Steve Smith, a Virginia native and East Carolina University graduate who was serving his second term as Topsail Beach mayor and had a reputation for educating himself on coastal issues, died Friday at 73.
Our Coast
Preserved Skinnersville church bears builders’ handprints
Rural Washington County is home to a restored 170-year-old house of worship on the National Register, and the nonprofit group formed to restore the structure likely built by enslaved people says it offers revealing glimpses into our past.
A Forgotten People: Bohemian oyster shuckers on NC coast
“By drawing especially on coastal newspapers, and with help from some wonderful librarians, archivists, and museum curators, I will try to sketch the best portrait I can of the Bohemian oyster shuckers and their lives on the North Carolina coast between 1890 and 1914,” historian David Cecelski writes.
Lost riverfront destination, Bayview Hotel nearly forgotten
Bayview on the Pamlico River is best known these days for its ferry terminal used by phosphate mine employees, but nearly a century ago, it was starting to gain attention for its grand hotel.
Museum to mark 125th anniversary of Ca’e Bankers’ exodus
The Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center is host for the Diamond City Homecoming, a celebration of the hearty Cape Banks residents forced inland by storms 125 years ago.
Coastal Federation honors founder during Pelican Awards
The nonprofit advocacy organization honored coastal stewards, including its founder Todd Miller, Saturday during its annual Pelican Awards and Taste of the Coast event.
Resident’s fight leads to balloon bans on 80 miles of beach
Debbie Swick of Southern Shores, who’s passionate about marine life, led an effort that has made it illegal to release balloons from Duck to Hatteras Village.
Coastal locals love these 10 seafood restaurants; here’s why
Residents understand that seafood is a big part of coastal culture, and visitors who’ve sampled these restaurants know they don’t just serve tasty food, they also forge connections that keep diners coming back.
‘Magical’ family fishing trips fueled Seth Vernon’s passions
Wilmington conservationist filmmaker, guide and lifelong angler Seth Vernon seeks to preserve the passions of fly fishing and ecology for future generations.
The Road to Mashoes
Historian David Cecelski’s curiosity about the small Dare County community led to a deep dive into the old fishing village.
Eleven students attend Marine Patrol’s first summer camp
Young cadets recently completed the inaugural North Carolina Marine Patrol Junior Academy, an immersive educational experience geared to provide a glimpse into the officers’ daily routine.
St. James folk bask among beauty, birds certification brings
The town of St. James in Brunswick County recently became the only coastal town to become a Certified Community Wildlife Habitat, a relatively easy-to-get distinction through a National Wildlife Foundation program.
Murfreesboro poised for growth balanced with preservation
This perhaps lesser-known older coastal town’s embrace of its history, scenery, significant architecture and long tradition of educational excellence is driving both its economy and its push for preservation.
Behind NC coast’s range lights, buoy depots, gas works
This collection of photographs captures what historian David Cecelski calls “a rare view of the behind-the-scenes work that was necessary to maintain a functional system of navigational aids on the North Carolina coast.”
Researchers shed light on Native Tribes’ English encounter
A two-day program in Manteo last week brought together researchers who study the Indigenous people of the late 16th century in what is now northeastern North Carolina and their short-lived relationship with colonists.
‘As Long as a Star Can Be Seen’: 1864 Plymouth Massacre
Historian David Cecelski, who recently gave the keynote address at an event commemorating the Plymouth Massacre of April 1864, shares his remarks from that day.
