The Pea Island Preservation Society Inc., or PIPSI, is working to gather more stories to add to its collection preserving the history of the nation’s first all-Black manned U.S. Lifesaving Service station.
The public is invited to attend the society’s special Black History Month program, “PIPSI Past, Present and Future” at College of the Albemarle – Dare at 3 p.m. Feb. 22.
Supporter Spotlight
During the one-hour program, participants will be among the first to preview three videos highlighting PIPSI’s efforts to share the story of Keeper Richard Etheridge, the first Black individual to command a U.S. Lifesaving Service station, and his all-Black crew, the Pea Island Lifesavers.
After the videos, participants will be asked to discuss content and provide feedback.
Descendants of the Pea Island lifesavers and others with a special connection or interest to the station may participate in short, on-camera interviews following the program.
The preservation society is particularly interested in gleaning the stories of those who served at the station or interacted with the crew in some special way.
Etheridge was selected as the station’s keeper on Jan. 24, 1880.
Supporter Spotlight
Etheridge’s life, including his enslaved upbringing, his service during the Civil War with U.S. Colored Troops, and his command of the Pea Island station, have largely been the focus of stories shared about the lifesaving station.
But PIPSI’s goal is bright to light new stories and include them with existing ones about the station and what life was like during the entire era the station operated, which spanned nearly 70 years until it closed in 1947.
Anyone who wished to attend is encouraged to arrive early as seating is limited.
PIPSI Board members will be in attendance to share information and answer questions.
