Outer Banks History Centers

The Outer Banks we know and love today was formed and characterized by its vast history. To assist you in gaining a better appreciation of this history, numerous Outer Banks history centers populate the area. You can visit and climb up lighthouses to learn how these stately structures saved the lives of sailors who navigated through treacherous shoals. Hike through the state park, Jockey’s Ridge, to interact with the world’s largest living sand dune and absorb the beautiful world around you. Stop by visitors’ centers to pick up some maps and brochures that might explain historical significance of the area you’re traveling to. And, of course, you won’t want to miss the museums on the Outer Banks, which can give you a taste of what life was like on the beach in the past few centuries. Then, there is the Outer Banks History Center in Manteo that is the local repository of pictures, books, magazines and more that tell the story of our shores. Browse through the below listing of Outer Banks history centers and get ready to embrace your inner scholar!


Outer Banks Attractions by Area

Corolla | Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills & Nags Head
Roanoke Island & Manteo | Hatteras Island | Ocracoke Island

Outer Banks Attractions by Category

Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station

Outer Banks History Centers
23645 N.C. Highway 12, Rodanthe
(252) 987-1552

The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station is the nation’s largest and most complete existing example of the life-saving stations that were built along the...read more

The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station is the nation’s largest and most complete existing example of the...read more

Corolla Wild Horse Fund

Outer Banks History Centers
1130E Corolla Village Road, Corolla
(252) 453-8002

Corolla Wild Horse Fund's museum, gift shop and offices are located in Historic Corolla Village. Visit them to discover the fascinating history and legacy...read more

Corolla Wild Horse Fund's museum, gift shop and offices are located in Historic Corolla Village....read more

Currituck Beach Lighthouse

Outer Banks History Centers
1101 Corolla Village Road, Corolla
(252) 453-4939

The red-brick Currituck Beach Lighthouse towers above the Historic Corolla Village. Visitors to this Outer Banks attraction can climb the winding staircase...read more

The red-brick Currituck Beach Lighthouse towers above the Historic Corolla Village. Visitors to this Outer...read more

Ocracoke Preservation Society and Museum

Outer Banks History Centers
49 Water Plant Road, Ocracoke
(252) 928-7375

For a peek into Ocracoke’s past, visit Ocracoke Preservation Society’s Museum. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to preserving the island’s history...read more

For a peek into Ocracoke’s past, visit Ocracoke Preservation Society’s Museum. The nonprofit organization is...read more

Pronounced “body,” this horizontally striped lighthouse is on the soundside at the southern end of Bodie Island in Cape Hatteras National Seashore. It re-...read more