Core Sound 2023-2024 Yearbook

Cape Lookout 1919 … A very nervous seventeen-year-old lady had been appointed her first teaching assignment – Cape Lookout, known then as Diamond City. She received her teaching certificate by “correspondence course,” her help and instruction was received through “The American Educator” (a form of encyclopedias) and instruction came from Mr. Clem Gaskill. (Mr. Clem Gaskill is still remembered as a “genius” self-made) … Her first day at Cape Lookout was a beautiful, crisp fall day. She had arrived early that morning by boat (naturally) and always remembered how the water was just slightly choppy and seemed to dance and giggle at her! She was quite leery of what she was facing. Her students would range from first grade to eighth. They would be children of fishermen’s families who possibly never had any schooling outside the home before … My Mother – Cape Lookout’s First Teacher Madge Guthrie, “John’s Creek Journal” The Mailboat, Winter 1991

2 - BOARD OF DIRECTORS - Lockwood Phillips, Chairman ▪ Todd Nelson, Vice-Chairman Jim Briley, Treasurer ▪ Shannon Adams, Secretary Cindy Taylor Brown* ▪ Kathryn Chadwick* ▪ Doily Fulcher Craig Hamilton ▪ Tommy Jones* ▪ Bill Lathan ▪ Corey Lawrence* Chris McCutcheon* ▪ Janet McLendon ▪ Robbie Smith * Executive Committee - FOUNDING BOARD MEMBERS - EMERITUS David A. Lawrence - Co-Founder Billy Smith - Founding Board Chairman Don Walston – 1996 Board Chairman James M. Davis – 2001 Board Chairman Purcell Jones, Roy Willis, GuyTucker, Jim Phillips, Carl Huff, Ronnie Smith, David Yeomans, Jack Goodwin Homer Fulcher & Julian Hamilton, Jr. – Honorary Members NC Folk Heritage Award Recipients John Civils, Jerry Gaskill, Don Manley, John Nobles, Bruce Ethridge, Ted Garner, Jr., Jim Spencer The Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center 2023-2024 Yearbook © 2023 Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center. All rights reserved. Photos: Gordon Allen, Dylan Ray, Pam Morris, Chris Hunter, Deb Brushwood, Bonnie Hunter, Baxter Miller, Chris Yeomans, Fredda Willis, Joel Fodrie, Staci Basden, Catherine Norris, CSWM&HC Collection, and others! ...Thank you! Editor: Karen Willis Amspacher, Harkers Island Designer: Kayla B Designs, Morehead City Printer: Acculink, Greenville Young People: Core Sound’s Future Our focus this year has been to utilize our strengths and to build on our strong foundation as we grow into a more diverse learning environment. The Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center houses a rich history of the area, showcases magnificent artifacts of Down East living, and is surrounded by several rich ecosystems. These along with people of the area have allowed us to provide rich educational programs at the museum. MEMBER / PARTNER Cape Lookout National Seashore North Carolina Science Network American Association of State and Local History North Carolina Museums Council I.W.C.A. International Wildfowl Carving Association Carolina Decoy Collectors Association Core Sound Decoy Carvers Guild Saltwater Connections Carteret Catch and NC Catch Carteret County Public Schools Our appreciation to the businesses whose financial support makes this publication available throughout the year. CORE SOUND WATERFOWL MUSEUM & HERITAGE CENTER PO Box 556, 1785 Island Road, Harkers Island, North Carolina, 28531 806 Arendell Street, Morehead City, North Carolina, 28557 (O) 252.728.1500 (F) 252.728.1742 [email protected] ▪ www.coresound.com LEADERSHIP Catherine Norris, Education Programs Coordinator Staci Davis Basden, Education Resources & Communications Chris Yeomans, Heber Guthrie, John Waszak, John Brooks - Community Educators Karen Willis Amspacher, Executive Director Dr. Ike Southerland, Sponsorship Development Vicki Brennan, Museum-806 Coordination & Event Support Kayla Brown, Communications & Marketing Support Tom Waller, Accountant - EDUCATION - - STAFF - - COLLECTIONS - - MUSEUM STORE - Pam Davis Morris, Exhibitions Coordinator, Artifact Collections, Facilities Support Amelia Zytka, Collections/PastPerfect Consultant Michelle Moriarity-Witt, Digital Archivist ▪ Margaret Goodwin, Librarian Debra Kelley Brushwood, Membership Coordinator & Museum Store Manager Store Staff: Jennifer Hill, Cheryl Lawrence, Nancy Nelson, Vermadel Nienstedt, Fredda Willis, Rachel Willis Store Partners: Chris & Bonnie Hunter And a dedicated crew of volunteers!

3 SCHOOLS, our Down East schools, ARE SACRED PLACES... Schools are where we opened our hearts and minds to teachers who inspired, who cared, who understood - and in turn - gave us safe places to learn and explore, places to try and fail, places to try again and succeed. Teachers have seen in us what we could not see for ourselves. They have seen our potential, opened doors for scholarships and opportunities, and encouraged us to fly high and dream big. Schools and teachers – along with families and churches have passed on the values that have shaped our lives, taught us the skills they learned from their forebears, and hoped (and prayed) that our communities would continue to be a wonderful place to grow up and grow old together. Much has changed along these shores of Core Sound over the past century -- and the pace continues to escalate. A new economy, a rapidly changing environment and a techcontrolled world is now here and we struggle to keep up with it all. It is not easy for places like Down East Carteret County to accept and adapt, but we are – because that’s what we have always done. Change is nothing new, and we remain determined to hold on to the communities we love. Nowhere is that commitment more important and consequential than Formal education came to Down East Carteret County in the late 1800s and the early 1900s by way of missionaries first, and then later by teachers who answered the communities’ call and came by boat to help “educate” these remote communities of fishermen and hunters. The teachers came with little formal education but a dedication to learning that built a foundation that continues today. Before the schools were built and the teachers came, the people of these Banks and the villages on the mainland learned from the world around them. They learned the ways of the water; they read the sky; they sang the songs their mothers had memorized; they built boats from an innate understanding of engineering, and they planted gardens in sandy soil and harvested by the seasons. They understood the world that was theirs. Today, Core Sound remembers that connection between place and people, the importance of understanding nature’s cycles and our stewardship of those resources, and the responsibility of taking care of all the beauty that surrounds us. Sometimes those lessons can only be taught outside, in the woods, on the water … Our goal is to bridge the gap between this place we call home and the classrooms where our children gain their formal education by providing experiences that allow students and teachers to be active learners with a growing appreciation for the interconnectedness of it all - every day. Whether it is science or art, history or math, creative writing or career planning, Core Sound is here to be its own kind of classroom without walls that allows time and space for every student, every teacher, every visitor to experience the joy of learning that will last a lifetime. KWA in our schools - with their dedicated teachers, parents and community members – who work hard every day to meet today’s needs of our children and grandchildren. During the years since COVID, the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center has realized more and more the important role we can play in supporting schools, both students and teachers, not only here Down East but across the state to other rural schools struggling to meet the challenges of a new world. We are working every day to make sure that our local students and teachers, as well as others who come here to experience our community, have learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Our schools have kept our communities together through massive change for decades, guaranteeing that our ties to one another have remained strong from generation to generation. We are evidence of that reality. Core Sound is honored to be a partner in making sure that no matter what struggles come our way, tomorrow’s men and women will have the same foundation of community that has sustained Down East Carteret County for more than a century.

Core Sound’s EARTH DAY tradition has now grown to be one of the most important community-education experiences of the year! We are especially thankful for the years of work from educators and staff who have helped lay the foundation for this powerful event for all Down East schools, teachers, parents, grandparents and friends! E ARTH DAY Earth Day, a great day of teaching and 4 learning “at the end of the road.”

