Festival Park Celebrates 30th Birthday of Elizabeth II
The 30th Anniversary Commemoration of the Christening and Launching of the Elizabeth II is happening this Friday at Roanoke Island Festival Park.
The 16th century representative ship, the Elizabeth II, will turn 30 years old on November 22, and you are invited to come celebrate at Roanoke Island Festival Park and receive 30% off of general admission on this special day, from 9am to 5pm.
The ship was constructed in the early 1980’s to commemorate America’s 400th anniversary. Shipbuilders used the designs of vessels from 1585 to build the Elizabeth II. It was constructed on the Manteo waterfront by a team of builders, lead by Mr. O. Lie-Nielson and was moved to what is now known as Roanoke Island Festival Park where it is the star attraction.
While visiting the park, don’t miss our current exhibit The Elizabeth II – 30 Years of History. The Exhibit tells the story of the construction of the Elizabeth II- from framing to launching. It is sponsored by the Outer Banks Community Foundations Thomas and Annie Baum Memorial Fund, Friends of Elizabeth II, Virginia Asset Group and Vandeventer Black, LLP.
See photos of the building of the ship, blueprints of the Elizabeth II and various artifacts pertaining to the ship. A film is also available for viewing about the building of the ship and offers interviews with the shipbuilders. Letters and drawings that children have written after visiting the ship are on display. This exhibit will be showing through December 31.
The 30th Anniversary Commemoration of the Christening and Launching of the Elizabeth II will be held this Friday, November 22 at Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo.
The Elizabeth II was first launched on November 22, 1983. (photo by Sharon Pro)
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