Hannah Bunn West’s new book, “Remarkable Women of the Outer Banks,” reveals the stories of seven impactful coastal NC women.
Our Coast
Symposium highlights enslaved people’s escape by water
A recent symposium at Tryon Palace explored the role of water travel in the escapes of countless enslaved North Carolinians.
From farms to niche tourism, Bertie ‘Seedbed of the Colony’
Bertie County, an agricultural hub on the inner banks of northeastern North Carolina, turns 300 this year.
Hiker wraps up 5-month, Mountains-to-Sea Trail trek
A journey on foot from Clingmans Dome to the Outer Banks provided a new outlook on life, and people.
Portsmouth Village welcomes descendants for homecoming
More than 400 recently made their way to Portsmouth Island to remember their ancestors while celebrating community.
Quiet Washington County rich in coastal NC history
Washington County’s story is one of isolation, success, and an eventual renewal on the banks of the Roanoke River.
Ocracoke’s John Simpson: Keeper of island carving tradition
Simpson is the featured carver at this year’s Ocracoke Waterfowl Festival set for Saturday and president and cofounder of the Ocracoke Island Decoy Carvers Guild.
Our coast’s history: From Aguascogoc’s ashes
In 1585, English explorers twice visited a Native American village called Aguascogoc, destroying it on their second stop. Historian David Cecelski traces North Carolina’s coastal tribal legacy.
Historians at OBX event reveal enigmatic Thomas Harriot
He was chosen to be a part of Sir Walter Raleigh’s first expedition, and although little is known about scientist and mathematician Thomas Harriot, his written depictions of the New World say much about the author.
Small, rural Hertford County has an identity all its own
Hertford County is a vibrant, successful county in the otherwise economically challenged region of northeastern North Carolina, writes historian Eric Medlin.
Swansboro to resurvey its historic districts, buildings
The town and its historic preservation commission have been awarded a federal grant to update its outdated architectural survey, which will documents buildings and landscapes at least 50 years old.
Elizabeth City civil rights, suffrage pioneer to be honored
A planned historic marker on the National Votes for Women Trail will honor Annie E. Jones of Elizabeth City.
Rural character has defined Gates County for centuries
Its rural character, plantation history and natural beauty make it similar to other northeastern counties such as Chowan, Pasquotank and Camden but has famous residents, plantation homes and a state park.
For some, Pamlico River was part of underground railroad
“Freedom seekers used this river,” says Leesa Jones, executive director of the Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum.
Our coast’s people: Last daughter of Davis Ridge
Historian David Cecelski shares the story of Nannie Davis Ward, who grew up at the now-uninhabited Davis Ridge in Down East Carteret County, and her description in an interview before her death of the remote community of formerly enslaved watermen and island women.
Community races against time to restore dilapidated church
Half of the $1 million needed has been raised to restore the mid-1800s Reaves Chapel, which has fallen into disrepair over the last 15 years since a congregation last worshipped within its walls.