The largest gathering ever of keepers’ descendants took place on the grounds of the Cape Hatteras Light Station May 4, 5, 6, 2001. Over 1,100 Hatteras Lighthouse keepers’ direct descendants gathered for the Hatteras Keepers Descendants Homecoming. A gleaming white tent at the base of the lighthouse held all the families for a weekend of special programs about the lighthouse, U.S. Lighthouse Service history, and family life on Hatteras Island.

Lee Radzak reenacts keeper in early 1900's uniform
Photo courtesy Bruce Roberts

Highlights of the weekend included: the unveiling of the engraved stones from the original lighthouse foundation with names of the 83 identified keepers of Cape Hatteras Lighthouses, including the 1803 and 1870 towers and the Cape Hatteras Beacon Light at Cape Point (1855- c. 1904); heritage programs for descendants by prominent people within the lighthouse community; the National Park Service rededication ceremony; a panel discussion with local residents and others who grew up near the lighthouse on Hatteras Island; and a lifesaving drill demonstration by volunteer surfmen of the Chicamacomico Historical Association.

The light station became a place for people, family. The atmosphere at the park and around the lighthouse was the friendliest I’d ever felt. Each time I looked into the eyes of the descendants, I could see the eyes of the keepers. They were there with us in spirit and it was an overwhelming feeling that we all felt.

There were countless smiles on people’s faces when they met after having not seen one another for ten, twenty, thirty, forty years! The glint in their eyes, the warm hugs, the slaps on the back, the huddles to exchange funny stories- all said “family.” At times, the gatherings at the Angler’s Club, Hatteras Civic Center, and the tent looked like scenes at an old general store: men sat with their chairs turned backyards, gesturing strongly to embellish the stories; sisters drew closer for private chats and photographs; grandparents with grandchildren beamed with pride as keepers’ descendants. Recognition at last, home at last.

Two significant projects were completed for the Homecoming. First, the commemorative book HATTERAS KEEPERS ORAL AND FAMILY HISTORIES has been edited by Cheryl Shelton-Roberts with family histories by Sandra MacLean Clunies. As part of attending descendants’ registration fee, a copy of the commemorative book was presented to each one. The second great event was the unveiling of the Keepers Circle of Stones on Friday, May 4, 2001.

The unveiling of the Keepers Circle of Stones was an humble ceremony with the U.S. Coast Guard Color Guard; music by the Hatteras Island Chorus under the direction of David Grieder; welcome remarks by Bruce Roberts and Cape Hatteras National Seashore Superintendent Francis Peltier; reading of the keepers’ names by me; blessing of the stones by Rev. Roger Barnett, Pastor Frisco Assembly of God Church and descendant of Hezekiah Barnett; and then the great moment, the unveiling of the stones by the family of Unaka Jennette, arranged by Lynn Jennette, our cochairman of the Homecoming committee. What a fine moment in American history! The Outer Banks Lighthouse Society thanks the Dare County Tourist Bureua for their cosponsorship with the society of this project and the cooperation of the National Park Service.

No one could have predicted the impact of the engraved original granite plinth stones with the keepers’ names. Already there have been funerals and weddings in the circle. It’s a special place. As one views the engraved names and the eye slowly looks up, up along the move track- yes- there she is! The striped wonder stands back, giving way to the upcoming blasts of Atlantic storms. One descendant told us that she was not ready for the emotional experience awaiting her at the stones. “I cried,” she said. “And I don’t cry! My children ran around and around and we counted the names and found how many had the same last names. I want to go back again and again.”

It was a fine heritage program day for the keepers’ families.

Our sponsors
The Outer Banks Lighthouse Society wishes to thank our major sponsors/supporters: WGHP TV/Fox 8 and Roy Ackland and David Weatherly, Bank of America, the American Lighthouse Foundation, the Dare County Tourist Bureau, the National Park Service, the Christmas Shop in Manteo, International Chimney Corporation, Inc., and many Buxton and area businesses and realtors, and all the volunteers who worked diligently for over a year to help make this event a great success.