The Whalehead Club at Currituck Heritage Park, Corolla, NC

Fun Triathlon for All!

2011-05-26T11:13:00.000-07:00

On a clear Easter Saturday morning with a light breeze coming across the Sound, racers gathered early in Currituck Heritage Park. Dressed in their biking gear, armed with adrenaline they checked in for the Corolla Pedal-Foot-Paddle. Here they were to pit their stamina against the elements on the Northern Outer Banks: seven miles biking along the residential streets of the Whalehead community; two miles running along the sandy beach and one mile kayaking on the waves of Currituck Sound.

Fun was had by all including professionals like Lynnsie, who said: “The run was absolutely beautiful! This was my 7th triathlon and it is now my favorite and I will definitly compete next year” and novices like Roach, who explained: “This race in Corolla was great it is my first triathlon, i brought with me my 13, 15 year old children as part of the team and they enjoyed it as there first race ever. Also brought a friend or she brought me. It was a little challenging but great fun for all.” Another race review on www.active.com was from Elinor saying: “Great event! Perfect for adults and kids and took advantage of the natural beauty of Corolla. I loved the fact that it was not that competitive but really it was for the fun of it! We would definitely participate again next year.”

A huge thank you goes out to the many volunteers who woke up early to help with marshaling, water stations and timing service. And the biggest appreciation was earned by Coastal Explorations for providing all the kayaks and the hard work that went into maintaining that part of the race. In addition, heartfelt gratitude goes to Corolla Ocean Rescue who provided support vehicles, safety management and medical personnel which was the most important element of hosting a triathlon.

Photo by John Aylor of Corolla, NC.

2011-03-03T06:28:00.000-08:00

Coastal Antiques Appraisal Fair on Saturday, March 26, 2011

Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 26, 2011 and plan to join us for the 6^th annual Coastal Antiques Appraisal Fair and Show. There is no admission fee, and it’s open to the public. A team of professional experts will evaluate your collectibles for $10 each or three items for $25. There is no limit to the number of items so bring all those mystery objects you have stored in your closets and attic to see what they are worth!

Appraisers will be available from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. to provide informal identification and verbal estimates of sale and insurance values at the NC Cooperative Extension Center in Barco, located near the Currituck Airport on State Route 158. The address is 120 Community Way, Barco in NC. It’s less than an hour’s drive from most points on the Outer Banks, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Va. and points throughout eastern North Carolina.

In the past few years many treasures have been uncovered: last year Michelle brought in her mis-stamped penny which she had been holding on to. She was surprised when it appraised for $500 - $1000! Imagine purchasing a lovely blue pottery bowl at a yard sale for just a few dollars and finding out it is worth approximately $3000! Lou had an idea that his bronze Native American Massasoit figure was unique. He was delighted to discover it is valued at $7500. Massasoit was a Wampanoag chief believed to be largely responsible for the survival of the pilgrims at Plymouth Colony in the early 1600s. According to Doug Stover, chairman of the Friends of the Outer Banks History Center, “We hope to see many surprises at the fair this year. Last year’s event proved once again that there are many fascinating artifacts yet to be discovered and their owners want to learn the true value of their collections.” The event is also designed to encourage a deeper appreciation of our rich heritage by helping people learn about items of historical and aesthetic value that are often overlooked in their own homes.

2011-01-27T05:48:00.000-08:00

START TRAINING NOW FOR THE

Corolla Pedal-Foot-Paddle Triathlon

April 23, 2011 – Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm

Join us for a special triathlon beginning in Currituck Heritage Park. The “Pedal-Foot-Paddle” starts with a scenic cycle through Corolla followed by a run on the beach at low-tide, wrapping up with a kayak paddle on the Currituck Sound. For the more leisurely-minded enjoy the fun event, “Land and Light”- climb the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, then stroll through the park ending at the front porch of the historic Whalehead Club. Come and race individually or as a team! Go to the event page on www.whaleheadclub.org to register now.

