Celebrating People and Places on the Outer Banks, NPS Releases Oral History Study

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News Release Date: May 17, 2006
Contact: Outer Banks Group, [phone]

On May 20, 2006, Superintendent Mike Murray will present the results of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Oral History Project. The two-volume publication entitled, Ethnohistorical Description of the Eight Villages Adjoining Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Interpretive Themes of History and Heritage Study will be unveiled and presented at an open house at the Hatteras Village Weather Bureau. This final document completes the multi-year historic study of the eight villages on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. The study’s purpose was to “support the Park in the interpretation of cultural resources, stewardship of ethnographic sources within the Park, and in improving community relations with our Park neighbors” said Superintendent Mike Murray.

The program will take place at the restored Hatteras Weather Bureau building located on Saxon Cut road in Hatteras Village. The building will be open to the public on Saturday May 20, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, with a special program from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm featuring program participants, local dignitaries and Superintendent Murray.

This ethnographic study grew out of the National Park Service’s recognition of the importance of understanding the social, cultural, and economic histories of communities affected by the Park’s policies and actions. The document is a two volume, 1200 page book, containing 40 interviews of local residents of the Outer Banks. The National Park Service funded the three-year long research project, which was prepared by Impact Assessment Inc.

Copies of the study will be available for perusal, including hand drawn community maps and photographs. Some of the islanders who were interviewed will be on hand to share their stories. Copies of the report will be available to the public at the Dare and Hyde County libraries this July. Additional copies will be donated to the Outer Banks History Center, Dare and Hyde County Schools, and the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum.

In addition, May 21, kicks of National Hurricane Awareness Week. Hurricane preparedness information will be available at at the event on May 20.. For additional information, please contact Doug Stover, Historian, Outer Banks Group at 252-473-2111 x153

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