Aurora Fossil Museum Cape Lookout National Seashore Carolina Ocean Studies Carteret County Wildlife Club Coastal Carolina Riverwatch Coastal Environmental Partnership Creative Movement with Ms. Lynette Crystal Coast Beekeepers Crystal Coast Stargazers Dr. Rule and Core Sound Carvers Down East Middle School Earth Day Art with Ms. Kathy ECHS Environmental Club Foundation for Shackleford Horses Institute of Marine Sciences Litter Free Land and Sea Live Oak Stories of Resilience – Duke & DEM Miss Gina’s Fresh Shrimp National Weather Service NC Coastal Reserve NC Sea Grant NC Shell Club North Carolina Coastal Federation North Carolina Forest Service Quin Dionne - Artist Rose Seafood Fisherwomen Heather & Ryan Earth Day Partners A huge thank you to Down East Middle School and their willingness to be our key partner in this major undertaking. The teachers, staff and especially the students made these two days meaningful for students across the county. THANK YOU, DEMS! As with all Museum projects and events, our community volunteers and staff played an important role in planning this gathering, keeping kids safe and wellfed, and helping with the all-important clean up! Our Earth Day Event brought together local and state clubs, associations, organizations, federations, and schools. We had twenty-eight different educational partners participate in this year’s Earth Day providing fifty-two different learning opportunities over the two-day event. Over 800 students, school employees, and family members who attended Earth Day were able to glean knowledge from our education partners. -CWN Above: Crawling like a turtle through a TED. Below: Learning about hard crabs. 5

LE ARNING HERE EVERYDAY We love, teach and care about kids ALL YEAR ROUND! These are just a few of the groups that came through our doors, along our trail and up our tower to LEARN this summer. Preschool kids (and sometimes grandparents) learn through play, from puzzles to digging in the dirt! Students learning to build circuits. 6

Glad Tidings Day Camp: We had fifty-plus children ages 4-12 from Glad Tidings Church Day Camp come for a summer enrichment program. Campers spent the day painting duck heads, learning Morehead City Parks & Rec: about shells, watching hermit crabs, and touring the museum. One of the summer field trips the Morehead Park and Recreation Camp takes is to the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center. Each session was a little different depending on ages, but our focus this summer was painting a mallard head and STEM robotics with coding mice. Campers also enjoyed eating lunch outside while watching the boats and birds go by and hiking our nature trail. Childcare Network Morehead City: In August, Morehead’s Childcare Network came on a field trip. The kids had so much fun they did not want to leave. They painted duck heads, participated in a color scavenger hunt of one of our sidewalk gardens, and viewed the lighthouse from our observation tower.   Soundside Stories and Science: We cater to little minds. During the school year, we have a weekly story time where we read books to the children that focus on a science topic. Many lessons incorporate fine motor skills, gross motor skills, number sense, letter sense, and imaginary play. Classes for homeschool students are another way we are able to provide a service to our community. Soundside Science for Homeschoolers is a pre-registered class that meets once a month for science enrichment. We provide learning opportunities and social interaction that mimic lab-based learning such as microscope work, coding, testing hypotheses, and gathering data. Our afterschool program is for the students that attend The Bridge Down East. The students come to experiment and explore with a focus on STEM education. Students work with circuits, robotics, aerodynamics, and design build projects. -CWN I am honored to be part of Core Sound’s Education Program Starting in April of 2008 the Museum has hosted an Earth Day celebration. In those first years, fifth graders from Harkers Island Elementary School guided younger students on the nature trail and taught them about things they could do to help the environment. Each year the celebration has grown and more students have learned how to do their part to protect our natural world. Last year over 500 students were taught by Down East Middle School eighth graders and dozens of community presenters. Through the years, our wonderful education directors and volunteers have welcomed hundreds of classes to the Museum for science and social studies lessons as part of school field trips. During the summers, the Museum has held day camps for pre-school through high school students. All of the camps offered scholarships for students who were unable to attend without financial assistance. Three years ago, the Museum’s Marine Science Academy was launched to help local middle school students learn the science leading to academic careers and research opportunities available in Carteret County. John “Woz” Waszak, Educator 7

M ARINE SCIENCE ACADEMY Four full days for rising 7th, 8th, and 9th graders, Core Sound Marine Science Academy brought hands-on awareness of the science opportunities in the area to local students. We partnered with several local universities including Duke Marine Lab, NCSU Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, and UNC Institute of Marine Sciences, along with partner agencies NOAA and the National Weather Service to provide in-the-field science experiences. The scientists (several born and bred Carteret County) provided our day campers with an opportunity to explore several marine topics, learn data collecting skills, use scientific equipment, and more. Marine Science Academy students spent the week getting wet and having fun while they learned. 8

A big thank you to Big Rock Sports – Calcutta Outdoors Foundation for supporting the Core Sound Marine Science Academy and providing local students valuable environmental and marine science learning opportunities. From a local student-scholar... I have assisted with the Core Sound Marine Science Academy for two years now – and each year we continue to improve, update, and create new experiences for our students. This academy provides students with an opportunity to learn more about their coastal environments, regional academic and career options, and gain mentorship from locals who have experienced post-secondary studies. As a ‘Harkers Islander’ who received the Goodnight Scholarship - a full-ride scholarship program at NC State University targeting rural North Carolinians majoring in STEM fields - being an educator during the Core Sound MSA allows me to give back to my community and encourage Down East students to strive for academic success. Having grown up Down East, it is difficult for students to overcome the cultural norm of graduating from high school and working as a fisherman, construction worker, or other manual labor job. I am proud to be a part of the Core Sound Marine Science Academy, where students – no matter their backgrounds – learn that they are as smart as others, can pursue a higher education, and can attain high-earning jobs in their local Down East communities. John Brooks, Goodnight Scholar The world’s best classroom – Cape Point on a summer day! 9

Our vision for the Marine Science Academy II program became a reality in 2023 thanks to key institutional partners Cape Lookout National Seashore, UNC–IMS, and Rachel Carson Reserve, and a very motivated group of students (and parents) who had completed MSA’s first year. It was wonderful, and we learned a lot about how to move forward with this second year “internship” program for Marine Science Academy students. The goal was to give these students one-on-one experiences that would challenge them to learn more about the many facets of STEMrelated work going on around them. The first day’s visit to the National Weather Service and “Bonehenge” proved to be a great learning opportunity for all of us! The MSA II program is designed to take students who want to learn more and place them at one of our county’s research institutions for several days to be an active participant in research and monitoring. These experiences ranged from turtle patrols to counting butterflies, monitoring wild horses and learning more about oyster-growing. It was a rich experience for everyone! During Summer 2024 our plans are to expand this program to include more students who have completed the Marine Science Academy in hopes that this beginning internship experience will give students inspiration for more in-depth summer experiences in the future. MARINE SCIENCE ACADEMY II Exploring – from whale bones at Bonehenger to Rachel Carson Reserve - MSA II interns gained new hands-on experiences this summer. 10

SCIENCE ALL AROUND US The theme of this summer’s Science Camps was learning about the environment through hands-on learning, STEM activities, and exploration. These action-packed days focused on Feathers, Flowers, and Fun, What Are You Eating?, and Wanna Get Wet and Dirty! We included guest organizations - Carteret County Master Gardeners, Crystal Coast Beekeeper Association, NC Sea Grant, Carteret County 4-H, Coastal Carolina Riverwatch, NC Coastal Federation, Coastal Environmental Partnership, and Litter Free Land and Sea - to come and share environmental science activities with the campers. Bees, bees, bees – a vital part of our world! An engineer in the making! Group problem-solving. “My child had so much fun!! I wish there were more opportunities like this for our kiddos to learn about our area. I was so happy she was able to participate. Summer camps is expensive…And sadly makes it hard to get our kiddos the opportunities. So I was over the moon, as was my child, that she got the opportunity. Thank y’all so much!!!” 11

”My son, is enjoying your camp SO much. Thank you for planning and providing such great learning experiences for these kids. We appreciate you, and I wanted you to hear today how much one boy is loving your camp... I’m sure his stories and excitement and non-stop chatter about camp details are echoed all over Carteret County today!” Our summer camps and science academies were successful because we partnered with local historians, scientists, and experts to share knowledge and experience with our campers. The same can be said about our teacher workshops, educator groups, and school employee groups. Our interest in building relationships with the schools from elementary age to universities and local, state, and federal groups strengthens our programming and provides a strong balance of resources and skill sets. -CWN Summer science moved from inside to outside to overboard! On assignment in the butterfly garden. A biologist in the making! Science really is cool. 12

REDHEAD SOCIETY Core Sound Fund for Education MEMBERS Ross Allen Jimmy & Karen Amspacher Robert B. Arthur Ray Ball Alton Ballance Jeff & Lisa Barnes Edward L. Barrow C. Munroe Best, Jr. Sammy Boyd Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Buff Chris & Kathryn Chadwick Gwynne Masline Chadwick Larrington Chadwick William Chadwick Neal & Linda Conoley James J. Crosswell, Jr. Sheldon & Leslie Daniels Taylor Daniels Catherine Daniels David W. Darst Warren Davis Wayne Davis Pete & Nancy Deichmann Dr. & Mrs. Kent Denton George Dill Downeast Business Association Joe Bernie Dupree Johnathan & Christian Earp W. Loren & Beth K. Edwards Lena Ennis Joey Eubanks Robin Field Tommy Fulcher Jack & Norma Gardner Bob Garner Walter Gaskill Bob Guthrie Julian C. Hamilton Larry & Tweedles Harkey H. Denard Harris W. W. Rodes Harrison Stephen & Holly Hill Douglas G. Hill John & Emy Hinnant Jerry & Norma Hyatt Charles & Janie Jones Purcell Jones Dan & Maureen Kelly Henry & Amanda Kidd Rhonda Kiker Bill & Marty Kincheloe Wilbur & Carolyn King Mary Ann Lamb Steve & Gail Lancaster Bill & Fossie Lathan Corey Lawrence Peggy Lemons D. Stuart & Anne Lindley Ralph & Betty Lyon Henry & Linda MacDonald Donald J. & Donna Manley Charles & Susan Mason Dr. & Mrs. C. Robert Means, Jr Kenny & Stephanie Morris Curtis Mostellar Neuse Sport Shop Steve & Kay Norris Tom & Laura O’Brien Douglas & Maria O’Neal Donald & Nadine Overby Charles W. Pake Jay A. Parris Susan Thomas Phillippi Charles G. Pierce Matt Pitman, Pizer Family Practice Carmine & Elizabeth Prioli Jason Privette Barbara Basnight Rawl William Rivenbark Roanoke River Waterfowl Tommy Rogers William S. Rule Leonard & Sarah Jo Safrit Emmy & Robert Salsbury James Gordon Salter John Sledge Jonathan Smith Robbie Smith Thomas J. Smith Stephen Smith, DDS John Isaac & Jenny Southerland Ike & Carol Southerland Andy & Mary Frances Southerland John Taylor Southerland Klaudia Spivey Robbie Stallings, Eastern Aviation Fuels, Inc. Michael & Sharon Starks Lt. Col. Michael J. Stroff, III Valerie & Thom Styron Jerry Talton Jennifer Taylor Sandy Thorpe Jeff & Linda Turner Bill & Jolene Walker David L. Ward, Jr. James M. Wells, DDS Barry West William G. Wheeler Ina Willis Charles T. Wilson, Jr. Thomas R. Yarboro Art makes a heart (and a child) happy! 13