2010-12-01T05:29:00.000-08:00

Whales spotted at the Whalehead Club!
Fascinated onlookers watched as this giant long blue whale kite floated over Currituck Heritage Park Thanksgiving weekend, 2010. The spectacular 100 foot long nylon kite (named "Mel" after author Herman Melville) was sewn by Peter Lynn Kites in New Zealand and is owned by Joyce and Jeff King of the Wings Over Washington Club. With the help of fellow WOW members, Dennis Hawley and Dave Souter, "Mel" was wrangled into the sky by a massive red, white and blue foil lifter kite where he breached and dove through the brisk November breezes as if he were truly swimming in air. Thanks to Flying Smiles Kites (located across from Currituck Heritage Park in Corolla Light Town Center) and other kiters from near and far, the skies were full of kites of all colors, shapes and sizes that delighted participants and spectators alike.

2010-11-18T07:05:00.000-08:00

Black Friday Porch Sale at the Whalehead Club.
November 26th, 2010 from 9am till 5pm
Do you have those people on your gift list that you have no idea what to get for Christmas? Here is your solution: unique gifts with the message of preserving the heritage of the Outer Banks! This is the one time a year that we discount the Copper Collection created from the Whalehead Club original copper roof shingles. Plus hundreds more exclusive items... Come away feeling festive not frazzled this Black Friday!

2010-11-05T10:52:00.000-07:00

Win this Holiday Wreath

to Hang on Your Front Door!

1 ticket for $1

6 tickets for $5

For tickets call 252-453-9040 ext 3

Or come to the Whalehead Club Museum Shop

Drawing will be on December 11^th, 2010

At the Illumination Celebration

in Currituck Heritage Park in Corolla NC.

Proceeds support the preservation of the Whalehead Club

www.whaleheadclub.org

2010-10-21T09:37:00.000-07:00

Explore the Moonlight Legend, Lore and Ghosts of the Whalehead Club on Saturday November 6, 2010 beginning at dark. What does the infamous Whalehead Club feel like after the sun goes down? Are there still distinguished visitors roaming the halls? Come to experience life in the past and hear real ghost stories about the Whalehead Club and northern Outer Banks. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight. Advance reservations are required. Call 252-453-9040 ext. 2. (Photo by John Aylor)

Fun at Heritage Day

2010-10-14T06:07:00.000-07:00

Under cloudy, rainy skies many locals and visitors alike enjoyed great food catered by Currituck BBQ on the first Sunday in October, also known as Heritage Day in Corolla. Thanks to Ocean Atlantic Rentals' donation we were sheltered in a beautiful wedding tent in Currituck Heritage Park overlooking the Sound. We were entertained by the lovely singing voices of Currituck County High School's Chorale Ensemble and the amazing jazz talents of 'Connected' from Elizabeth City. Kids had their faces painted and Magic Mike made balloon animals to play with. Everyone toured the Whalehead Club for free too, learning about art nouveau decor and local waterfowl hunting history. A fun afternoon for all!

2010-08-26T09:18:00.000-07:00

Whalehead Club “Arts in the Park”

Wednesday September 1, 2010. 10:00 am – 7:00 pm.

Thursday September 2, 2010. 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Enjoy this outdoor arts and gifts show on the banks of Currituck Sound. This festival features the talents of sixty artists showcasing a variety of media and quality gifts. Plus music by Outer Banks DJ, local food concessions, bake sale, and art auction, all promise two wonderful days out in Corolla! The kids can enjoy the Rock Climbing Wall by Kitty Hawk Kites, Corolla Wild Horse Fund (on Thursday from 11-3) offering Pony Rides, Magic Mike the Clown amazing everyone with his Balloon Art, and much, much more. Admission is free! $5 parking donation requested. The Whalehead Club is located in Currituck Heritage Park, just past milepost 11 on Route 12 North in Corolla.

2010-08-09T07:21:00.000-07:00

Bring the kids for Wednesday Kite Flying at 11am here in Currituck Heritage Park. Free for all ages! Bring your own kite or share one from Flying Smiles!

