Visitors to Ocracoke Island this summer can learn a little about the cozy village during the Ocracoke Preservation Society’s 2025 Free Porch Talk Series.
The society was founded in 1983 with the goal to “provide access to education, research, and exploration of the island’s rich history and culture through programs, events, and exhibits,” its website states.
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The nonprofit organization has maintained since 1992 a museum in the David Williams House built around 1900, where the porch talks will be held at 49 Water Plant Road. Parking is available at the National Park Service docks. Attendees are encouraged to bring drinks, snacks and their pets. Offered at no charge, the nonprofit organization welcomes donations.
Organizers have announced the June talks and plan to publicize each on its social media.
The following is the June schedule:
- 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 5: “Stories on the porch” No. 1 with Donald Davis and his Ocracoke storytelling workshop participants.
- 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 10: Ocracoke lighthouse history, details and “My Most Memorable Climb to the Top of the Ocracoke Lighthouse” book signing with author Philip Howard.
- 1 p.m. Thursday, June 12: “Ocracoke A.D. (After Dorian)” with authors Ann Ehringhaus and Heather Johnson.
- 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 17: Ocracats Inc. Rita Thiel will discuss the clinic that manages the village’s feral cat population.
- 10:30 a.m. June 19: “Stories on the porch” No. 2 with Donald Davis and his Ocracoke storytelling workshop participants.
- 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 24: “Language and Life on Ocracoke” with authors, Jeff Reaser, Candy Gaskill and Walt Wolfram.
- 1 p.m. Thursday, June 26: Seashells of Ocracoke Island with North Carolina Shell Club member and island resident, Charlie DeCarlo.
The society is currently working on the series schedule for the remainder of the season. Contact admin@ocracokepreservationsociety.org to give a talk on a Tuesday or Thursday afternoon.