PHOTOGRAPHY & ART CAMP From first graders to adults, we focused our camps on photography and art. Staci Davis Basden lead the campers in learning basic camera parts, exploring light, studying digital techniques, experimenting with various compositions guidelines and creating some beautiful images. Artist and teacher, Kathy Gillikin, shared her talents and knowledge allowing the older campers to take their favorite photograph and paint it on canvas. Art & Photography – a wonderful combination. We love these serious photographers and talented artists. 14

Our summer camp intern Shelbie Morris added so much to our summer camps this year! Our thanks to her for including Core Sound in her summer schedule. (She’ll be back!) Art teachers and their students – a wonderful, creative, positive experience! From photography to a work of art… INTERNS TEACH AND LEARN at Art Camp 15

This favorite camp experience brought together students from near and far to learn more about the art and science of waterfowling. Campers spent one day at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center learning about waterfowl, decoys, hunting, and more. The second day was spent at the Core Sound Decoy Carvers Guild being taught by local carvers the art of carving and painting decoys. This science-history-art experience was led by duck hunter and former educator, Chris Yeomans, duck hunter and marine scientist Dr. Joel Fodrie for the science day, and carvers from the Core Sound Decoy Carvers Guild for the carving-art day. A special thanks to Paul Murphy, community volunteer and BSA Troop 252 leader, who transported the campers back and forth between the Guild and the Museum. WAT E R F OW L I N G - T H E A RT & THE SCIENCE Decoys – painted and decoys – floated; just as it should be! 16

“My grandson loved the science behind hunting waterfowl and really connected with the counselors. He enjoyed carving/painting the duck he brought home & is interested in learning to carve more.” I have always loved teaching and helping others, from the little ones that come and visit the museum for the first time, to the senior citizens that stop by as they are traveling up the coast to visit all of North Carolina’s lighthouses. When I am able to participate in the Core Sound Museum Marine Science Camp and I see students learning from “our crowd” who have been off to college and have chosen to give back to the community with their knowledge and expertise, I am so thankful to be a part of this! Same thing for the Teacher Workshops that introduces the Down East to new teachers coming to the county and surrounding areas. Most of these folks have never been Down East. They become more effective at their craft if they know more about the communities that helped shape the kids they are expected to teach. How about the Waterfowl Camp? Kids come and learn from local hunters, decoy carvers and scientists about the art and science of Waterfowl Hunting. It’s only a part of what makes Down East special, but it has helped shape who we are today. We are blessed that this craft can still be enjoyed today in the areas that our great grandparents trod. Then sharing with academia how this unique area is special is an important responsibility. The more we pull our local knowledge with all available resources we can help make educated decisions that will help share our future for the betterment of all. I’m so glad to be a part of this! Chris Yeomans Carteret County Educator Mr. Oneal and his young carving friends. “Let’s see how they work!” 17

DOWN E AST TE ACHER INSTITUTE Forty-seven teachers from Carteret County and surrounding counties came Down East for three action-packed days to learn about the history and science of the area. Teachers traveled via bus to visit our down east communities and heard locals share their stories of the area, and they took the ferry to Cape Lookout National Seashore where they toured the village and participated in science activities. Thank you, Beaufort Wine & Food, for supporting this opportunity to provide local educators valuable learning experiences that will impact hundreds of students this year. We see ourselves becoming an eastern North Carolina hub for teaching and learning – especially focused on supporting local teachers at all grade levels and students, interns, researchers and professors at the university-level across the state. There is a need for children and adults, teachers and students, post-secondary institutions, community members and those “from off” to have a place to bring school groups, provide hands-on learning opportunities, hold a day long retreat, study and research, and relax and recharge. The beauty of the place provides an unbelievable backdrop to explore and learn. We hope you will sign up for a class, camp, retreat, or attend an event to see for yourself what we are doing at the end of the road. -CWN Carteret County teachers experiencing the Cape and all its beauty and meaning! 18

Our Down East Teachers Institute included a day of curriculum planning and development led by Museum educators Catherine Norris and Staci Davis Basden. Teachers became students as they explored new hands-on activities to reach learners of all ages and skill-levels. “What a fantastic professional development experience to be part of! It was motivational and meaningful. I enjoyed meeting the locals and hearing their stories. Stories keep the past alive! Hearing about the past is a reminder of how people used to be. A time when people cared about each other and were kinder. This resonance of pride for one’s upbringing is lost in many communities. It is not lost Down East. We saw firsthand that land erosion is a concern. One must prepare for the future. This PD [professional development] has provided many resources that I can use to teach my kids about ecology and future needs.” “I really enjoyed participating in the two-day workshop and I was able to attend the planning day as well. I have learned so much and will be able to take it back to my grade level team and students as we learn about our local history this coming school year.” We live in a unique place along the Outer Banks of North Carolina. This earth is amazing, and I have learned so much about the creation just by my visits to Cape Point. This year I have taken part in the Museum’s programs talking to many of our public school teachers and students that have attended the various camps. My role was to discuss the people who lived on Diamond City, their way of life, and the hardships and struggles that made them strong and why. As my mother would say, “they had a constitution.” Of course, my favorite subjects are the lighthouse and the Lifesaving Service. I want our young people to hear things about these special people who took on this responsibility. So many lives depended on them to be sure that “Light” was there and to be the ones to be ready where there was trouble and to go and rescue them. It’s been a great experience this year to be part of sharing these stories, and I hope that these brave people are remembered for the great things they did. Heber Guthrie Community Historian “FUN! I had a great time learning about the culture and history. I think this would be a great requirement for all new teachers.” All of us, even teachers, learn by doing. Johnna Brooks, a former HI Elementary student and math-lover, talks to the teachers about her journey toward becoming a biomathematics PhD. What a great experience I’ve had this past year! 19

William Friday Institute The 2023 William Friday Teachers Retreat: Enriching the Mind & Rejuvenating the Spirit “Down East” spent a beautiful summer day with us “at the end of the road” and over at Cape Lookout. We explored the village, experienced Cape Point and came back to the Island for a full Down East feast and heartwarming discussion of the importance of teachers in our world. Focusing on history, heritage, and the humanities, teachers left refreshed and renewed as they were reminded of their love of teaching and North Carolina. We had the distinct privilege of sharing Down East with the 60+ educators from across North Carolina in a very special way through beautiful scenery, people, and food. Teachers Came From Everywhere! Tailgating breakfast at Shell Point – that’s a new experience! Heber at the US Coast Guard Station, Cape Village The traditional group pic at the Lighthouse 20

“Harkers Island served as the perfect spot to dive into captivating local history, preservation, maritime culture, and true ‘Down East’ heritage.” “I enjoyed the meal at the Core Sound Museum the most. It was such a special opportunity to be directly immersed in the Down East culture, and I felt that it was a great time to be reflective about all that I had learned throughout the event. The parallels between the Down East cultures and the Appalachia cultures are so much deeper than I ever had imagined them to be.” “Our visit to Harkers Island and our interaction with the Down East teachers ignited my own desire to connect to the area of my family’s roots and desire to preserve as much of my family’s connection to the history of Lenoir and Jones counties. It also made me somewhat sad for my students whose roots run very deep in High Point, yet they know very little about the city. It is a city that is quickly disappearing due to the expansion of the university. I fear that their connections, mainly oral, will not be preserved in time…” “As a music teacher, I enjoyed the impromptu singing of “ The Booze Yacht” and hear how people then, as they do now, use music to record a piece of history, even in a comical way.” Teachers loved Cape Point – who doesn’t?! Old friends, new friends, living the dream on Cape Lookout Cape Lookout’s education caravan, following in the tradition of Sonny’s “Mule Train” – still making memories! Teachers Learning at the Water’s Edge 21

