Barrier Islands Center

09/01/2026

🌿 Only 10 Hog Island Fig Trees Left! 🌿

We still have 10 Hog Island Fig Trees available for purchase at the Barrier Islands Center!

These special trees are $50 each and are available. If you’ve been hoping to take home a piece of Eastern Shore history, now is the time!

Stop by the BIC to purchase yours before they’re gone! We are open this week Tues-Friday, 10 a.m - 4 p.m.

🌿 Hog Island Fig Trees are back at the BIC!

We have a new batch of Hog Island fig trees available for purchase, and these have not been reserved.

They are $50 each and will be available on a first come, first served basis.

Stop by the Barrier Islands Center to get yours before they’re gone!

09/01/2026

Join Elly Dawson as she sits down with Eastern Shore native Jean Parker, granddaughter of the Northampton Almshouse superintendents, for a fascinating look back at life on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.

Mrs. Parker shares memories of growing up in Exmore during the 1930s and 1940s, visiting the Almshouse, attending the Exmore-Willis Wharf School, and experiencing the aftermath of the devastating 1933 hurricane. She also recalls her musical adventures and the unforgettable story of her beloved talking dog, Betsie.

🎥 Watch the September 1 Conversations in the Kitchen here:

Elly Dawson sits down with Eastern Shore native Jean Parker, grandd...

08/26/2026

🌿 Hog Island Fig Trees are back at the BIC!

We have a new batch of Hog Island fig trees available for purchase, and these have not been reserved.

They are $50 each and will be available on a first come, first served basis.

Stop by the Barrier Islands Center to get yours before they’re gone!

08/19/2026

Tickets are on sale NOW for the BIC’s 2026 “Meet the Carvers” event! Join us at the BIC on Thursday, September 24th from 5-8pm for an opportunity to meet and visit with many of this region’s most talented carvers! $50 per person includes wine/beer and hors d’oeuvres. Click here or call 757.678.5550 for tickets! https://barrierislandscenter.org/meet-the-carvers

08/07/2026

🍂 Fall is shaping up to be a busy and creative season at the Barrier Islands Center! 🍂

Our fall programming offers something for just about everyone — whether you’d like to learn a new skill, explore Eastern Shore history, get creative, or simply enjoy spending time with others at the BIC.

This season’s lineup includes:

🎨 Watercolor, acrylic painting, cyanotypes & Zentangle
💎 Sea glass jewelry classes
🍝 Sweet potato gnocchi & fall fig preserves
🀄 Beginner & Double Mahjong
🧶 Finger knitting
✏️ A six-week drawing course
⚓ FREE programs exploring Eastern Shore maritime history
🌿 Magnolia & holiday wreath-making
…and more!

Classes begin in September and continue through November, and several have limited space. Take a look at the full schedule, gather a friend or two, and make plans to join us this fall!

🍁 See all of our fall programs and register here:
https://barrierislandscenter.org/programs

Aug 11 to Aug 12 Agriculture 2-Day Camp (SOLD OUT) Tue, Aug 11, 2026 9:00 AM Wed, Aug 12, 2026 3:00 PM Google Calendar ICS Ages 9 - 12Instructors: Julie Head, Education Director of ES Soil & Water Conservation District and Erin Morgan of 4-HTuesday, August 11th and Wednesday, August 12th9:00 a.m...

07/22/2026

Hi folks! The BIC is closing early at 1pm today. We apologize for the inconvenience.

07/21/2026

We spy some familiar faces and places 👀 Airing tonight!

07/18/2026

What’s summer without a fun field trip?! Yesterday, the BIC team (including summer intern, Elly) enjoyed exploring Chincoteague Island, with stops at the Museum of Chincoteague Island, the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center, Pico Taqueria, and Island Creamery. We learned, enjoyed delicious local food, and strengthened our appreciation for the unique history, culture, and natural beauty of Virginia’s barrier islands.

The highlight? Riding out to the beach and spotting some of Chincoteague’s famous ponies! 🐴

We were reminded how important it is to experience and celebrate the places that make our coastal communities so special. Thanks to all who helped make it a memorable day!

07/01/2026

https://barrierislandscenter.org/store/p/hog-island-fig-tree

07/01/2026

The Barrier Islands Center wishes all of our friends a happy and safe Independence Day weekend! 🇺🇸 We will be closed on Friday, July 3rd and Saturday, July 4th — resuming normal operating hours on Tuesday, July 7th.