The Gateway, Fall/Winter 2025 | Vol. 51

Fall — Winter 2025 | Vol. 51

A PUBLICATION OF THE FRIENDS OF THE

Experience • Explore • Engage

Experience • Explore • Engage

Supporting Regional History

State of North Carolina

Friends of the Museum of the Albemarle Board Of Directors

Josh Stein, Governor Rachel Hunt, Lieutenant Governor

Elaine Goodwin, President Kim Baumbaugh, Vice President Douglas Gardner, Treasurer Diane Nordstrom, Secretary

Currituck Pasquotank Pasquotank Perquimans

Chris Barber Clare Baum Bernetta Brown Joyce Buffaloe Ella Fields Bunch David Clegg Melinda DelGarbino Johny Hallow David Harris Doris Hawkins Sally Frances Kehayes Geraldine Langford Capt. Mark Lay Chip Lewin Nicole Outlaw Mark Pardue Richard Phillips Jude Roberts George Thomas Katherine Wassink Savannah Winslow

Washington Hyde Pasquotank Northampton Perquimans Tyrrell Camden Chowan Pasquotank Gates Chowan Northampton Pasquotank Camden Bertie Washington Dare Currituck Pasquotank Pasquotank Pasquotank

Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Pamela B. Cashwell, Secretary of NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Darin Waters, Deputy Secretary

Division of State History Museums NC Museum of History C.J. Roberts, Director The Museum of the Albemarle is a part of the Division of State History Museums.

Museum of the Albemarle Staff Maria Vann, Director of Regional History Museums Barbara Putnam, Museum Site Manager Rebecca Stiles, Administrative Officer Paul Vincent, Facilities Manager Wanda Lassiter, Curator of Collections & Exhibits Lori Meads, Education Curator Carrie Barker, Artifact Collections Specialist Marjorie Berry, Public Information Specialist Kathy Bowman, Public Information Specialist Kelly Boyd, Security/Event Rental Assistant Rosana Castilho, Event Rental Coordinator Martine DeLizza, Public Information Specialist Bobby Elliott, Security/Event Rental Assistant Matthew Ferrell, Carpenter Noah Janis, Educator Andrew Nelson-Redondo, Exhibit/Graphic Designer Lynette Sawyer, Exhibit & AV Technician William Seymore, Building Technician Mary Temple, Museum Gift Shop Alexis Torres, Artifact Collection Assistant Renee Wood, Public Information Specialist

Maria Vann, Director of Regional History Museums, Ex-Officio Barbara Putnam, Museum Site Manager, Ex-Officio Rebecca Stiles, Administrative Officer, Ex-Officio

Membership

The Gateway is published two times per year by the Friends of the Museum of the Albemarle to its members as a benefit of their generous support. To update or verify your membership information, call 252-335-1453.

Plan your Visit

Museum of the Albemarle

Museum Hours

Information

Monday—Saturday, 10 a.m.—4 p.m.

Museum Gift Shop

Monday—Saturday, 10 a.m.—4 p.m.

Closed on all state holidays.

Free admission

501 South Water Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27909

(252) 335-1453 MuseumOfTheAlbemarle.com

Stay connected!

Facebook.com/MuseumOfTheAlbemarle Twitter.com/moaecity Instagram.com/moaelizcity YouTube.com/c/museumofthealbemarle

FRONT COVER:

ILLUSTRATION FOR DISCOVER COLONIAL LIFE , Immersive Family Exhibit

Courtesy Museum of the Albemarle, America 250 | North Carolina

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Fall — Winter 2025 - Vol. 51

Director's Report

Letter from the Director of the Division of State History Museums Carolina. It’s a privilege to be part of a division so deeply committed to preserving, interpreting, and sharing our state’s remarkable history.

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reetings. I’m honored to introduce myself as the new Director of the Division of State History Museums within the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Since stepping into this role in May, I’ve been impressed by the dedication, creativity, and energy of our team members across North

MuseumOf TheAlbemarle.com

One of the most visible signs of transformation is the renovation of the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh. This ambitious project is driven by the vision to create a more welcoming, dynamic, and inclusive museum experience. While the building is temporarily closed, our mission is still in full motion through educational programming, new exhibit development, and statewide collaborations that are happening every day.

Of course, our work extends far beyond Raleigh. One of my first site visits as director was to the Museum of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City.

What an impressive institution and staff! It was clear the team at the MOA is proud to be charged with interpreting the unique heritage of

northeastern North Carolina. They are equally enthusiastic about serving as a hub for community learning and engagement. From the museum’s impressive exhibits to its hands-on programs for students and families, MOA exemplifies what it means to make history meaningful at the local level. I was especially impressed by the strength of its partnerships with local organizations, schools, and volunteers, evidence of a museum deeply rooted in its region and poised for continued impact.

Thank you for your continued support of our state history museums. I look forward to the opportunities ahead and to working together to strengthen public history across North Carolina.

Warm Regards, C. J. Roberts Director, Division of State History Museums

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From the Site Manager of Museum of the Albemarle

A New Chapter Begins and Continues I served as the operations manager here for the past nine years. As the newly appointed site manager, it continues to be my honor and duty to assist our Exhibit, Education, Facility, and Rental Teams in overseeing the preservation, interpretation, and continued growth of your museum.

