Born to Ananias and Eleanor Dare on August 18th, 1587, Virginia Dare was the first child born to English parents in the New World.Since 1937, her birthday has been remembered and celebrated annually on Roanoke Island.At this year's Virginia Dare's Birthday Celebration on Aug. 18, activities will be taking place on the grounds at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and at The Elizabethan Gardens.
The National Park Service Fort Raleigh National Historic Site will offer free programs throughout the day.
10:30 a.m., Life in the Roanoke Tribe - a family activity program.Meet at the picnic area near the Visitor Center.
11:30 a.m., and 2 p.m., 1584-1590 Exploration and Colonization - a discussion on the mystery of England's first attempt to colonize the New World.Meet at the Earthen Fort.
3 p.m., The Algonquians - a discussion of the culture of the Algonquian people who lived on Roanoke Island.Meet at the Earthen Fort.
In addition, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the staff of the Elizabethan Gardens and The Lost Colony will be offering a variety of activities taking place near or within the Elizabethan Gardens.These activities include children's games and activities, storytelling, arts and crafts, balloons, and face painting.(Admission fees to the Gardens apply.)For more information check www.thelostcolony.org and www.elizabethangardens.org.
Kids are also invited to participate in the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site Junior Ranger Program.By completing a booklet and attending programs, kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge!Junior Ranger booklets are free and available at the Visitor Center.
The Fort Raleigh National Historic Site Visitor Center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.A 17-minute video about the Roanoke Voyages is shown every hour.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
