ROANOKE ISLAND HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION INC

The mission of the Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA) is to commemorate the history of the first English colonies in North America on Roanoke Island, North Carolina. This mission is primarily accomplished by the annual production of the symphonic outdoor drama The Lost Colony, and through educationally engaging events and programs.

The Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA) is the producing organization of The Lost Colony. Founded on January 8, 1932 it's mission statement is: “The mission of the Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA) is to commemorate the history of the first English colonies in North America on Roanoke Island, North Carolina. This mission is primarily accomplished by the annual production of the symphonic outdoor drama The Lost Colony, and through educationally engaging events and programs."

First staged in 1937, The Lost Colony it is the nation's premier and longest-running symphonic drama. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green, The Lost Colony's 80th anniversary season opens May 26 and plays through Aug. 19, 2017 at Manteo's Waterside Theatre, on North Carolina's Outer Banks.

The Lost Colony is the “grandfather" of all outdoor dramas and is produced by the Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA), a non-profit whose mission is to celebrate the history of the first English colonies on Roanoke Island, North Carolina, and to honor the founders of The Lost Colony symphonic drama through drama, education, and literature.

Each summer, over 100 actors, technicians, designers and volunteers rehearse to bring The Lost Colony Roanoke story to life. The production is enormous. The stage itself is over three times larger than most Broadway stages in New York. You will be seated in the center of the stage area with action happening on three sides of you and even sometimes right next to you in the aisle. Come see epic battles and Indian dances. Experience the sorrow and heartbreak of tragedy and loss. Witness the pageantry of the Queen and her court and celebrate the birth of Virginia Dare. There is music, laughter, romance and dance. The Lost Colony is widely acknowledged as the precursor to the modern American Broadway Musical.

Summer 2017 marked The Lost Colony's 80th Anniversary Season! On September 30th, Roanoke Island Historical Association will host The Lost Colony Wine & Culinary Festival! In fall of 2018, we are launching an educational program called Mystery of The Lost Colony. Our organization is dedicated to constant and continuous improvement. We are committed to creating new ways to commemorate the history of the first English colonies in North America on Roanoke Island, North Carolina