Roanoke Island is bursting with history; however, the Etheridge Homeplace holds the accolade of being the oldest fully restored house on the island. The Ethridge Family roots are believed to have been planted back in 1757. An estimation by the North Carolina Historic Preservation Office dates the construction of the Etheridge Homeplace between 1845 and 1857. The site was opened as a living history museum in 2010. The farm is owned and maintained by the Outer Banks Conservationists or OBC, the same non-profit which owns and maintains the Currituck Lighthouse in Corolla Village.

Curious about the farm’s original owners, I asked Michelle Clower, Site Manager at Island Farm, and she explained, “The first mention of farming the land where the current Etheridge Homeplace sits is from a 1757 tenancy agreement made between William Cathcart of Northhampton County, VA, and “Adam Everage” a planter from Currituck County for 14 years. The property stretched from Dough’s Creek (formerly known as Gibson’s Creek),

westward to the Croatan Sound. Years later, in an interview, a government surveyor discovered that “Adam Everage” is indeed Adam Etheridge I. In 1783, Adam Etheridge’s son, Jesse Etheridge, purchased the land that is now known as the Etheridge Homeplace. The Etheridge Homeplace stayed in the family late into the 20th century until it was donated to Outer Banks Conservationists.”

Everyday life on the farm is reenacted daily, just as it would have been in 1847. Five farm plots are tended year-round. Concentration is placed on crops that were grown during the mid-19th century. To the best of their ability, the farm staff utilized the same methods used. What this translates to is no chemicals or synthetic fertilizers. You can even purchase eggs, the fruits of their labor from the Island Farm chickens either directly from the farm, at local farmers’ markets, or through their online “Veggie Drops.” In addition, you’ll get to meet its current hooved and winged residents as you tour the farm. On the farm resides chickens, sheep, a cow, and horses, two of which are Corolla Wild Horses or “Banker Ponies.”

The farm is open:
Tuesday – Friday, 9 am – 3 pm (April through November)                

In addition, some Saturdays for special events, and in early December, they host a special Christmas on the North End event, complete with the jolly man himself!

Aside from their daily reenactments, the farm also offers several mini programs every day throughout the season and live blacksmithing every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. In addition, they will have a unique guest craftsman, David Russell, visiting to demonstrate the almost lost art of corn husk seat-bottom weaving in the next few weeks. Next month, they will offer a special compost day, Tater Day, and a fermentation workshop taught by Hay Point Live Culture Foods. Visit them online at obcinc.org/island-farm for all future events.