The Great Dismal Swamp, already a national wildlife refuge, is being considered for designation as a National Heritage Area with new conservation, preservation and economic programs.
Our Coast
Salmon Creek seines: Shad, herring fisheries were once big
The historically significant site once saw significant river herring and shad fishing, back-breaking work done almost exclusively by enslaved and free Black laborers.
Landowners find Black lifesaving hero’s forgotten grave
Retired Coast Guard Cmdr. Gavin Wente and his wife Renee didn’t know when they bought their property last year that it included the unrecorded gravesite of Capt. Lewis Wescott, who participated in one of the most daring ocean rescues in Outer Banks history.
Searching for Lawson in London’s Natural History Museum
Historian David Cecelski recounts his visit to the Natural History Museum in London, which holds the specimens of coastal North Carolina flora that John Lawson sent to English naturalist James Petiver in the early 1700s.
ECSU Choir marks 90 years of bringing music to the people
The Elizabeth City State University Choir, which performed recently at First Flight High School in Kill Devil Hills, has been sharing its songs with audiences across the region since 1933.
Seafloor mapper Dave Bernstein knows how to find fish
He’s a geospatial mapping specialist who has loved fishing his entire life and a former competitive angler.
Carteret County’s history, amenities have long lured
In our county history series: Colonial beginnings, Civil War battles, maritime industry, fishing, tourism and coastal living among Carteret’s numerous draws.
New chapter begins for Black teachers’ old meeting space
Officials broke ground Friday for the renovation of the more than 5,300-square-foot building at Hammocks Beach State Park where Black educators convened during segregation.
NC coast a perfect lab for whale researcher Andy Read
Duke University marine biology professor and Duke Marine Lab Director Andy Read, who has studied marine mammals worldwide, says the diversity of marine species here is crucial to his work.
Fly-fishing guide Harry Meraklis shares saltwater secrets
A fly fisherman since childhood in western Pennsylvania, Capt. Harry Meraklis of Kitty Hawk knows how to adapt to Outer Banks conditions.
Hyde County protest led to little-known, civil rights success
Black and Native American parents in Hyde County carried out in 1969 one of the longest and most successful Civil Rights protests in the country.
Native American roots run deep in Hyde; much is unknown
“It’s really like putting together a puzzle,” says career journalist and family researcher Ramona Brown, who grew up in Beaufort County and now lives in Knightdale.
Ocean advocate Randy Sturgill shifts focus to help Ukraine
After careers in law enforcement and, more recently, a 10-year stint with Oceana, the Brunswick County resident plans to stay busy securing military gear and goods and shipping them to Ukraine.
Symbol of Home: The Linnean Society’s Venus Flytrap
While spending a few days in London this fall, historian David Cecelski visited the Linnean Society, the oldest biological society, to get a glimpse of a 1759 letter with the first known written record of the Venus flytrap.
Pamlico County a quiet destination on NC coast
In our county history series: A hidden gem offering both natural beauty and small-town charm.
Native Hawaiian, ferry crewman discovers love for NC coast
Growing up on Oahu, Michael “Bo” Howlett thought there was nowhere he would rather live, then the avid fisher met Amy from eastern North Carolina.
