News Summary
Meghan Agresto marks her 20th anniversary as the site manager of Currituck Beach Lighthouse, a key landmark in Corolla, NC. Her dedication to preserving this historic site is evident through her community involvement and her commitment to educating visitors. Agresto’s work has made the lighthouse a prominent attraction, drawing nearly 80,000 climbers each year. As the lighthouse prepares for its 150th anniversary celebration, Agresto continues to foster appreciation for its rich history and local significance.
Corolla, NC – Meghan Agresto is marking a significant milestone as she celebrates 20 years in her role as the site manager of the historic Currituck Beach Lighthouse, one of the most prominent landmarks on the Outer Banks. Agresto, recognized as one of the longest-serving lighthouse keepers in the tower’s history, has dedicated her career to preserving this vital piece of maritime and local history.
The Currituck Beach Lighthouse, completed on December 1, 1875, stands tall at 162 feet with an impressive 220 steps leading to its summit. Visitors can experience breathtaking views from the top by paying a nominal fee of $13 for the climb. The lighthouse is particularly notable for housing a first-order Fresnel lens, the largest size among the seven distinct categories of these lenses, which can project light up to 18 nautical miles.
Agresto begins her mornings by ascending the lighthouse, a routine that underscores her commitment to the site and its visitors. In her two decades of service, she has almost become synonymous with the lighthouse and its operations, drawing nearly 80,000 climbers each year who come to witness the stunning vistas from the top.
Beyond her lighthouse duties, Agresto has established significant community ties in Corolla. In 2012, she co-founded the Water’s Edge Village School, starting with just 15 students in a building that dates back to the 1890s. Over time, the school expanded to accommodate 60 students after raising $2.1 million through a capital campaign for a new facility, reflecting her ongoing commitment to education within the community.
Agresto’s personal background includes a childhood spent moving across various states, such as Chapel Hill, Washington D.C., and Santa Fe, New Mexico. She graduated with a degree in classics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1997, earning honors as a member of the Phi Beta Kappa society. Her passion for history is further demonstrated through her authorship of a book detailing the history of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, reflecting her archival research at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
With a distinctive unpainted red brick exterior, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse stands apart from the many painted lighthouses along the coast. The lighthouse is set on a sprawling 39-acre property that not only accommodates its historical significance but also provided a playground for Agresto’s two sons during their upbringing there.
As part of her commitment to fostering local heritage, Agresto plans to host a 150th-anniversary celebration of the lighthouse later this year, inviting the community to celebrate this cherished locale’s history and importance. The region is also home to the famous Corolla wild horses, designated as the official state horses of North Carolina, which can be spotted along the sandy stretch of N.C. Highway 12.
Agresto shares her lighthouse duties with her canine companion, Maggie, ensuring that every day at the lighthouse feels both welcoming and historic. Her dedication to preserving the lighthouse’s legacy is evident in her vision for a strong community connection, underscoring the mission of the Outer Banks Conservationists organization to maintain a lasting sense of place.
With two decades of service behind her and a promising future ahead, Agresto remains an integral figure at the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, continuing to foster appreciation for this iconic structure and the history it represents.
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Additional Resources
- The Coastland Times: Keeper of the Light
- Wikipedia: Currituck Beach Lighthouse
- WNCT: On the Edge of Nowhere
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lighthouse
- The Coastland Times: 150 Years Ago This Week
- Google Search: Currituck Beach Lighthouse
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
