Accessible only by water or small aircraft, the barrier island and its villagers see the population swell each summer as visitors flock to its history, restaurants, nature and beaches.
Places
Maps may yield clearest clues to ‘nation’s oldest mystery’
Archaeologist Eric Klingelhofer of the First Colony Foundation says a review of historic maps indicates that the Croatan tribe who had befriended the Roanoke colonists did not live year-round on Hatteras Island, so the missing English settlers likely just crossed the sound.
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.
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.
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.
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.
‘People’s museum’: Hatteras Islanders welcome reopening
After decades of work to establish a maritime museum in Hatteras, villagers were there to celebrate the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum reopening Monday with a new exhibit gallery awash in centuries of dramatic maritime history.
Southern Shores’ Flat Tops attract peak attendance for tour
Record numbers came out Saturday to tour the remaining few modest, single-story block homes that are a reminder of simpler times on the Outer Banks.
Estuarium to get cooking with new Seafood School exhibit
The Washington-based environmental education center’s new exhibits will highlight the estuary’s role as a nursery for marine life and have a Cooking Classroom with a view of the Pamlico River to host programs on how to prepare key species.
Hatteras museum to reopen, Beaufort boat show ahead
N.C. Maritime Museums system is readying for the reopening of the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras and the annual Wooden Boat Show in Beaufort this weekend.
‘Save Our Sand Dunes’ recalls fight to save Jockey’s Ridge
The newly released children’s book is about the history of Jockey’s Ridge and the Baum family who spearheaded the campaign to save the landmark 50 years ago.
