The truth about Blackbeard’s Battle at Ocracoke conflicts with popular interpretations and numerous published accounts, according to author Kevin Duffus.
Culture & History
State Hosts Screening of 1898 Massacre Film
The 1898 Wilmington Massacre is the focus of a virtual program featuring the documentary “Wilmington on Fire” and a panel discussion with the film’s director and historian.
Dry Ice Test Prelude to Restoring Lighthouse
A recent test using dry ice to blast away layers of paint was a first step toward a comprehensive and long-overdue overhaul of the historic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
Estuarium Dives into the Necessity of Water
The North Carolina Estuarium in Washington is exploring an essential element — water — with the Water/Ways traveling exhibition, a part of Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street program.
‘Lost Colony’ Moved Inland: Archaeologists
Artifacts unearthed during a 2019-2020 archaeological survey on Bertie County land suggests Sir Walter Raleigh’s “Lost Colony” lived near the Chowan River for a few years.
Great Gale of 1878 Brought Nights of Terror
For two days and nights in October 1878, the 11th hurricane of the season thrashed the North Carolina coast and ships offshore, with dramatic ocean rescues and loss of life.
Cape Fear Lifesavers’ Daring 1893 Rescue
The second in a two-part series by author Kevin Duffus takes readers along with the Cape Fear lifesavers to save the crew from the wreckage of the Charles C. Dame on Frying Pan Shoals.
Saving the Crew of the Charles C. Dame
Author Kevin Duffus takes readers to the 1890s in this two-part series that looks at the U.S. Life-Saving Service and the daring rescues during dangerous storms by its crews on the North Carolina coast.
Tryon Palace Visits 1771 for ‘Outlander’ Event
Tryon Palace historic interpreters took visitors Saturday to August 1771 to learn about Gov. William Tryon and the Battle of Alamance, both fictionalized in the “Outlander” series, which has helped boost NC tourism.
Museum Exhibit Examines Century of Storms
“Living on the Edge,” a new exhibit at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center, explores how coastal residents have endured a century of storms and a changing landscape.
Shark Hunter Russell J. Coles at Cape Lookout
Historian David Cecelski begins the tale of shark hunter Russell J. Coles, a pioneer of the scientific study of sharks and rays who spent much of the early 20th century at Cape Lookout.
NC’s First Lighthouse Keeper and His Wife
Keeper Henry Long first illuminated Cape Fear Lighthouse on Dec. 23, 1794, historian Kevin Duffus writes, but briefly after his untimely death his widow unofficially assumed duty.
End of the Pier? Future Hazy for Coastal Icons
Repeated hurricanes drive up costs and risk as developers flood beach towns, but North Carolina fishing piers provide habitat, recreation and economic draw.
1891 Strathairly Wreck Bell to be Donated
Following the weekly beach apparatus drill at the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Thursday, the ship’s bell from the 1891 wreck of the Strathairly steamship will be donated.
When World War II Was On the Outer Banks
Once the United States entered World War II, the battles fought in the Atlantic off the North Carolina coast changed the way of life for those that called the Outer Banks home.
Lost History: Search For Village Abandoned
Archaeologists point to land on the west side of Bath Creek as the likely site of the Native American village Secotan, but despite evidence, study here abruptly ended.
