The Roanoke Island Historical Association is thankful for the recent gift of the Meekins Anchorage.

As per the wishes of Roger Meekins, the Meekins Anchorage, located on the Croatan Sound in the Sunnyside section of Roanoke Island, has been gifted to the Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA). The Anchorage includes one of the oldest residences on Roanoke Island and several out-buildings including a smokehouse that was listed in a 2003 architectural survey as the oldest surviving out building on Roanoke Island. The house itself served as a hospital during the Civil War and a dormitory for teachers to the Freedmen’s Colony which was also located on the northern end of the island. 

Besides being a philanthropist, Mr. Meekins served in the Air Force flying in the Strategic Air Command and was awarded 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 7 Air Medals and 37 other decorations and recognitions including the unusual distinction of being awarded a command pilot rating in the air forces of three different nations: the United States, the Republic of Vietnam and the Republic of the Philippines. He also served in the State Department as Assistant Air Force Attache on the staff of the US Embassy in Manila.

When Mr. Meekins returned home to Dare County, he operated a woodworking furniture business using the out-buildings at the Anchorage as his factory. Later he would develop Mirlo Beach Subdivision in Rodanthe. 

The Board of the Roanoke Island Historical Association is honored by this gift from Mr. Meekins and his family and are dedicated to preserving this exceptional property as they explore ways to use this gift to advance the mission of the Association, producers of The Lost Colony.