Many lighthouse lovers have discovered that the history of America from its earliest colonists is recorded along the East Coast of the United States— from Maine to Key West and all points in between. The most historic area of all—along with some of the most renowned sentinels - is along the stretch of barrier islands known as the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Countless tales, such as that of Sir Walter Raleigh and the Lost Colony, as well as the first white child, Virginia Dare make the Outer Banks legendary in America’s legacy. Add to that the region known to mariners as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” and we learn the stories of such familiar landmarks as Cape Hatteras Light, Cape Lookout, Oak Island, Roanoke River Light, and other beacons that have earned their place in the history of the region and the nation.

Even if you haven’t had the opportunity to personally walk the miles of sand along this National Historic Seashore and see these lighthouses firsthand, you can still share in the beauty and history of the Outer Banks as a 2002 member of the Harbour Lights Collectors Society. There’s still time to join and receive all the benefits of membership - including the exquisite miniature sculpture of Hatteras Beacon, a brave little range light located in the shadow of its ‘big sister’ alerting sailors as they drew close to danger. Although its little beam was lost to the sea, Harbour Lights honors its heritage and courage by making Hatteras Beacon the Lighthouse of Membership you receive when you join or renew your 2002 Society Membership before April 30!

In addition to this beautiful gift , which is valued at more than annual dues of just $30, you receive a year-long subscription to Lighthouse Legacy, official Society newsletter filled with advance information about lighthouse events, collector profiles and photos, and inside information about new introductions and exclusive products; a lovely cloisonné pin made exclusively for members bearing a portrayal of the historic Roanoke River sentinel; and a special bonus for both new and renewing members. New members receive a handsome binder, embossed with the Society logo, for keeping issues of the Lighthouse Legacy. Renewing members receive a limited edition watercolor print of Roanoke River, beautifully matted, numbered and signed by artist Mark Sherman.

But that’s not all! As a 2002 member, you have the opportunity to purchase two exclusives not available to non-members: The 2002 Members Only Lighthouse ... Roanoke River, North Carolina (suggested retail price $90) and the charming Coney Island Lighthouse ornament (suggested retail price $15). Roanoke River once stood 42-feet above Albemarle Sound, marking the entrance to Roanoke River—a major route to shipping centers on its banks. Originally afloat on the Lightship MM, it was one of several crafts sunk during the Civil War as a barricade against deep-water vessels. Contact your local dealer to purchase these member exclusives, or call customer service to locate a redemption dealer in your area.

Two subsequent Roanoke River structures were erected during the 19th Century, the second guiding mariners until it was decommissioned in the 1940s. In 1955 a salvager moved the then deteriorating structure inland, where it remains, under private ownership today, in good condition. A replica of the historic light station is being built in Plymouth, NC using original architectural plans recovered by the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society.

This important chapter in lighthouse history is commemorated by Harbour Lights in our authentic reproduction—and you can only acquire it as a 2002 member of the Harbour Lights Collectors Society. Joining is easy, simply call 1-800-365-1219 or visit us online at www.HarbourLights.com. But don’t delay...membership for 2002 ends April 30!

This story appeared in the March 2003 edition of Lighthouse Digest Magazine. The print edition contains more stories than our internet edition, and each story generally contains more photographs - often many more - in the print edition. For subscription information about the print edition, click here.

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