Good Monday Everyone! The Whalehead Club has lots going on this week! Starting with Wine Fest on Wednesday from 3pm to 7pm. $20 gets you in to taste all the wines, a complimentary pass to take the standard tour of the Whalehead Club and a souvenier wine glass. Live music and local food vendors will be on hand. Let's not forget kite flying for the kids! It truly is a family fun event as you can see by checking out the photos on our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Corolla-NC/The-Whalehead-Club/267448098509?v=photos#!/album.php?aid=189160&id=267448098509

Join us on Thursday for the Summer Concert Series 6:30pm - 8:30pm. Admission is free for all ages. This week Sea Level will performing classic rock! Fun for the whole family! Bring your blankets, chairs, a picnic perhaps and enjoy great music and an awesome sunset from the southe lawn of the Whalehead Club. Concessions including snacks, non-alcoholic beverages and wine. Please - per county law no alcohol may be brought into the park (we may sell it by permit only). Fuzzy family members are also welcome as long as they are leashed per county law. Hope to see you there! Check out some photos of the last few shows http://www.facebook.com/pages/Corolla-NC/The-Whalehead-Club/267448098509?v=photos#!/album.php?aid=189503&id=267448098509

Moonlight Legend & Lore Ghost Tour Thursday evenings at dusk. This tour is by advance ticket purchase only - and there are only a few spots left! Call today 252-453-9040 ext. 2

As always, the Whalehead Club is open for a standard self guided audio tour from 9am - 5pm Monday - Saturday. $7 per person Or try one of our specialty tours (by reservation only). Click below for a dopwnloadable brochure from our website http://www.whaleheadclub.org/PDFs/WHC%202010%20Brochure2.pdf

Hope to see you all here at the Whalehead Club this week!

2010-07-29T09:07:00.000-07:00

The Whalehead Club Wednesday Wine Festivals

are in full swing. Visitors enjoy the tastings
on the banks of the Currituck Sound, listening to
live local music and sampling wines from local vineyards,
and from across the country and the world!

Fireworks

2010-07-06T07:18:00.000-07:00

Currituck Heritage Park was alive with crackles and pops and lots of color on July 4th, 2010. Thousands of visitors came to Corolla to enjoy live music by 'Pairadocs', free kids activities and plenty of food.
The night sky lit up with a beautiful fireworks display which ended to great cheers and applause.
Thanks to Currituck County for sponsoring this magnificent event and thank you to John Aylor of Corolla who sent in this picture.

2010-05-28T12:12:00.001-07:00

Wild Horse Days (WHD) is a three day celebration designed to educate the vacationing public about the need to preserve and protect endangered wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs roaming free on the Currituck Outer Banks. Sponsored by the non profit Corolla Wild Horse Fund, local businesses, and community volunteers, funds raised are used to care for the wild herd. 2010’s event is July 6, 7, and 8 in Corolla, NC at Currituck Heritage Park; Corolla Light Town Center; and the Wild Horse Museum. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, visitors enjoy food; music; wine tasting; vendors; creative games and crafts for children; a huge silent auction; a gentled Spanish Mustang for petting; Mustang rides and mini riding lessons; wild horse training demonstrations; riding demonstrations on formerly wild horses; a parade of breeds; carriage rides; and a wild horse photography contest. There is no admission charge, making WHD the biggest annual free family-friendly event in Corolla next to the 4th of July fireworks.

2010-05-24T10:12:00.000-07:00

Chance to win a beautiful hand-sewn Yo Yo Spread! Drawing to be held during the Whalehead Club “Arts in the Park” on September 1st, 2010.