“I thoroughly enjoyed our day on Harkers Island and the Cape. It was amazing to see this area of the state that I have not seen before. It was interesting to see the lighthouse and read about the sacrifices the lighthouse keepers made to take care of the lighthouse and provide light to the boats sailing by. It was also very interesting learning about the life of the people who lived in Cape Lookout Village and the stories of their day to day lives. I was amazed by their resourcefulness and the strong sense of community and supporting one another as a result of being so isolated from others.” “Finally, being able to see Lookout Point and be surrounded by the clear water was beautiful and peaceful time. The food was delicious and was made with love for their culture and way of life and excitement to share that with others.” Everyone who helped us from the ferry, to the drivers of the truck tour, to the folks at the Core Sound Museum were all so passionate and knowledgeable about the history of the Island. It was very inspiring to witness and encouraged me to think of more ways I can help each of my students hold onto and share their family history and culture in our classroom.” “I can see using what I’ve learned to encourage people here in the Blue Ridge Mountains to get to know the areas of Down East. Many of the people here are not aware of the beautiful coastline and rich cultures and traditions of the eastern end of this state, but I know that if given the opportunity to visit, they would establish a strong kinship to the Down East people through shared life experiences. I also will strive to build community within my classes, and I feel that this event has given me tools to do just that. In addition, I am inspired to dig deeper into history to understand the experiences of those whose voices may not be equally represented.” Wayne and Brother – Generations of Island Carvers Decoy carving is for all ages! Teachers loved our Down East cooking! Back at Home 22

Carolina Public Humanities The 2023 Wayne County Teachers’ Retreat was held in Carteret County with Harkers Island hosting their last day of coastal experiences. For three days, this program integrated North Carolina history, literature, heritage, along with the arts and humanities, and English language arts, culminating in their last day Down East with Core Sound’s education team. Teachers explored Cape Lookout National Seashore, toured the museum, talked with the carvers, and ate a delicious home cooked meal.   This year has been a wonderful one filled with educational opportunities that have reached toddlers to adults. Our commitment to teachers across the state has been a meaningful and important expansion of our educational program because with teachers we reach hundreds of students for years to come. As a teacher, I am especially gratified to be part of that exchange as a native Islander and lifelong learner-teacher. We have played to learn and learned to play while celebrating our rich Down East heritage. From mid-morning story time to afternoon photography lessons to evening meals and guest speakers, the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center has proved that there’s neither a place we won’t go, a topic we won’t tackle, nor an age group we won’t gather all in the hopes of deepening their appreciation and understanding of what we call home. Staci Basden Museum Summer Educator Wayne County’s teachers loaded right up on that truck for a trip to the Point! What a great day for these teachers from inland to experience what we enjoy every day! 23

EDUC ATION BEYOND OUR WALL S Core Sound’s educational reach goes far beyond “the end of the road.” Our partnerships with classroom teachers, university researchers, graduate students and other museums keeps Core Sound’s unique place and its rich heritage part of the learning for everyone who seeks to learn more about coastal North Carolina. Our weekly newsletter, edited by Staci Davis Basden, goes to more than 15,000 teachers, students, parents and grandparents, university researchers, members and visitors every Monday. Topics range from summer science learning activities to clips from oral histories and relevant science topics. The research, writings and coordination of all this information, now in its third year, provides a resource-rich reference for readers of all ages. These newsletters are timeless and archived at: CoreSound.com/teacher-resources *Check out other teacher resources on our website also! Programs and projects with universities continue to grow… During 2023 CSWM&HC has hosted and partnered with these projects: UNC Chapel Hill – DEEPP (Dynamics of Extreme Events People and Places) NC State University Gettysburg College Duke Marine Lab NC Sea Grant Kenan Institute at NCSU Climate Action Corps United Nations Office of Sustainability NC State Coastal Resilience and Sustainability Initiative Duke Engage Museum of Life & Science, Durham SWISLR – Saltwater Intrusion Sea Level Rise Research Network Historic Structures Planning at Cape Lookout and Portsmouth UNC Wilmington Coastal Studies Institute University of Guelph 24

EDUC ATION WORLDWIDE Our educational opportunities draw teaching-learning partners from far beyond “the end of the road” to expand our stories to virtual audiences everywhere! For three summers we have been fortunate to be part of Duke Lab’s “Duke Engage” program. Each summer Duke undergrads have taken on projects that continue to expand our virtual programming. 2023, on the 5th anniversary of Hurricane Florence, Jake Mars and Gabe Mendoza created a STORY MAP of Florence’s impacts on Down East and Carteret County. NC State University’s CAPSTONE PROJECT Duke Marine Lab’s DUKE ENGAGE Ci$zen Science Research Project on Harkers Island, NC HARKERS ISLAND, NC – A recently installed Chronolog sta2on encourages park visitors to contribute to scien2fic research at Cape Lookout Na2onal Seashore. The Chronolog sta2on creates a central loca2on where visitors can use their phones to take photographs of a specific loca2on from the same angle. These photographs are arranged in a 2melapse, which allows researchers to track changes happening in that area over long periods of 2me. Visitors, especially those who walk the trail regularly, are highly encouraged to par2cipate in this project. Your contribu2ons will allow researchers to study the forma2on of the ghost forest along the northeastern edge of Harkers Island. Ghost forests are regions where previously healthy coastal forests are being lost and converted to salt marsh habitat due to repeated exposure to saltwater. Dead tree trunks and stumps are common signs of a once healthy forest which is now declining and retrea2ng further inland. Ghost forests are found throughout Down East Carteret County and many other low-lying NC shorelines. The sta2on is located about a quarter of a mile down the Soundside Loop Trail. The trail winds along the eastern shore of Harkers Island, through mari2me forest and saltmarsh. The trail can be accessed from behind the Harkers Island Visitor Center, located at 1800 Island Road, Harkers Island, NC. 28531. Trail maps, as well as addi2onal informa2on about ghost forests and instruc2ons for using the Chronolog, are available in the Visitor Center from 9:00am-5:00pm. A small por2on of the end of the loop trail, including a boardwalk and observa2on deck is currently closed pending repairs. This project is hosted by North Carolina State University and is supported by Cape Lookout Na2onal Seashore and Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center. The project was completed under an approved scien2fic research permit. The current 2melapse may be viewed at: hZps://www.chronolog.io/site/NCS106 - this link also includes exact GPS coordinates to the sta2on. Release Date: June 14, 2023 Contact: Nate Toering, [email protected], 252-838-8909 Cape Lookout Na$onal Seashore News Release 131 Charles Street Harkers Island, North Carolina 28531 252-728-2250 phone 252-728-2160 fax www.nps.gov/calo Na$onal Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior VISIT CoreSound.com/ghost-forests VISIT CoreSound.com/hurricaneflo-downeast 25

INTERNS: OUR NEXT GENERATION One of Core Sound’s most important programs moving forward is our Core Sound Internship Program. We believe this hands-on learning experience for high school and college students will be a vital link to the next generation as they learn from us, and we learn from them. We are especially thankful to the Tapscott Family for their generous gift to the CSWM&HC, which provides stipends for these outstanding students. This summer, I spent two months Down East collecting oral histories about these communities’ experiences of environmental change and Hurricane Florence. By August, I had recorded and transcribed conversations with eleven Down Easters and reviewed the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center’s oral history collections for evidence of environmental change. Despite all the wonderful things I learned here, my favorite part was meeting the people of Down East, who taught me how to properly clean shrimp and told me stories about childhoods spent at the Cape. I am forever grateful for their wisdom and hospitality! Despite all the wonderful insight my experience gave me on an academic level, I’ve been forever changed by the community I was shown, the loyalty and close ties I witnessed, and the generosity of Down East. The people I met invited me into their homes and lives, and told me stories about their world. They stayed patient with my questions and helped me begin to understand how history, place, and environment come to bear on their decisions. I am forever grateful for their wisdom and hospitality. During the summer of 2023, I, Zoey Morris, embarked on the journey of transcribing oral histories from the museum’s Hometown Teams collection. From the very start, I knew that my experience here would be special, but it did not take long for me to realize the significance of the work undertaken by the CSWM&HC – one that stretches far beyond just our walls here on Harkers Island. My summer at the CSWM&HC gifted me with a deep, enduring appreciation for my own community and for communities across Carteret County. I learned that our culture and our stories are more than just memories; they are the threads that weave our unique eastern North Carolinian community together. I may not be a surfer or a softball player, but my time transcribing stories from those communities taught me why they are vital to Carteret County and eastern North Carolina. My summer internship was not just about transcribing histories; it was about learning through the stories that make Carteret County a place like no other. Because of it, I know that the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center isn’t just preserving history; it’s preserving the heartbeat of our community. Thank you, Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center, for an unforgettable summer of discovery, appreciation, and connection. Tara Hinton, UNC-CH Rising Junior Zoey Morris, UNC-CH Rising Freshman Zoey Morris sharing her academic plans with Down East teachers. Tara, spending important time interviewing local hurricane survivors. 26

