the Outer Banks by 1770. For nearly a century, the town remained a major shipping center. Then in 1894, the U.S. Life-Saving Service was established on Portsmouth and for nearly 50 years played a vital role in the community. Steadily though the population declined. In 1956 only 17 residents remained. The walls of time closed in on Portsmouth. Isolation, a depressed economy, and the constant threat to life and property from storms prompted the final abandonment of Portsmouth.

The village's historic homes and surrounding natural environment are maintained by the National Park Service. Tour boats leave from Ocracoke Harbor.
Stop by the Ocracoke Watermen’s Exhibit & Learning Center on the docks at the Community Square (scheduled to open June 2009)

Bicycle or walk through the historic village surrounding the harbor.

Special events:

About the Programs
Major Program Areas: Maritime, Ocracoke Island history.
Education Resources:

Self-guided exhibits Porch Talks offered June, July and August

School Tour Requirements:
To schedule a group tour please call or email. Tours are free but donations are welcome.
Education Coordinator:
Please contact info@ocracokepreservation.org or phone  252.928.7375