“By drawing especially on coastal newspapers, and with help from some wonderful librarians, archivists, and museum curators, I will try to sketch the best portrait I can of the Bohemian oyster shuckers and their lives on the North Carolina coast between 1890 and 1914,” historian David Cecelski writes.
culture and history
Claude Crews leaves a lasting impression on those he meets
Claude Crews, the longtime Hammocks Beach State Park superintendent, ushered in a new era for state parks and served as a role model for many, including our Sam Bland, who is back with Coastal Review to pay homage.
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.
Indigenous tobacco from ancient seeds: History comes alive
Tobacco was once an important cash crop in the South, but much longer ago, the Cherokee valued it too and meticulously saved their seeds, including some a spelunker found in a cave 2,000 years later.
Deputy’s arrest does little to assuage group’s concerns
The Native American group’s leaders say law enforcement and the media perpetuated a racist and biased narrative until the former deputy was arrested two weeks after the June 23 altercation, which they call a hate crime.
Tryon Palace to host new series on eastern NC history
Nancy Strickland Fields-Chavis, a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, will present “North Carolina Before Tryon: Eastern North Carolina’s Indigenous Communities” Thursday evening in New Bern.
Tryon Palace to celebrate America’s 250th birthday early
“Rev War Day: Here Comes the 250th!” is to begin at 10 a.m. Saturday with a parade at Tryon Palace in downtown New Bern.
Legislature to revisit significant archaeological resources
Sen. Norm Sanderson last week vowed to again take up measures to deal “with all the archaeological situations that we have in North Carolina that have kind of sprung up on us recently.”
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.
Ocean City Beach Jazz Festival on for 14th year, July 6-7
The lineup this year includes James “PJ” Spraggins, Phylicia Rae, the Braxton Brothers, Kim Waters, Fred Wesley, Lin Rountree, Gerald Albright and Nnenna Freelon.
‘Wings over Edenton’ airshow to fly over Chowan County
The Oct. 19 event commemorates “80-ish” years of the Northeastern Regional Airport, a former Marine Corps air station, in Chowan County.
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.
Pender battlefield to offer Saturday events through summer
Moores Creek National Battlefield rangers have planned special programs beginning June 22.
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.”
Catch a wave at Museum of the Albemarle’s new exhibit
“Where the Waves Break: Surfing in Northeastern North Carolina” opens July 13 at the northeast regional history museum.