• AI is no match for the eastern North Carolina brogue. (Zoey Morris) • I learned about the preparation that must take place to have a good interview. A good oral history is often informed by archival research, and I learned the importance of both a literature review and archival survey when prioritizing interview questions. (Tara Hinton) • Transcribing has taught me patience. I can’t count the number of times I had to re-listen to audio to make sure I had the dialogue just right. (Zoey Morris) • Though my research experience seemed to surprise me at every turn, my greatest surprise was how central nonacademic activities became to my research and learning. In a more immersive fieldwork experience, I participated in coastal “Down East” cultural activities – including shrimp cleaning, trips to Cape Lookout, and assisting with educational events. These experiences enriched my understanding of our coast and its people, pushing me to create better oral histories and ask deeper interview questions. (Tara Hinton) • I already knew this, but this summer really solidified this belief: the work that the CSWM&HC is doing is important and special. Our culture and stories are worth remembering and recording. As individuals, our experiences are unique, but, as a community, we are bonded through these experiences. That is community. (Zoey Morris) FROM THE ARCHIVES The oral history collection at Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center might be the best-kept secret in North Carolina. And that’s a problem! We don’t want any part of it to be a secret. Our oral histories – in-depth interviews that are recorded and saved for the future – offer a unique opportunity to hear the stories of the people, places, and events that make up who we are. Core Sound is fortunate to have a vast collection of oral histories on a wide variety of topics, including: commercial fishing and boatbuilding, growth and change, proud family and community traditions, and local activities and pastimes such as sports and music. We’ve worked hard to keep our archives safe through numerous disasters, but keeping it safe isn’t enough. We want to make sure it will be here for generations to come, so that our great-great-grandchildren know what life was like on Ca’e Banks. That’s why we’re digitizing the whole collection so that people can find and listen to these recordings – whether it’s 5 years or 50 years from now. We are also brainstorming more ways to use our oral history collection in our exhibits and events. We want people to hear voices past and present and raise their own! If there’s one thing our friends and neighbors should take away, it’s that our archive isn’t just about the past. It’s about the present and future, too. - Michelle Moriarity Witt Digital Archivist Lessons Learned This Summer From Our New Digital Archivist 27

In September 2023, the Down East Resilience Network organized a five-year look back at Hurricane Florence to consider lessons learned over the past five years as the impacts remain a very real part of the Down East communities’ thinking as the environmental changes continue and concerns for the next storm deepen. The 2023 Community Conversation was an event attended by community members, representatives from state and regional government, academic researchers, and nonprofits to collectively examine how the region has transformed, adapted, recovered, and remembered since Hurricane Florence. The event included excursions to see and hear first-hand from residents how things have changed along Core Sound, research updates, and information from state and federal agencies related to future storms and flooding. That so many groups came together is a positive sign, demonstrating the investment in the region’s future. Ryan Stancil (RISING) Opening Remarks: It’s my pleasure to welcome you to Down East - after you cross that North River Bridge you enter a watery part of the world where the only constant is change. A place where there is certainty in the uncertain. Five years ago, this world changed swiftly. Florence sank her teeth into Down East - gnashing at the banks, shoving water up through the marsh and into the 13 unincorporated villages. She dumped nearly 30 inches of rain and left in her wake damage and flooding like we’ve never seen. Homes destroyed, business at a standstill, and livelihoods in jeopardy. People here were battered and bruised. But, if you know anything about Down East, you know the people are strong, self-reliant, and resilient. In the days, weeks, and years that followed, like their ancestors, they have held close to another. Neighbor helping neighbor. Sharing supplies, helping one another rip up carpet and tear out drywall. It’s hard to believe that even five years later, some folks are still picking up the pieces and trying to put their lives back together. Florence took away a lot but she couldn’t damper the spirit of this place. As Karen likes to say, the anchor holds. I’ve heard Ernie Foster from Hatteras say every generation has a storm that defines them. For Hatteras that’s Isabel. For Ocracoke it’s Dorian. For this generation in Down East, that storm is Florence. She was a wake up call that started a long list of hard questions. • Were we prepared enough? • How can we be better prepared next time? • What do all the changes we’re seeing mean for our daily lives in the next 10/20/30 years? • How can we best adapt to hotter summers, higher water, and heightened storm impacts? • And for many, the most important question, will my children be able to call this place home? DOWN EAST RESILIENCE NETWORK 28

So much has changed since Florence came ashore. • We’ve gone from asking how we were going to afford insurance to wondering if we’ll be afforded the chance to buy insurance at all. • Families have watched the back yard their kids used to play in become a marsh their grandchildren play beside. • Those whose families descend from Diamond City on Shackleford Banks find themselves asking the same question their great grandparents asked, what will I do if saltwater gets in my well? • With every northeast wind, we worry about our graveyards washing away. • Fishermen watch as flounder and shrimp move North and wonder what they’ll be able to fish for next year. • We notice the old pine forests that line our sounds and marshes turn to graveyards full of skeletons of hundred-year-old trees. • And countless people, probably some of you here today, question if you should raise your house, by how much, and wonder how you’ll scrape together the money. 10 years ago we were asking what was happening around us. 5 years ago we were asking what we could do to fix it. Today, we are asking how we can buy more time. Karen, this museum’s director and I’d argue the fiercest advocate of our coast has, and may ever have, says today’s conversation is a by-product of a project Baxter and I helped lead back in 2017 called Rising. It was funded by North Carolina Sea Grant and together, with the help of a team of community leaders, scientists, and anthropologists, Rising documented the change everyday people were witnessing around them. What resulted was a traveling exhibition that combined science data, oral history, and fine art photography. That exhibit was hanging on these very walls when Florence arrived. A few days after the storm had passed, Baxter and I drove from New Bern to Harkers Island. We opened that door in the back and could smell it before we could see it. Black mold. The walls here were covered floor to ceiling. It’s a smell and a sight that I’ll never forget. Sure, Rising might play a small part in why we’re here today, the truth is, today’s conversation was inevitable. There is a different sort of storm brewing - one of eroding shorelines, migrating fish, intruding saltwater, and inundated roadways. And Down East is smack-dab in the middle of that storm’s path. The people who live here aren’t the only ones who know it. In the last 5 years, Down East has attracted the attention of every major academic institution in the state and state agencies have turned a keen eye our direction. Ongoing research projects that are partnering with and working in our communities include: • UNC’s DEEPP Project which is working to better understand the impacts of flooding. • The Sunny Day flooding project has installed flood sensors at hotspots in Down East to track how often floods are occurring outside of extreme events. • Our superintendent at Cape Lookout National Seashore is working with folks from Western Carolina and NCSU to protect and preserve the village’s historic structures. • Western Carolina has piloted Vulnerability Assessments for Down East homes. • Students from NC State have contributed to ghost forest awareness and the installation of a chronolog site to produce a time-lapse record of change. • Duke’s SWISLR Network has included Down East as a partner in their effort to build a network for convergence research about Salt Water Intrusion and Sea Level Rise. • Eastern North Carolina Sentinel Landscape is looking for opportunities to fund resilience efforts given the importance of Down East to supporting Cherry Point, the outlying landing field in Atlantic, and BT-11. • NOAA’s Science Collaborative is considering the impacts of stormwater on our estuary system. • And in our schools, teachers - like Evan Furgeson in Dare County - and researchers at Duke Marine Lab, are working with middle and high school kids to share stories of personal and community resilience. I’m sure I’ve left out a number of people and projects, but the point is I’m grateful to see the interest and engagement of so many researchers as we all work to open doors of communication. We must work together to better understand the science and its intersection with place and people and policy. I believe the work we are doing here today can be a foundation for resilience-building in unincorporated communities across North Carolina and beyond. It is a privilege to know this place. An honor to love its people - to call them friends and chosen family. It’s a gift to share in this place’s distinct culture and fading heritage. And, as a community, as researchers working here, as policy makers making decisions about our coast, it’s our duty to help preserve this place, as best we can, for future generations. I hope today is a step in that direction for Down East. Ghost forests Down East North River Marsh 29