Meet Genevieve Baden, a southern Maryland resident who loves to make beautiful bed coverings known as “Yo Yo” spreads. This 98” x 72” spread took Genevieve two years to sew. She has donated her masterpiece to the Whalehead Club to raffle as a
fundraiser for the ongoing preservation of the elaborate winter residence in Corolla, NC dating back to the 1920s.
Genevieve was taught to do the Yo Yo pattern by a loving aunt when she was around 12 years old. A running stitch, when applied to a kaleidoscope of colored fabric creates an instant family heirloom in her hands. She remembers being helped to choose her colors, then make a circle, go around, turn it under and anchor it. Now in her mid 80’s Genevieve’s practiced hands can repeat the pattern effortlessly, keeping alive an antique tradition which has almost disappeared since homemakers choose less time consuming tasks in favor of instant gratification purchases.
The beautiful spread is displayed on the front porch of the Whalehead Club. Raffle Tickets are 1 for $1 or 6 for $5. Come to the Whalehead Club at Currituck Heritage Park to buy your chances. Or you can purchase tickets by calling 252-453-9040. The winning ticket will be drawn at the Whalehead Club “Arts in the Park” festival on Wednesday September 1st, 2010.

2010-03-08T08:37:00.000-08:00

APRIL 17th - COASTAL ANTIQUES APPRAISAL FAIR - Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm

Location: NC Cooperative Extension Building in Barco. What's in your attic? Find out the estimated value of your antiques from professional appraisers. Shop for collectibles from local dealers. Learn tricks to keeping your treasures beautiful at the educational workshops. Silent auction and refreshments too! Sponsored by the Outer Banks History Center Associates, NC Cooperative Extension, Currituck Center and the Whalehead Preservation Trust. Admission is free. Appraisal fee: $10 per item or 3 items for $25.

2010-03-03T09:10:00.000-08:00

APRIL 7th 2010 - COROLLA PEDAL-FOOT-PADDLE -
Wednesday, 8 am to 1 pm

Join us for a triathlon beginning in Currituck Heritage Park. The "Pedal-Foot-Paddle" starts with a 7-mile scenic cycle through Corolla followed by a 3-mile run on the beach at low-tide, wrapping up with a 2-mile kayak paddle on the Currituck Sound. For the more leisurely-minded enjoy the fun walk, "Light to Land" - climb the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, then stroll through the park ending at the front porch of the historic Whalehead Club. Contestants may participate individually or as a team. Entry fee includes registration reception on Tuesday evening, and award celebration - including best costume - on race day.

For registration form and race route please go to: http://www.whaleheadclub.com/events.php

EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA 2010

2010-03-01T06:34:00.000-08:00

APRIL 2nd - EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA - Friday, 1 pm to 3 pm

Join the Easter Bunny and the Currituck Duck for a traditional egg hunt in Currituck Heritage Park. Lots of fun children's activities like Balloon Art; Face Painting; Egg & Spoon Races; Bean Bag Toss; Jellybean Counting Contest; Snacks & Refreshments; Fabulous Prizes! Admission and Parking are free.

2010-01-28T08:19:00.000-08:00

Explore the Moonlight Legend, Lore and Ghosts of the Whalehead Club on
Saturday, February 6, 2010 beginning at 7:00pm. This guided tour is the most fun you can
have for $14! Maybe you have toured the colorful rooms in the daylight and been curious
about what it would feel like to be in the 21,000 sq. ft residence after dark. Our docents have
accumulated a treasure trove of legend and lore and invite the brave to come out and hear real
ghost stories about previous owners of the Whalehead Club and distinguished visitors to the
northern banks of the Currituck Sound. Come dressed for the weather and carry a flashlight.
Advance reservations are required. Call 252-453-9040 ext. 2.

2010-01-07T08:26:00.000-08:00

CURRITUCK HERITAGE PARK WINTER EDUCATIONAL SERIES
COROLLA IN RETROSPECT – Surviving Here
Location: The Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education in Corolla, NC
Date: Tuesday, January 12th 2010. 9:30 am

What was life like in Corolla before television, video games and internet surfing? How did the residents survive here and pass the time on the isolated Currituck Banks? Experience life in the past from a panel of local experts. After the forum learn how to make and repair fishing nets. Refreshments will be served. Donations are welcomed to cover the cost of the refreshments. Please call ahead to reserve your place: 252-453-9040 ext 3.

