The theme for Homecoming this year is “A Step Back in Time.” The Styron-Bragg house, the Wallace-Grace House and the Jesse Babb House are among the several houses that will be open for this one day. Jim White, FPI board member, descendant and Portsmouth historian, will emcee the program under the tent. We have some great door prizes to offer through our raffle, and the first 500 people who arrive that day will receive the coveted commemorative Homecoming pin for 2018.
Reservations to Portsmouth should be made in early April by calling Rudy Austin at 252-928-4361. The cost is $20 per person, round trip. Please do not call before early April.
The NC Ferry Service often changes schedules. You should contact them directly for the latest schedules and prices -1-800-293-3779 or www.ncferry.org. The boats to Portsmouth load at the NPS docks at Ocracoke. Park your car and follow the crowd! Return reservations should be made on the last state ferry to Cedar Island or Swan Quarter unless you are spending the night at Ocracoke. If coming from Hatteras you will want to be on the very early ferry as the ride is now an hour long ride, then you will need to drive down the Island to the village to catch the boat over to Portsmouth.
If you plan to try to come from up the beach, please check with the Park Service first to see if the flats are passable in your 4WD vehicle. Contact Morris Marina at Atlantic for reservations and prices. Dress for the weather and the boat ride, and bring bug spray and good walking shoes!
Events for the day include a special descendant area for family displays and gatherings – bring your scrapbooks and photos! Meet the descendants of Portsmouth Island and hear them share their stories. The post office will be open for a one-day stamp cancellation, and hymn singing will once again be held in the church. After the Homecoming program under the tent, all will gather for dinner on the grounds – the best potluck you’ve ever seen! Ice, paper products and tea will be provided. Please bring food or dish to share and any beverage you wish. Be sure to label your food containers and coolers. Carts will be available at the dock to load your coolers, chairs, etc. to be taken to the food area so you won’t have to carry them. We want this to be a day where you will have time to visit, explore the houses in the village, and have a great meal.
Boats returning to Ocracoke will run as long as needed to get everyone off Portsmouth.
You are encouraged to contact the Ocracoke motels as soon as possible for reservations if you plan to stay on Ocracoke. Many of them close during the winter but some are open year round. You may also contact Ocracoke Island Realty and Blue Heron Realty for house rentals. There are always events going on at Ocracoke and the rooms book up very fast.
Contact information for more information: Kathy McNeilly at 828-448-0597, or Rosanne Penley at 828-439-5424, evenings at 828-433-4458, or at Rosanne.Penley@gmail.com.
We will continue to update the website, and check our Facebook page closer to the time for updates there as well.
All are welcome to attend, and you do not have to be a member. If not a member you will have the opportunity to join at our membership table. Hope to see you there!