Keepers’ Quarters Museum at the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, Cape Lookout National Seashore

Cape Lookout Lighthouse Complex

The Keepers’ Quarters Museum at Cape Lookout National Seashore is located near the base of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse in the 1873 duplex that was once home to the two assistant light keepers and their families. The museum is typically open mid-March through October from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Exhibits focus on the life of the light keepers, the U. S. Life Saving Service, and the lighthouse itself, including a timeline as to how it was eventually converted from oil to electricity in 1933. Most of the exhibits are information panels, but a few artifacts are on display. There are also exhibits on the Core Banks and the park itself, but these are carry overs from the Harkers Island Visitor Center, so not all material is original.

There is even an abbreviated version of the Ribbon of Sand park film: 26 minutes at Harkers Island but only 16 minutes here. Most of the Meryl Streep narration was removed, which is no big deal since most of what she had to say was philosophical babble. The film covers the geology and history of the Core Banks. If you didn’t see it at Harkers Island, be sure to catch it here. There is no objectionable material, so the film is suitable for all ages. Push a button to start the film on demand.

To see the exhibits and read all of the information takes about 20 minutes. Add in an additional 15 minutes if you want to watch the film.