Key Themes From 2023 Down East Community Conversations From the researchers: The kind of loss that people Down East are experiencing with the changing environment and the intuitive knowledge that dying trees mean a different environment for the next generation of Down Easters. From senior citizens: Older folks are having a hard time facing these changes. Adaptation is more intensive, recurrent flooding threatens access to medical care, hurricane planning is difficult, and thinking must always be future-oriented. From the community: I’ll admit that when I first heard about global warming thirty years ago, I thought I’d never live to see it or feel it; obviously I was wrong. From fishermen: This summer water in Pamlico sound was 86 degrees, 3 or 4 degrees of water makes a huge difference to fish, if water is a couple degrees too hot or too cold, fish won’t be at that location; water temps helped drive NC fishing heyday in the mid to late 70’s, now water temp is working against us. From the record books: Down East is one of the most at-risk regions for forested wetlands in US. Ghost forests are a symbol of major ecological change. From the community: Could schools in the community be constructed with the idea in mind that they could also be used as an emergency shelter or hurricane prep facility? From the community: Current plans do not meet today’s needs. From a parent: Will my children be able to make a life here? From observations: Recurrent flooding is generally a problem; this almost seems like more of the focus than hurricanes itself. From the community: When do we [as a community] reach maximum capacity? When do we tell the people who want to build here [the people coming in who have a lot of money] we’re at capacity? Who’s responsible for telling them that? From the scientists: Marshes can be a buffer to help prevent flooding -Marshes have historically been able to keep up with sea level rise, however, sea level rise is increasing so quickly we are losing existing marshes that we desperately need. From the community: Will we have continued insurance coverage? Will the coast of North Carolina be next for insurance companies to pull out? Enhance Storm Readiness, Response, & Recovery While Down East communities are experienced with dealing with hurricanes and other storms, the climate and environment are changing and storm preparation, response, and recovery efforts must adapt. State and regional agencies have been supportive partners in these efforts, demonstrating their commitment to the community. To ensure that Down East residents are better equipped to face future storms, it is essential to continue and strengthen these partnerships. Additionally, developing partnerships between Down East and Carteret County would be vital. Fill Knowledge Gaps to Support Decisions To effectively manage the present and plan for the future, Down East residents must understand the realities of sea level rise: the frequency of flooding and its sources (saltwater vs. freshwater), threats to water quality and health concerns, impacts of marsh loss, and long-term consequences now and in the future. The research community can support Down East by helping to fill gaps in knowledge and translate scientific findings for individual and collective decisionmaking. In turn, it is also essential to strengthen the science perspective and make it a people’s story by hearing from and seeing the Down East community Partnerships For Long-Term Resilience Changes in the natural environment (like more intense storms or changing sea levels) and the pressures they exert often receive attention, yet other environments overlap and interact – social, cultural, historical, economic, political, and regulatory – shaping lives, land, and the future of Down East. The county, state, and other partners must come together with Down East communities to support living conditions and keep communities safe. Down East needs reliable information and leaders who can communicate this message without judgment, threats, or misinformation. Everyday Concerns Brought to the Conversation 30

Down East residents require resources such as engineering and financial support, as well as personal property vulnerability assessments, to make informed decisions about raising their homes. Unfortunately funding for longterm solutions, including raising homes, can be costly, and federal support criteria often serve as barriers. Furthermore, previous negative experiences with insurance companies and FEMA have caused a lack of trust and reluctance to engage, which can have long-term consequences for communities. Significant environmental transformations are underway in Down East and across coastal North Carolina. Ghost forests are expanding and their impact is still being studied. Meanwhile, the growing frequency of “nuisance” flooding gives the impression of normalcy, lowering awareness of the severity of the issue. Storm Readiness, Response, and Recovery Accessible roads are crucial to Down East’s ability to prepare, respond, and recover from storms. State and county governments should clarify road stewardship, including maintenance projects and timelines. Vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify at-risk roads and potential solutions and shared with Down East communities to enable collective decision-making. In the aftermath of a storm, schools Down East could be essential community resources for information, medical care, supplies, electricity, and hot meals. They could also serve as a hub for coordinating recovery teams to assist affected areas. To ensure that schools can effectively fulfill this role, school locations should be in close partnership with local emergency centers. Additionally, community schools must have generators installed and response plans developed that detail who will provide, operate, and maintain them during and after a storm. To reduce potential losses from storms, residents should be aware of their insurance policies and coverage limitations, as they may not cover all types of damage like flooding. The NC Department of Insurance offers resources, including one-on-one guidance, to help residents prepare and respond to disasters. Environmental Changes & Long-term Resilience Down East residents regularly face concerns that threaten their health and safety, from mold contamination to children playing in hazardous runoff. To safeguard public health and safety, it is critical to monitor septic tank contamination levels, establish (and fund) a monitoring program, and identify threats to well water. Commercial fishermen are often the first to notice and report changes in the local environment, but they also face challenges such as public blame for issues beyond their control. Fisheries are affected by a range of factors, including upstream pollution, local sources of water contamination, and warmer temperatures. Risks to the seafood industry need to be better understood to enable fishermen to minimize potential threats. Despite their resilience and history of adaptation, commercial fisherman now face significant obstacles that make it more challenging to sustain their livelihood and their heritage. As a result, some are shifting their practices to cope and preserve their traditional Down East culture, but such shifts are neither easy nor economically viable. Due to rising sea levels, traditional stormwater management methods like ditches may not be effective and can even cause saltwater intrusion. To enable better stormwater management solutions, community-by-community assessments are needed to identify which ditches drain and which bring in saltwater. Recommendations Challenges 31

2023 was a busy year of finishing up photographing the Collection, uploading thousands of photographs and adding information to our database. We have also had several donations this past year, one being a Fred Fulcher blackhead, Williston, NC from Mark Tuten and a nice collection of memorabilia from Margie Webb Best from the family Dr. Herbert Webb and Dr. Ted Best of Sea Level Hospital and Sailor’s Snug Harbor, Sea Level, NC. The museum has strengthened its partnership with the Carolina Decoy Collectors Association in the past year. A summer exhibition of rare Core Sound shorebirds was on display at our 806 Arendell Street location from April through September that was well received by our visitors. The ever-popular Menhaden Exhibition came down last winter and was followed with a Quilt Exhibition and now a Portsmouth Village Photography Exhibition in preparation for Portsmouth Homecoming 2024. - Pam Morris Museum Artifact Collections Manager This year at Core Sound has been busy as always! In Collections we’ve added thousands of pictures to our records, updated location records and information. Bit by bit we keep adding more items to our Collections website which provides increased access to the rich cultural heritage of Down East. It is incredible the amount of information, objects and pictures that we’ve managed to upload in a relatively short amount of time. This success is all thanks to a hardworking and dedicated team. Our future goals are to keep on keeping on with our current progress and not lose the momentum. Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center is a wonderful place to work and located in a beautiful area. As always, it is an honor and privilege to be a part of documenting the rich, cultural heritage of the area. - Amelia Zytka, Consultant PastPerfect Online Collections Management From Pam From Amelia MUSEUM COLLECTIONS Our thanks to the Webb Family for these priceless images of Sea Level Hospital, the beloved community-built hospital that once drew thousands of patients to the Down East community of Sea Level for medical care. The stories of the hospital and all the gifts of the Taylor Family to Down East remain an important part of Down East’s history. Dr. Ted Best carried on the legacy of those first doctors at Sea Level Hospital with great compassion and a love for Down East evident in his “home visits” and the doctorpatient relationships that followed him all his life. Three Curlew shorebird decoys by Robert Pigott from the Robbie Smith Collection. Five Leckler Lewis shorebirds, from the Kroghie Andreson Collection. 32

2024 EXHIBITION Hometown Teams, Celebrating Sports Past & Present 2024 will mark the 50th Anniversary of the legendary Down East baseball team, the Eastern Blues. In celebration of this, the museum will be putting together a sports exhibition scheduled for the spring and summer and will incorporate elements of the 2015 Hometown Teams Smithsonian Exhibition. Sports is an integral element of Down East culture as the tradition of excellence continues through the young ballplayers of today including our recent state championship Girls’ Softball teams who will also be honored. We are also looking forward to a returning glimpse of the East Carteret High School Marching Mariners and the rich legacy of Band Director Arnold Adams. We plan to extend this exhibition to our 806 location with images and archives from sports most easily identified with Morehead City, Bogue Banks and Western Carteret County. Surfing, swimming and clips from West Carteret, Morehead City High School, Newport and schools west will be included. Softball “Oh, I love doing it. I love it. I totally love it. The thing I like about it is you learn the game, but the thing that really impresses me the most of their love for the game is you watch these little girls when they’re six years old and seven, eight-year old girls start playing—they can’t hit, they can’t throw, but they try and let you… progress. You watch them, and then, all of a sudden, time flies and they’re 16-17 year olds and they’re out there doing things that’ll just amaze you. But that’s softball.” - Lanier Mitchum Surfing “Surfing is a sport that you can do throughout your life and you can have that community and that camaraderie throughout your life. I look at it as I have two families; I have my blood family and I have my surfing family. I can go to virtually any point on a map on earth and with no money, no place to stay; by the end of the day, if I find surfers, I will have food, I will have a couch to crash on, and I will have someone looking out for me …It’s really neat for me to see the Carteret County attitude that my brother took around the world lasting even 20 years after he’s gone, you know. When we send our surfers from the Carteret County-Bogue Bank area, they are some ferocious competitors, but they’re good sportsmans and it’s noted, so the generations are learning by example and so we’re telling them…we’re showing them: you can still be a good person; you can still be a good, fair competitor and still win everything you want to win, and so that’s part of his legacy that we’re really proud that’s still continuing on…” - Lisa Pelletier Harmon Atlantic High School Girls’ Basketball Team Sea Level Baseball Team 2015 ECHS State Championship Basketball Team 33

