The 163-foot-tall tower will soon shed its distinctive black-and-white diamond pattern, expose its red bricks not seen since 1873 and don newly refurbished ironwork, safety improvements and breathable paint as part of the preservation effort.
Our Coast
Historian explores the working lives of eastern NC 1937-1947
Historian David Cecelski introduces a series of photo-essays focusing on the working lives of people in eastern North Carolina just before, during, and after the Second World War.
Linguists examine Ocracoke’s unique brogue in new book
“Language and Life on Ocracoke: The Living History of the Brogue” explores the isolated village’s once-prominent dialect now only spoken by a few hundred on the island.
Karen Amspacher fights for Down East, brushes off praise
When Gov. Josh Stein inducted the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum Director and nine others June 25 into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest civilian honor in the state, Amspacher didn’t tell a soul.
Hatteras Village, long sparsely inhabited, retains quiet charm
Historic Hatteras Village is a popular destination for tourists and North Carolinians alike, yet its residents and the National Park Service help to maintain its adaptive, peaceful character.
Our Coast: Remembering Betty Town
Historian David Cecelski has “devoted a fair bit” of historical research to the people of Betty Town, how their land was taken, and how the community’s people were driven out of their homes to make room for the new town of Aurora, but there is much he doesn’t know.
How coastal Carolina shaped 20th-century poet AR Ammons
A.R. Ammons, the heralded, mid-20th century poet was known as “Archie” during his formative years working the family farm in Columbus County.
Groups dedicate marker for historically Black fairgrounds
A William G. Pomeroy Foundation Hometown Heritage marker recognizing the Atlantic District Fairgrounds, founded by people of color in 1920, was dedicated last month as part of a Juneteenth celebration in Ahoskie.
Rik Freeman’s art examines America’s segregated beaches
An exhibit opening this weekend in Jacksonville features paintings by artist Rik Freeman of Washington, D.C., that depict stories of African American beach communities during the Jim Crow era.
Dewey Hemilright advocates for US commercial fishing fleet
Forceful and outspoken, this passionate advocate for the commercial fishing industry has spent 30 years in the business and served in fisheries management.
Four-day fête honors Jockey’s Ridge State Park’s 50th year
Preserved from development by Carolista Baum, a mother of young children, who blocked a bulldozer, declared a National Natural Landmark and made a state park 50 years ago, an occasion recently celebrated by officials and throngs of visitors.
Longtime Outer Banks fish house opens doors to new facility
Jeffrey’s Seafood has a new facility in Hatteras Village that houses equipment to process fresh seafood, a retail store and plans are underway for a small restaurant that will feature local catch.
Ocean City’s culinary traditions a beacon in turbulent past
Ocean City’s two community cookbooks are filled with recipes from families that spent their summers in the beach neighborhood on Topsail Island where Black residents could own property in the 1950s.
Coastal Cohorts cast off for 40th season with Carson tribute
Don Dixon, Jim Wann and Bland Simpson, collectively known as the Coastal Cohorts, are bringing “King Mackerel and the Blues Are Running” back for its 40th year and debuting their musical homage to Rachel Carson.
When fishing, Justin Manners heeds Ben Franklin’s advice
“Failing to plan is planning to fail,” goes the old adage and it is angler, charter captain, HVAC tech and Richlands resident Justin Manners’ key to success on the water.
Our Coast: ‘Cast on shore, at a place called Ocracock’
On a recent trip to New Hampshire, historian David Cecelski pored over historic accounts and survivors’ sworn affidavits pertaining to shipwrecks, storm damage, insurance claims and the North Carolina coast.
