On Jan. 24, 1880, Etheridge, who grew up enslaved on Roanoke Island and fought with the U.S. Colored Troops during the Civil War, became the first Black person in the nation to command a U.S. Life-Saving Service station.
culture and history
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse set for $19.2 million restoration
This first phase of the project includes rehabilitating the interior and restoring the exterior of the lighthouse, repairing and replacing deteriorated materials and finishes, and landscape improvements.
Elizabeth City history traces back to early Colonial days
Elizabeth City’s roots can be traced back to the earliest days of the Colony and, though rural for centuries, is now a thriving college town.
Civilian Conservation Corps workers of Bell Island
Historian David Cecelski gives a glimpse of the North Carolina coast during the Great Depression from the perspective of the young men in Roosevelt’s Civilian Conservation Corps.
‘Rich Lands of New River’: Town retains ‘postcard’ charm
Though references to Richlands can be found in the early Colonial period, the Onslow County community began to grow in the early 1900s when it gained a railroad connection.
Foundation maps journey of its Lost Colony research
“Excavating the Lost Colony Mystery: The Map, the Search, the Discovery” is a compilation of essays and writings by historians, archaeologists and other experts on the last 20 years of research on Sir Walter Raleigh’s settlement.
Wright Brothers Memorial to host 8 fee-free days this year
The Wright Brothers National Memorial will be open to visitors at no charge on eight selected days this year.
Dare seeks artists for 46th Frank Stick Memorial Art Show
The opening reception will be held at no charge from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 2. The show will be on display from Feb. 3-24 in the downtown Manteo gallery.
Free screening of ‘Isabel 20’ returns to Edenton theater
Due to popular demand, “Isabel 20,” a documentary about the impacts of Hurricane Isabel on Edenton and Chowan County, is returning to the big screen at Taylor Theater.
Excerpt: Conflict Over Water Access from ‘Time And Tide’
Outer Banks resident and author Tim Hatcher examines the long history of conflicts over water access on the North Carolina coast in this selected chapter from his 2023 book, “Time and Tide: The Vanishing Culture of the North Carolina Coast.”
State Parks to ring in new year with First Day Hikes for all
More than 50 ranger-led First Day Hikes of varying degrees of length and difficultly are planned for New Year’s Day across the state, including here on the coast.
Making a Way: Army Corps of Engineers 1930-1932
Historian David Cecelski has compiled a selection of photographs from an album the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Office of History discovered in their historical collections a few years ago.
3 eastern NC properties recognized on Historic Register
Three properties in eastern North Carolina have been added this year to the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places.
Cape Lookout boardwalk replacement project begins
Visitors to Cape Lookout Lighthouse should take caution while a project to completely replace the existing boardwalk with weather-resistant materials takes place.
Wright Brothers Memorial to celebrate 120th year of flight
Entrance fees for Wright Brothers National Memorial are waived Dec. 17 as part of the celebration of the 120th anniversary of the first heavier-than-air, controlled, powered flight.
Moores Creek to celebrate ‘Christmas in the Colonies’
Scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 16, at the park in Pender County, staff, volunteers, and other living historians will be offering a variety of programs and demonstrations focused on the celebration of Christmas in the 18th century.