ON OLD QUILTS... Quilts of the past speak to our souls. They fill us with memories of the unsung creativity and resourcefulness of our mothers and their mothers. Many of us see those quilts and feel their warmth on a cold night. We might also think of a community of women gathering to cook, talk, and stitch pretty fabrics in order to insure a warm night’s sleep for loved ones. Too often a quilt was made by an anonymous woman or group of women and the names lost to history. We are fortunate to have so many quilts in our collection who have the names of the makers as part of their history. Lynn Lancaster Gorges, Quilt Historian Feedsack quilts were of huge interest during National Quilt Month with several quilts at the Museum made of feedsacks and an entire Parlor Talk held at 806 to discuss the history and many uses of these everyday fabrics. OUR COLLECTION Our most sincere thank you to the individuals and families who have donated their treasures to the Core Sound Museum for the safekeeping of these pieces of our history. We accept this responsibility with gratitude and pride as we tell the stories of these works of art. OUR CORE SOUND QUILTERS Our thanks to Mary Sue Davis, the original “Core Sound Quilter,” who brought quilts to the Museum’s own history, and to the women (and a few men) who continue that important role today. Their contributions of talent and time is worth more than the dollars raised as they continue the tradition of gathering, quilting, telling stories and laughter. OUR COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTORS We extend our most sincere thank you to the individuals. A very, very special thank you to William Moore Davis for his financial support of our quilt projects and for his love of quilts. His family’s contributions to the history of Down East quilt history is irreplaceable, and we are honored to be the keeper of these family treasures. Pattern: Grandmother’s Fan Quilting design: Outline Quilter: Unknown Community (1930s) *Brackman # 3305, 3306 A bit of history on the Grandmother’s Fan quilt: this pattern first appeared in print in a Ladies Art Company catalog of 1897. Prior to that, fans were common motifs in late nineteenth century crazy quilts. Their popularity likely was due to the fad for decorating in the Japanese style, which was prompted by Americans’ exposure to Japanese art at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. By the 1930s, fans were standard favorites for quilt patterns. Feedsacks were used for everything, especially quilt-making. One of Core Sound Museum’s most 34 treasured quilts, “Grandmother’s Fan.”

A special thanks to Bonnie Hunter for coordinating the Museum’s role in this beautiful exhibition. SACRED THREADS SACRED THREADS: EXPRESSING LIFE’S JOURNEYS For the past 10 years, Sacred Threads has staged an annual art quilt exhibit featuring the categories of Joy, Spirituality, Healing, Grief, Inspiration and Peace/ Brotherhood. We are honored to share their work with the people of Carteret County this year. - Nan Miller, Crystal Coast Quilters’ Guild Project Coordinator SACRED THREADS EXHIBITION PARTNERS Crystal Coast Quilters’ Guild Carteret County Public Library System “April Showers” by Linda Syverson Guild (Bethesda, MD) “The Creative Hand” by Carolyn Skei (McKinney, TX) “Pink Coleus” by Susan Brubaker Knapp (Chapel Hill, NC) Carteret County Arts Council, Crystal Coast Quilters and CSWM&HC volunteers working together to hang this beautiful collection of true artistry 35

SHOREBIRD EXHIBITION A century ago, shorebird decoys were carved to attract a wide variety of shorebirds to the hunting stand as they were a much-needed source of food. Additionally, professional “plumage hunters” took all of the shorebirds they could to cater to the demands of the lady’s millinery fashion of the late 1880s and early 1900s. All shorebird hunting was outlawed in 1928 but was still practiced in parts of North Carolina through the 1960s. Some of the shorebird species hunted were yellowlegs, egret, curlew, red knot, plover, sandpiper, and willet. All of the decoys in this exhibit were either carved or used in Carteret County. Robbie Smith Carolina Decoy Collectors Association A TRIBUTE TO SHOREBIRD DECOYS *A special thanks to Robbie Smith, Kroghie Andresen and Tom Hendrickson for sharing significant pieces from their shorebird collections with us during the spring and summer of 2023. Many of these carvings are now on display at the CSWM&HC at Harkers Island. Original Painting: “Don’s Camps” by Marion Lupton, Gift of Mark Childress to the Core Sound Collection. Beach Robin Decoys by Julian Hamilton Sr. and Julian Hamilton, Jr., from the Tom Hendrickson Collection. Giclee artist proof print, “Green Grass,” by unknown artist, gift of Mark Childress to the Core Sound Collection. Five cork shorebirds attributed to the Guthrie Family of Harkers Island; three Mason Factory Curlews used on Davis Island and Willet Decoy by Gary Bragg, Ocracoke and Portsmouth; all from the Tom Hendrickson Collection. 36

One of the many important gifts of having our 806 Arendell Street location in Morehead City is the addition of our PARLOR TALKS. Now in our third year we have both a winter and summer series of interesting writers, historians, musicians, scientists and a few liars that join us on Thursday’s at 2 pm to keep the stories of Down East alive for everyone to hear! A special thanks to all who give of their time to make these wonderful conversations happen! We will announce a 2024 Winter Series beginning mid-January. Stay tuned! PARLOR TALK S Feb 2 A Get-Well Message to Chris Yeomans & Friends Fish House Liar Rodney Kemp Feb 9 Songs and Stories We Love Connie Mason, Historian & Musician Feb 16 Promise Land Shannon Adams, Promise Land Descendant Feb 23 Cape Lookout Lighthouse Heber Guthrie, Today’s “Lighthouse Keeper” Mar 2 Davis Ridge’s Palmer Davis Geoffrey Adair, Historian Mar 9-16-23 National Quilt Month Crystal Coast Quilters & Partners June 15 Fish House Liars Chris Yeomans, Friends and Fellow Liars June 22 Shorebird Hunting and the Robbie Smith, Carolina Decoy Collectors Association Art of Shorebird Decoys June 29 “The Tide IS Rising” Panel Discussion Dr. Elizabeth Frankenberg & Dr. Rick Lutterich, UNC, Sarah Speigler, NC Sea Grant & Frank Tursi, Journalist July 6 Cape Lookout Lighthouse – Nate Toering, Cape Lookout National Seashore Past and Present July 13 Coastal Songs - Old & New Connie Mason July 20 Portsmouth Island Decoys Robbie Smith, Carolina Decoy Collectors July 27 Family Neighborhoods Joel Hancock, “The Education of an Island Boy” of Harkers Island Aug 3 US Coast Guard History- Chris Yeomans and Heber Guthrie Cape Lookout Aug 10 An Island Original: Connie Mason & Emma Guthrie “Emmer” Guthrie, Poet Aug 17 Foundation for Margaret Poindexter & Carolyn Shackleford Horses Mason, Presidents Past & Present Aug 24 “Patrick’s Hill, Carteret Geoffrey Adair, Historian County’s Only Lynching” Aug 31 *Rescheduled due to Tropical Storm Idalia Sept 28 Historic Storms of North Jay Barnes, Hurricane Historian & South Carolina SUMMER SERIES WINTER SERIES PARLOR TALKS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE! Visit CoreSound.com/parlor-talks Our 2023 List of Conversations Emmer & Connie, poetry put to music Heber Guthrie, our very own Lighthouse Keeper, keeping the stories of Cape Lookout alive! 37

There are times you “just have to be there.” The Scallop House Reunion was one of those moments. But to really understand it, you “had to be there then…” #whenharkersislandwasharkersisland… This casual, innocent, passing idea by Kenny Brennan, a next generation Islander who remembers the days of the scallop houses on the Island mainly from the stories he has been told, turned out to be one of THE MOST IMPORTANT NIGHTS in the Museum’s history. To hear the laughter, see the smiles, feel the pride of being part of what was an “Island Woman’s Work Force” was evident in every detail of this gathering. From the men who threw the scallops on the benches, to the sound of knives in the shell, to the concentration in every face, it was magic, timetransporting, back to a time when Harkers Island was a fishing community – proud, strong, true. Generations of Island women competed in the “shuck-off” only to be left behind by the “Salter Path Sisters,” whose days standing to a scallop bench were quickly evident. They won the prize but everyone won the experience of being here that night with those women reliving that moment once again. SCALLOP HOUSE REUNION Veta Ann and Wink – sharing special memories! Salter Path takes the prize! Generations of opening scallops still know how! “When you know, you know...” And these ladies know! And they brought their knives, ageless symbols of an Island woman’s heritage 38

2023 QUILT Last year’s winner was Mary Anne Franks of Morehead City, and we would like to thank her for donating this work of art back to the Core Sound Museum where it is hanging now in our Education Hall. Thank you Mary Anne.. The inspiration for this year’s raffle quilt comes from a wall hanging designed and executed by Pat Archibald (patarchibald. com) who is a quilter, designer and teacher from Scotland. This particular piece of art was inspired by a Scottish folk tale about summer fishing around the Shetland Islands off the coast of Scotland. Her sail skiff has been modified to more closely resemble the ones designed and built by the boat builders of Down East Carteret County. The setting sun, the birds, the net, the fish and the anchor are universal. Thank you Pat. Kathie Green Terri Sension Bob Sension Kathy Muller 2023 Core Sound Waterfowl Museum Raffle Quilt Core Sound Quilt Crew Mary Frankle Willi Foster Bonnie Hunter Nancy Smith “Shorebirds of Core Sound” “Working Sails, Fishing Nets Bob & Terri Sension (sometimes its hard to tell who the real quilter is!) and our new quilter, Michaelena, making sure all the lines are right! Welcome Michaelena! Thank you Bob and Terri for your years of service, and to all the other ladies who come faithfully to be part of the CORE SOUND QUILTERS CREW. Our 2023 quilt is dedicated to Willi …. One of our most dedicated quilters for years. “We miss you …” Michaelena Antahades 39

