• It sits at the most eastern point in North Carolina.
• It the largest, most complete USLSS complex in the nation.
• One of the few USLSS sites in the nation with all its
original buildings.
• All buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.
• One of 39 destinations listed by the Outer Banks Scenic
Byways.
• Has one of only two 1874 USLSS stations in the nation open
to the public.
• Was the first operational station in North Carolina.
• Now the only USLSS site in the state open to the public as
a museum.
• Is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in no government budget.
• Is the only place anywhere to regularly perform the full
Beach Apparatus Drill…and most importantly,
• … The scene of the most highly-awarded maritime rescue in
American history! (SS Mirlo,August 16, 1918).
The Chicamacomico Historical Association is a private, 501(c)(3)
non-profit organization who’s purpose is to restore, preserve
and interpret the buildings and history of Chicamacomico Life-
Saving Station, as well as the U.S. Life-Saving Service and its
successor, the U.S. Coast Guard on the Outer Banks. The
Association owns and operates the museum site and the museum
shop and raises its own funds. 100% of all admission fees, gift
shop purchases, memberships, and donations go directly to the
preservation, restoration, and operation of this historic site.
Founded in 1974 at the direction of community activist and
renowned artist Woodrow Edwards, renowned author and historian
David Stick, and community activist Carolista Baum, the
association of benefactors and concerned local citizens has
worked tirelessly to build a museum and history center that
dramatizes the stories of the dedicated men who served their
nation so bravely during the 44-year history of the U.S.
Life-Saving Service. It is a history that should not be lost.
Building restoration, exhibit development and historical
research are funded by the generous support of donors and
private grants and augmented by limited State and Federal
funding. Memberships are an important factor in our fundraising,
and all contributions are tax deductible.
Future plans include total restoration of the 1874 Station
house, construction of a museum building to house our growing
collections, continued research, expansion of our programming,
living history displays and physical facilities, and securing a
regular source of operational funding.
Your tax deductible contributions will help make Chicamacomico
the premier site on the East Coast dedicated to the amazing
history and valiant heritage of the U.S Life-Saving Service.
