While most people are more familiar with the endangered Cape Hatteras Light, the Outer Banks' Bodie island Light 40 miles north attracts its share of attention as well. The keeper's house (now a visitor's center) recently received several significant pieces of history to add to the existing exhibits.

The new additions include artifacts such as a clockwork mechanism, the oil reservoir from the sister Currituck Beach Lamp, a burnt out 1000 watt bulb from Bodie Island Light, and a portion of the First Order Fresnel lens from Cape Hatteras.

Also new are a series of wall displays detailing the life and work of the lighthouse keeper, tower types, a history of lighthouses and how they work, and lighthouse restoration and preservation.

Also, as it was last year, the public is invited to walk up into the base of the tower itself. Although rusted stairs prevent climbing, visitors are extremely impressed with the view up. Park service volunteers and members of the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society keep the lighthouse open from 10-4 weekdays and 1-4 most weekends. For additional information you can write to the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society, 210 Gallery Row, Nags Head, NC 27959, or call them at 919-441-4232.