VOLUNTEERS Across Everyone is welcome! Across experiences, and talents, and stories… Across communities… Carolyn Hoss, lifelong Master Garderner leader for Core Sound, checks out the new online garden guide with Larrington Chadwick, one of our interns, whose FFA project put our butterfly garden on the statewide website! Connie Mason and Steve Goodwin talk it over in the swing. Both of them are serious researchers and major contributors to our exhibitions and archives. Our Davis Shore authorities – Paul Murphy, Louie Piner and Mary Ann Styron share the stories of Davis with our Down East Teacher Institute in July. Our Summer Bake Sale crew! Thank you ladies! Woz doing what he loves best – working with the kids. Woz has been a faithful volunteer 40 educator for Core Sound from the beginning!

generations… Heber’s Sunday Afternoon Conversations in Billy’s Room was a great way to spend a summer afternoon! Margaret Goodwin, a Museum volunteer for 30+ years, now serving as our librarian. Master Gardeners have been faithful from the beginning, weathering the heat, the cold, and the mosquitoes, to keep our walkway looking great! Tara and Louie, new friends Atlantic School was a highlight of our Down East Teacher Institute. Deidre Arthur and Susan Mason, both proud alumni and teachers from AES, and Greg Guthrie, principal, gave teachers and inside view of their small, proud, historic school. “The Tree of Pots” (and zip-ties”) is now an Island tradition. Thank you Kenny, Abbi and Hannah (and Kenny Rustick and Jeff Davis and all the others) who make this happen every November! Rodney Baker - sharing decoy details with the next generation. Our Down East Scholars – Zoey Morris, Courtney Smith, Johnna Brooks, sharing their academic successes with our Down East Teachers Institute. BRODY WILLIS – Our 2023 Summer Operations Intern Brody is now a lifetime member of the “Core Sound Operations Crew!” He spent his summer cleaning windows, mopping floors, moving everything in the building, pulling weeds, moving trees, fixing and organizing, preparing for events and doing whatever we needed done! Thank you Brody for a great summer! We will see you again SOON! 41

WINTER TASTE We made it home! After years of taking the Taste to town in 2019 and 2020 (Sammy’s Waterfront Restaurant) after Florence and cancelling 2021 and 2022 due to COVID, it was exciting to have this Core Sound signature event back at the Museum. Doug Oneal, a true Ocracoke carver from way back, was our 2023 Core Sound Carver of the Year and it was wonderful to have his family join him for his special night. The Heritage Decoy was a redhead by Andrew Mason of Stacy, given by Jackie Booth. And the program, “Banks Camps and the People Who Loved Them” was presented by Dr. Stan Rule, researcher, carver and friend. As always, the food was excellent, served family-style, giving all who attended a true TASTE OF CORE SOUND. The best wait-staff ever – ECHS FFA volunteers! Andrew Mason Redhead, Core Sound classic, and the heritage decoy for 2023’s Core Sound Taste. 42

The Redhead Society is a support group for the education programs of the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center. The $250.00 one-time contribution provides resources for school groups who visit the Museum, summer programs for local students, and outreach programs by museum staff. The Redhead Society also provides supplies for student projects, teacher resource materials and important equipment and technical support to ensure a meaningful place-based learning experience for students of all ages. Friday Evening, February 24, 2023 Home Again – “At the End of the Road” Hosted by the Redhead Society of the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center Styron & Styron Insurance TITAN – Aviation Fuels Trader Construction Knott’s Warehouse BeauCoast – A Preston Development Co. William Chadwick and Laura Ball – WINNERS! Dr. Ike Southerland presents the Redhead Society’s official print to Doug Oneal, 2023 Taste of Core Sound Carver of the Year. 43

CORE SOUND RUN …a mix of families and communities across generations coming together “at the end of the road.” Core Sound’s Run welcomes everyone – serious runners, school teams, and lots of spectators to celebrate spring! 44

Randy Ramsey / The Vault Valinda Coates / Davis Bed & Breakfast Mike Toler Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram-FIAT Calcutta Outdoor Sports Carteret County News-times Consumer Concepts Bluewater Yacht Sales J M Davis Industries Privette Masonry Simply Natural Creamery Island Porter Bluewater Supply Wild Will’s Revenge Down East Duck Run 2023 Core Sound Sponsors Broad Creek Middle Shannon & Cecilia Adams Croatan High School Shannon & Cecilia Adams Beaufort Middle Ophelia Inlet Seafood Kittrell’s Auto Parts Beaufort Elementary Miss Gina’s Fresh Shrimp Eddie & Brittany Wheatly Tiller Plain Jane’s East Carteret High School Sindi Austin Austin Veterinary Hospital Chris & Kathryn Chadwick 2023 Core Sound School Team Sponsors The Core Sound Run really is one of the BEST DAYS OF THE YEAR “at the end of the road.” With 7 years of building this event (with a few cancellations due to COVID), this FAMILY FUN RUN is a highlight for runners, families, schools and all who join us on the first Saturday of April to celebrate spring! Many thanks to all who make this happen! - Sponsors who make the dollars work - Runners who come smiling and leave winning - Volunteers who keep everyone happy and in the right place - Island travelers -who wait patiently - Community partners who help us keep the roads safe! Sarah James Tournament Plain Janes Wayne Davis Decoys Commercial HVAC Palm Suites Harper Farm Lugean Hogan - Star Team Real Estate Williams Hardware Carteret Vision Center Moore Orthopedics Colliers Engineering & Design Hyman Landscaping Multi-Services Beaufort Dental Smyrna Elementary Michelle Nolin Chris & Kathryn Chadwick Plain Jane’s Atlantic Elementary Chris & Kathryn Chadwick Harkers Island Elementary Seaside James C. Briley, CPA Bill & Fossie Lathan Chris & Kathryn Chadwick Down East Middle DEEPP – UNC Down East Kayaks Chris & Kathryn Chadwick Happy Runners, Happy Families, Happy Teams! 45

SHRIMP FRY ... a true Down East summer tradition This is our way of saying thank you to all who serve our community… and to all those sponsors and hosts who join in that message. Thank you to our first responders and to our healthcare workers who keep us safe, and to our teachers and school staff members who keep our children moving forward. It is our thank you to emergency services and firemen who come to our rescue no matter what the need, and a special thank you to our linemen and women who keep the power on every day! Team Woz at work! Our Shrimp Fry is a time to learn, work, build friendships, celebrate summer and say thank you! 46

A special thanks to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band whose presence reminds us of the ultimate service – the Armed Forces – and the many Veterans in our community and those young men and women who are just now entering their years of service. This summer gathering runs deep, across generations of community service, recognizing the sacrifice and bravery of the men and women who are so important in so many ways. THANK YOU! Shrimp Fry Hosts Bob & Catherine Arthur - Our Lead Host & Sponsor First Citizens Bank King’s Piggly Wiggly of Richlands & Kinston Carteret Health Care Hammin’ Clammin’ Emerald Isle Realty Munden Funeral Home Bring Back the Lights Wild Will’s Revenge Carteret County Public Schools Foundation Thomas Simpson Construction Cecilia & Shannon Adams Atlantic Breeze Storm Shutters Gwynne Chadwick & Ike Southerland Tow Boat US Sarah & Dee Warner Styron & Styron Insurance The meaning and spirit of the day always comes together when the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band begins to play. What a beautiful way to honor our veterans and active military – and to remember family members who served proudly. Brother and Emmer – She can do anything! 47

US COAST GUARD REUNION Since the days of the Lifesaving Service and Lighthouse Keepers, the men (and even a few women) have been actively involved in service along our shores. Today is no different. On the weekend of US Coast Guard Day, more than 125 Coastie Veterans and their families, along with a delegation from Station Fort Macon spent the evening sharing stories and celebrating one of their own, USCG retired Houston Salter’s 102nd birthday. Down East’s new recruit to the US Coast Guard, Bodie Goodwin of Cedar Island, was also recognized and offered well-wishes from all the Coasties in the room! For Carteret County, and Down East in particular, there is no separating the US Coast Guard’s role in shaping our history and our culture by building strong men and women who came home from their time of service to be leaders in their own coastal community. CSWM&HC’s commitment to keeping this history visible will continue in 2024 with the “Chief Ira Lewis Flagpole Project.” Chief Lewis, whose life was dedicated to the USCG, will be remembered with the installation of a new military style flagpole surrounded by a bricked walkway and rest area to recognize other Veterans and their service. *If you are interested in honoring your Veteran or Active Military, please talk to Museum staff. USCG Commander Todd Nelson (ret) recognizes USCG’s newest Coastie, Bodie Goodwin and his family It’s a double-birthday – USCG and our very one 102-year young USCG Veteran – Houston Salter Coasties from across the county came to remember! Happy Birthday Houston Salter, here with daughters Karen Taylor and Patricia Mason. Seaman Bodie Goodwin - Cape May, New Jersey, October 2023 48