N.C. Division of State Historic Sites and Properties Director Michelle Lanier, who has been with the division for 15 years, works to help tell the state’s most expansive, diverse histories to all audiences, particularly the marginalized.
culture and history
Our Coast’s Food: 5 Easy Sauces for Oysters
From a simple jalapeno remoulade to the classic cocktail sauce, our Liz Biro shares five easy recipes for sauces to complement fresh North Carolina oysters prepared at home.
Wright Brothers Memorial Offers Free Days
Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills is offering free admission on seven days during 2021.
Governor Announces New DNCR Secretary
Gov. Roy Cooper has promoted Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Chief Deputy Secretary D. Reid Wilson to secretary, effective Jan. 1.
History Illuminated: Hatteras Light’s 150 Years
Author, researcher and contributor Kevin Duffus shares his findings that depict the the story of what he calls “America’s lighthouse” and the people connected to it.
Historic Photos Celebrate 150 Years of Light
A new, historic photo exhibit honoring the 150th anniversary of the first lighting of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is on display in the lighthouse’s visitor center and bookstore through spring 2021.
‘Lost Colony’ Welcomes New Manager
The Roanoke Island Historical Association, which produces the “Lost Colony” outdoor drama, named John Ancona as the new general manager effective Dec. 1.
Blackbeard’s Final Battle: Sorting Facts, Fiction
The truth about Blackbeard’s Battle at Ocracoke conflicts with popular interpretations and numerous published accounts, according to author Kevin Duffus.
Dry Ice Test Prelude to Restoring Lighthouse
A recent test using dry ice to blast away layers of paint was a first step toward a comprehensive and long-overdue overhaul of the historic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
Estuarium Dives into the Necessity of Water
The North Carolina Estuarium in Washington is exploring an essential element — water — with the Water/Ways traveling exhibition, a part of Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street program.
‘Lost Colony’ Moved Inland: Archaeologists
Artifacts unearthed during a 2019-2020 archaeological survey on Bertie County land suggests Sir Walter Raleigh’s “Lost Colony” lived near the Chowan River for a few years.
Great Gale of 1878 Brought Nights of Terror
For two days and nights in October 1878, the 11th hurricane of the season thrashed the North Carolina coast and ships offshore, with dramatic ocean rescues and loss of life.
Saving the Crew of the Charles C. Dame
Author Kevin Duffus takes readers to the 1890s in this two-part series that looks at the U.S. Life-Saving Service and the daring rescues during dangerous storms by its crews on the North Carolina coast.
Shark Hunter Russell J. Coles at Cape Lookout
Historian David Cecelski begins the tale of shark hunter Russell J. Coles, a pioneer of the scientific study of sharks and rays who spent much of the early 20th century at Cape Lookout.
NC’s First Lighthouse Keeper and His Wife
Keeper Henry Long first illuminated Cape Fear Lighthouse on Dec. 23, 1794, historian Kevin Duffus writes, but briefly after his untimely death his widow unofficially assumed duty.
Lost History: Search For Village Abandoned
Archaeologists point to land on the west side of Bath Creek as the likely site of the Native American village Secotan, but despite evidence, study here abruptly ended.
