Cape Lookout National Seashore - Portsmouth Homecoming (U.S. National Park Service)

The Friends of Portsmouth Island, in cooperation with Cape Lookout National Seashore, sponsor an old-fashioned homecoming in Portsmouth Village, south of Ocracoke, across Ocracoke Inlet. Homecomings are traditionally held in alternate years the first Saturday after Easter. The year there will be a break with this tradition as the next Homecoming is set for Saturday, April 24, 2010. Everyone is welcome!

Traditionally, homecomings in the South are for the members of a particular church or family, but the Portsmouth Homecoming welcomes everyone. Usually, about half of the participants are first-timers. The village is open for visiting, and the program itself is followed by a traditional "dinner on the grounds."

Visitors arriving from Ocracoke aboard the ferry

Getting to Portsmouth can be a challenge. Access is by water only and there are no hard surface roads on the island. Some people take the private vehicle ferry from the village of Atlantic, and then drive their four-wheel drive vehicles 17 miles up the beach to get to Portsmouth. Others arrive by their own boat. Most folks, however, catch the passenger ferry from the village of Ocracoke.

The homecoming service, traditionally held in the church, includes singing, special music, recognition of guests and other visitors, a short devotional, and good fellowship. Dress for the day is very informal; jeans are appropriate.

If planning on joining us for Homecoming, you will need to make your own reservations with the ferry service.

In case of bad weather, the gathering is held in the village of Ocracoke. For more information, contact Richard Meissner at (252) 728-2250 ext. 3008 or (252) 728-3242.