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Striped Mullet: Valuable Fishery With Rich Tradition

Coastal Cultures and Histories

The rich fabric of North Carolina’s coastal culture comprises the histories, narratives, and ways of life of people of all backgrounds and ethnicities, and it stretches across thousands of years.

Eastern oysters.

Dec 1, 2005

Learning from the Past: Old Maps Help Build A New Future For The Eastern Oyster

In the age of online mapping services, paper maps may seem obsolete — but try telling that to Eugene Ballance, an Ocracoke fisherman who is transforming 118-year-old survey maps of Pamlico Sound into blueprints for restoring the Eastern oyster.
Sand tiger shark in an aquarium.

Oct 1, 2005

Extreme Makeovers: Not Your Daddy’s Aquarium

The "wow" factor is an important part of the visitor experience at the state's three aquariums, says David Griffin, director of North Carolina Aquariums. The state-supported public education facilities at Roanoke Island, Fort Fisher and Pine Knoll Shores are designed "to inspire appreciation and conservation of North Carolina's aquatic environments."
Maher and O'Connor shake hands.

Aug 1, 2005

Fine Furniture: Hobbs’ Reproductions Echo 18th Century

  Perquimans County cabinetmaker Ben Hobbs pauses while standing on a floor covered with sawdust, and explains that it takes patience to make furniture the old-fashioned way. “You can’t cross…

Dec 15, 2004

Celebrating A Century: The Life of Muzel Bryant

Vacationers on Ocracoke Island, lured by its pristine coastline and rich maritime culture, seldom notice the tiny, quiet woman who, at 100, is one of the island's most cherished and unique residents. On most days, friends and neighbors passing by her house will look for her sitting in her recliner, positioned just right to see through the storm door. A woman of kind heart and few words, she always returns a wave hello.
In 1999, Hurricane Floyd caused flooding in many areas of southeast Kinston near the Adkin Branch of the Neuse River.

Sep 1, 2004

Weathering the Storm: Five Years After Floyd

It's been five years since Hurricane Floyd flooded the state's coastal plain with misery, but for Harned and thousands of North Carolinians, memories of the 1999 storm are razor sharp.
Tyrrell County

Sep 1, 2004

Alligator Community Rich in Hunting, Fishing Traditions

While standing in a rain-soaked yard in the rural community of Alligator in Tyrrell County, Ray Sykes springs open a rusted trap used by his dad to capture raccoons. “My…
Richard Neal and volunteer David Wood attach solar panels to Frying Pan Tower.

May 1, 2004

Frying Pan Shoals: Light Tower Evokes Bygone Era

While standing on a charter boat far out in the Atlantic, Mike Allen points to the 125-foot Frying Pan Shoals Light Tower that was once his home away from home.

Dec 15, 2003

People & Places: Take a Glimpse Into Sound Country Holiday Traditions

After Rosa Hernandez moved from Mexico to the Sound Country community of Columbia, she became homesick for the Hispanic holiday homage to Mary and Joseph.
image: Core Banks.

Dec 1, 2003

Core Banks Cottages Rich in History, Tradition

As soon as Wilson Davis pulls up in his boat to the shoreline near his wooden cottage on Core Banks, he steps back to a "different way of life."
Mullet sit on ice.

Sep 1, 2003

Striped Mullet: Valuable Fishery With Rich Tradition

While watching the breakers along Atlantic Beach last fall, Joey Frost noticed a purplish tint to the water. The ocean was packed tight with a school of striped mullet.