Listen to the stories passed down through the generations of Cape Henry locals.
Log on for Spooky Stories Virtual Program for Kids, a live Zoom performance that brings Cape Henry’s haunted barracks, lighthouse sightings, Pungo witch lore, and the Cavalier Hotel tale into vivid, family-friendly storytelling. It’s a compact, interactive primer on Virginia Beach history that doubles as inspiration for future visits.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
45–60 minutes
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; suitable for children and adults with seating comfort.
Wildlife
History
Cape Henry and the Virginia Beach shore have layered maritime and military history; many local tales grew from real coastal events and long-standing communities.
Conservation
Coastal sites here face erosion and habitat sensitivity; visitors are encouraged to stay on designated paths and respect nesting areas.
Preservation Virginia
Listen to the stories passed down through the generations of Cape Henry locals.
Preservation Virginia is a Richmond, Virginia-based organization that operates and interprets historic sites and educational programs across the state. The organization presents guided tours, hands-on workshops, documentary-style tours, and virtual programs that highlight Virginia’s colonial, revolutionary, and 19th-century history.
Preservation Virginia’s portfolio of sites and programs includes Bacon’s Castle (built in 1665 and recognized as North America’s oldest brick home), the historic landing site at Cape Henry Lighthouse, Smith’s Fort with surviving earthworks and an 18th-century manor house, Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown—the remaining house of the famed orator—and the John Marshall House in Richmond. Programming spans in-person tours and remote learning: the John Marshall House offers a 45-minute tour; the Courtmaker Documentary Tour of the Marshall House provides an intimate look at family artifacts; the Beginners Genealogy Research Workshop at Bacon’s Castle is taught by genealogist Sarah Carson; and multiple virtual programs bring lighthouse history and Revolutionary War sea battles to students.
Educational offerings also include the Augustus Hodges virtual program, focused on Willis Hodges—Cape Henry Lighthouse’s first African American keeper and abolitionist—and the Life of a Lighthouse Keeper kids program. Preservation Virginia’s events and tours emphasize primary sources, artifacts, architecture, and site-specific stories to connect visitors with Virginia’s past.
All descriptions and program leaders are provided in third-person; visitors should consult Preservation Virginia’s official listings for booking and availability.
Location
Richmond, Virginia
Based in Richmond, VA
Tours Offered
10
Historic and virtual experiences
Featured Length
45 minutes
John Marshall House guided tour
Historic Sites
5
Bacon’s Castle and four more
Reserve guided tours, workshops, or virtual programs at Preservation Virginia sites and experience living history in Richmond and beyond.
Test your connection
Run a quick Zoom test and check speakers/headphones 10 minutes before the start to avoid tech hiccups.
Create atmosphere
Dim lights and use a flashlight for shadow play to make the experience immersive for kids.
Have a question ready
Encourage kids to prepare one question or a short story to share when the host invites participation.
Follow up with a map
Use the stories as prompts to map real sites like Cape Henry Lighthouse and the Cavalier Hotel for future visits.
Computer, tablet, or smartphone
Required to join the Zoom session and view storytelling visuals.
Headphones or speakers
Improves audio clarity and helps kids hear spooky details.
Notebook and pen
For jotting down locations, questions, or drawing scenes inspired by the stories.
Flashlight or small lamp
Adds atmosphere for kids and helps set a playful spooky mood.