2009-12-11T10:38:00.000-08:00

3rd Annual Holiday Illumination Celebration at Currituck Heritage Park: Saturday, December 12, 2009

Come to the Whalehead Club beginning at 3:00 pm for complimentary tours of the house museum festively decorated as the Knights would have done back in the 1920s. Gather on the North Lawn at 4:30 pm for free hot chocolate and seasonal carols sung by the Currituck County High School Choral Ensemble, while Currituck Heritage Park's giant cedar tree and the Currituck Beach Lighthouse are simultaneously illuminated for the holidays! Treat yourself to an old-fashioned horse and carriage ride through the park with Carolina Carriages, starting at 2:00 pm.

Pumpkin Carving Contest

2009-10-15T07:52:00.001-07:00

Bring your carved Jack-o-Lantern to Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education at Currituck Heritage Park on Thursday, Oct. 29 from Noon to 5pm. Cash prizes: 1st Place $50, 2nd Place $25, and 3rd Place $10 Pumpkins must have luminaries (not actual candles) Judging will take place at 6pm and all the entries will be displayed during Haunted Corolla Village on Friday, Oct. 30. Pumpkins can be collected after 9pm on Friday or donated for compost. By the way, we will be decorating the park and village on Thursday before Halloween, if you're not busy come and help us, it's a big job and Autumn can be so fun with friends!

Wednesday Wine Festivals Enjoyed All Summer

2009-10-08T10:13:00.000-07:00

Charlie Vukas of Pennsylvania attended the last Wine Festival this summer. As you can see, he was a good customer! Wines were available from local and California vineyards and from around the world. Tickets each Wednesday through September included a keepsake wine glass, a $100 discount on a future rental at Village Realty, live music, and a tour of the historic Whalehead Club. At various times throughout the summer local food vendors, face painters, and kite demonstrations were enjoyed amid the wine tastings. It was fun for all ages!

Claiming Her Prize

2009-10-07T13:23:00.000-07:00

Shelby Ruby (right) of Delaplane, VA stopped by last week to claim her raffle prize. She was the lucky winner of a Limited Edition print "Return to Whalehead" by R. B. Dance. Shelby's is shown here holding her print in front of the original work which hangs in Mr. Knight's office at the Whalehead Club. Shelby's family was visiting the Outer Banks when she bought the lucky ticket in the Museum Shop! We want to thank Shelby and all who bought raffle tickets that support historic preservation of the Whalehead Club at Currituck Heritage Park!

Caught Fish and Bait!

2009-09-22T12:52:00.000-07:00

Michele Bouchard of Corolla pulled this 19" catfish from the canal under the bridge today. She also caught a 25" eel which some people eat but she prefers to use as bait. She said this fish is much smaller than the catfish she caught yesterday and deboned last night. September afternoons have brought us heavenly weather to enjoy outdoor activities in Currituck Heritage Park!

2009-09-13T09:47:00.000-07:00

Matthew Costa of Trotter's Bridge in Poquoson stopped by the Whalehead Club booth to try his hand at the pirate puzzle!

Currituck Wildlife Festival Sept. 12 and 13

2009-09-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

Owen (age 1 1/2) and his little sister Presley (age 7 mo.) enjoyed being pushed around the Currituck Wildlife Festival at Currituck High School. Their father, Justin Oneal drove up from Rodanthe to attend the show and stopped by the Whalehead Club booth for a visit. The show features local artists and wildlife exhibitors from as far away as Florida. The $5 admission benefits the Coinjock Ruritan Club and comes with a book full of exhibitor contact info and great old photos of Currituck in days gone by.

2009-09-11T07:31:00.000-07:00

What a Great Summer Concert Series!

Every Thursday July and August friends and families gathered on the front lawn of the Whalehead Club to enjoy free concerts. This performance was "The Crowd" a 5-piece high energy band from the Outer Banks. They played classic rock, Motown, Soul, and a little Reggae to an appreciative audience of all ages. The concert was sponsoed by Corolla Classic Vacations!

Enjoying a Complimentary Tour

2009-08-26T13:26:00.001-07:00

A complimentary tour of the Whalehead Club is included with each admission to the weekly Wine Festivals along with a souvenir wine glass and live entertainment!
Wednesday Wine Festivals at Currituck Heritage Park will continue through September from 3 to 7 pm each week.

