Island Farm: Step Into Roanoke Island’s Past

1140 N US Highway 64, 27954, NC, UNITED STATES
Manteo, NC 27954
252-473-6500
islandfarm@obcinc.org

About Island Farm

Slow down and discover Island Farm, a living-history site that explores everyday life on Roanoke Island during the mid-1800s. Islanders relied on the surrounding waters and the land for their families’ livelihoods, developing a reputation for independence and enterprise.

Some households fished and cultivated crops solely for themselves. Others worked on a larger scale, growing enough to sell and fishing commercially before carrying their catch to Norfolk and Baltimore. In return, they brought home furniture, books, silver, and other niceties.

The Etheridge family was one of the families who prospered here. Its Roanoke Island story began in 1757, when Adam Etheridge leased 1,500 acres on the North End for farming and livestock. Adam’s son Jesse purchased 150 acres of that property in 1783. That land became the foundation of present-day Island Farm.

The family retained ownership for over 200 years, until the non-profit Outer Banks Conservationists acquired the property in 1997. Adam Etheridge built the house that remains the heart of Island Farm. He was the fourth generation of Etheridge’s to live on Roanoke Island, which today is home to an eleventh generation.

Visitors are invited to uncover these layers of history and picture a particular place and moment: Island Farm more than a century and a half ago.

What You’ll Find During Your Visit

Amenities

• Kid Friendly

Events

Garden to Hearth

Location: Island Farm
November 24, 2026 - November 25, 2026

Christmas Past

Location: Island Farm
December 4, 2026 - December 5, 2026

Visitor Reviews

Yelp includes 17 reviews of Island Farm. Emily H., Lauren L., and Jael H. describe welcoming staff, immersive opportunities to learn about history, conversations about the original property, and hands-on glimpses of life in 1847, including the original 1845 home, a working blacksmith, and cooking demonstrations. Their reviews are dated 07/26/2024, 06/14/2024, and 05/18/2022.