Coming Home on April 26th

Wednesday, April 2, 2014 - 20:58

Historic photos of Portsmouth Methodist Church courtesy of Friends of Portsmouth Island

This year's Portsmouth Homecoming will celebrate the church's 100th anniversary.

Everyone is welcome!

Hundreds of people, many genealogically tied to Portsmouth, attended the Homecoming. The event is hosted in the spring of even years by the non-profit Friends of Portsmouth and the National Park Service.

To get an idea of the magic of Homecoming, read Jenny's article about the 2010 event.

The helpful information below will help you plan for your visit this year.

If coming for the day on the Cedar Island-to-Ocracoke ferry:

You will need to make reservations with the North Carolina Ferry Service (1-800-BY-FERRY). The Ferry Service schedules and prices are subject to change before April, so make your own plans and reservations. At this time, walk-ons do not need reservations. From Ocracoke to Portsmouth, you will need reservations with Rudy Austin.

If coming from Hatteras, or if already on Ocracoke:

You will need to make reservations with Rudy Austin.

Reservations to Portsmouth from Ocracoke should be made with Rudy Austin (252) 928-4361 ($20 per person, round trip).

If coming from Core Banks:

Four-wheel drive owners might drive from the Long Point Camps. Catch the vehicle ferry from Atlantic, then 17 miles up the beach to Portsmouth. Contact Morris Marina at Atlantic for reservations (252) 225-4261.

You may, of course, travel in your own boat!

Dress for the weather and for the boat ride. Bug spray, water, and good walking shoes are important.
Portsmouth t-shirts and special Portsmouth notecards will be available. The Portsmouth Post Office will be open and a special cancellation will be available for that day only.
The Portsmouth Methodist Church building is 100 years old in 2014. This will be the focus of Homecoming. The Methodist Bishop of North Carolina will be our special guest.
After Homecoming services, "dinner on the grounds" will be served. Be sure to bring a dish that will be shared with others. Paper products and ice will be provided.
Major buildings will be open. Friends of Portsmouth Island, many of whom are family members related to each building, will be on-site hosts. The Washington Roberts House will be open for the first time.

Contact Richard Meissner (252) 728-3242 for more info.