Archaeologists Unearth Foundation of Caretaker's House

2009-07-29T14:17:00.000-07:00

Archaeologists unearthed a solid concrete foundation with a brick construction wall on top leaving no doubt as to the exact orientation, depth, and length of the original caretaker’s house as it was built by E. C. Knight in the 1920s. This information is a critical element to the Whalehead Preservation Trust’s plan to erect a similar building on the site in the near future.
Shawn Patch of New South Associates, the North Carolina firm hired to expose the foundation, is principal investigator on the project. The company is a founding member of the American Cultural Resources Association. He is the head of their Remote Sensing department which handles geophysical work such as the GPR, Ground Penetrating Radar, used at the onset. The first goal was to expose one corner of the structure and examine the foundation.

Shovel testing revealed a burn line visible to the excavators at a depth of approximately 1.5 feet deep. The house was known to have burned in 1948. Interesting artifacts, including bone, nail, and glass has been unearthed and will be cleaned and classified and remain the property of the Whalehead Club. Shawn expects more kitchen related artifacts to be forthcoming once they reach the north wall. The dig is ongoing, stay tuned for more!

Raffle Winner Announced

2009-07-05T13:50:00.000-07:00

Shelby of Delaplane, VA is the lucky winner of "Return to Whalehead". The museum quality print by R. B. Dance was raffled on June 30 in support of preservation of the historic Whalehead Club. Congratulations, Shelby!

Raffle Tickets Drawing June 30 at 2:00 pm

2009-06-10T10:48:00.000-07:00

Yes, you still have time, there are about 3 weeks left to buy raffle tickets to win a museum quality remarque of Return to Whalehead - Tickets are $5 each or get 5 chances to win for only $20. Drawing will be held June 30, at 2pm so we will sell tickets right up until 1:45 for this fundraiser to benefit historic preservation. Call 252-453-9040 to get your name in the drawing or buy online in the Museum Shop.
The limited edition lithograph is matted and beautifully framed, measures 38.5 by 27.5 and is ready to hang. No need to be present to win, we will call with the good news that you have won a piece of Outer Banks history!
Renowned nautical artist, R. B. Dance (http://www.robertbdance.com/) created the 1920's view of the historic Whalehead Club. The original can be seen when touring here at the Knight's home in Currituck Heritage Park. This is a rare opportunity to own #20 of only 25 remarques made!

Public Boat Ramp is Now Open!

2009-06-04T06:54:00.000-07:00

Road repairs are complete and the public boat ramp at Currituck Heritage Park is again open from dawn until dusk. As always, parking and day use of the ramp are free and we invite boaters to take time to tour the 1920's Whalehead Club while they are in the park. The tour is self-guided, using a handheld audio device, so there are no lines and no waiting!

2009-05-26T07:18:00.000-07:00

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: COROLLA, NC
The public boat ramp closing at Currituck Heritage Park begins Tuesday, May 26. The ramp will be closed for approximately 10 days due to repairs on Club Road which leads to the ramp.

Currituck Heritage Park is Best Beach Alternative

2009-05-21T07:49:00.000-07:00

Currituck Heritage Park has become the best alternative to the beach for summer visitors to the Outer Banks. A visit to the Whalehead Club, Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education or the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, all within the park, will acquaint you with all aspects of local history. It is also a popular location for people to leisurely walk the natural and cultural history trail, fish and crab from our docks and view the sunset. The addition of a footbridge over the living marsh exhibit on the south lawn gives folks another vantage point for photographing the Whalehead Club and the surrounding natural beauty.
The demand for wedding receptions, family reunions and public events continuing after dark has brought about the installation of lighting in the parking lots. Gone are the days when temporary lights were powered by generators transported to the park from great distances! While all outside events must still end by the time the noise ordinance kicks in at 10:00 p.m., it allows time to enjoy balmy summer evenings after sunset without rushing back to your car before dark. Whether you live locally or are a visitor to the Outer Banks, Currituck Heritage Park is your best alternative to the beach!