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elcome to the Museum of the Albemarle, where the history of the Albemarle Region comes alive and tells the stories that helped shape our present.

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MOA stands as a testament to the rich heritage and diverse narratives that have unfolded in our region over generations. Our team aims to provide all visitors a meaningful experience that connects them to history in a personal and engaging way, whether it’s their first or 101st visit.

Our entire team at MOA is committed to protecting the integrity of our museum while also making it accessible, engaging, and informative for all visitors. Through our exhibits,

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educational programs, community events, and ongoing conservation efforts, we strive to honor our region’s history and ensure the legacy of the Albemarle Region is never forgotten.

Your interest and support are vital to keeping history alive for future generations. We encourage you to ask questions, share your insights, and immerse yourself in the regional stories and history of the 13-county region that we serve, including Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hertford, Hyde, Northampton, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington Counties .

With Kind Regards, Barbara Putnam

Museum Site Manager

Fall — Winter 2025 - Vol. 51

In the Exhibits On Display Our Story: Life in the Albemarle

The Albemarle region represents a unique place—half land, half water. The story of this place comes alive in Our Story, a tale of how our communities have adapted to the challenges and opportunities of our unusual home.

Our Story: Audio Tour

Virtual tour provides in-depth overview of the region and its progression through various eras of transportation. Now available in English and Spanish.

Are We There Yet? North Carolina’s Variety Vacationland, 1930s-1970s

(Closes March 7, 2026)

Paneled photography exhibit, on loan from the NC Museum of History, “looks back at an era when tourism boomed thanks largely to a state-run marketing effort called ‘Variety Vacationland.’”

Upcoming Discover Colonial Life

North Carolina Shad Boat

(Opens September 27, 2025) Step into an interactive family exhibit to explore life in northeastern North Carolina during the American Revolution.

Working Birds: Decoys and Their Carvers

(Opens December 6, 2025; Closes January 3, 2026) Discover Colonial and Revolutionary War history of northeastern North Carolina as the Albemarle Express model train makes stops throughout each regional county.

Crafted from Wood

Renaissance Science, Magic, and Medicine in Harry Potter’s World

The official State Historical Boat of North Carolina was first built in the early 1880s by George Washington Creef of Roanoke Island.

The shad boat on display here at MOA was constructed in 1904 by renowned boat builder and decoy carver Alvirah Wright.

Second floor lobby exhibit showcasing decoys from the museum’s collection.

This exhibition explores the gift of crafting treasures from wood while highlighting the training and abilities of the crafter.

Albemarle Express

“It Was Escape; It Was the Theatre” The James Adams Floating Theatre

(Opens February 12, 2026; Closes March 14, 2026) Traveling banner display from the National Library of Medicine “explores the plants, animals, and magic featured in the Harry Potter book series, which were influenced by Renaissance thinkers and traditions that played an important role in the development of Western science.”

Journey Stories

Race What You Bring: Racing in Northeastern North Carolina

This small display case highlights the traveling vaudeville showboat James Adams Floating Theatre.

Poster display from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service “designed to encourage dialogue, engagement and participation in classrooms and communities on how movement has defined America.”

Closing Rock of the Eye: Boatbuilding Traditions Around the Albemarle Sound

(Closes October 25, 2025) Exhibition highlighting boatbuilding traditions and the crafters who helped shape the Albemarle region.

North Carolina Motorsports: History in the Fast Lane

(Closes November 11, 2025) Exhibition highlighting the state’s unique, intertwined history of bootleg whiskey and stock car racing with a new lobby display featuring the state’s Moonshine and Motorsports Trail.

IT’S EASY TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE 1. Open camera or QR code reader on your phone

(Opens February 28, 2026) From horse racing, dog racing, and turtle racing, to cars, trucks, bikes, boats, and record-breaking running, this multidisciplinary exhibition features racing at its finest--fast, dirty, exhilarating, and fan-cheering loud!

Making Our Voices Heard: North Carolinians Fighting for Civil Rights

(Opens March 19, 2026; Closes May 2, 2026) The banner traveling exhibit “explores change, freedom, civic responsibility, and overcoming challenges by telling the story of a few North Carolinians who have raised their voices to call out injustice and fully participate in our democratic society.”

One Day Wonder

(March 19, 2026) The traveling program from the State Archives of North Carolina “features materials that commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United State’s founding, bringing original records of national and state importance directly to the people of North Carolina in local communities” for one day only.

2. Point your camera at the QR code 3. Tap “Open Link” to access our website

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Fall — Winter 2025 - Vol. 51

In This Issue

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Exhibitions

Boatbuilding During the American Revolutionary War Revolutionary War Era Sword on Display

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Membership

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Affiliate Museums

Interpretations of Patriotic Ladies

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Boatbuilding During the American Revolutionary War

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Conservation

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Education

Theophilus White House: Important and Attractive

President Report Membership Matters North Carolina Museum of History’s Renovation Project: A Behind-theScenes Peek at Our Whirlwind Year History Live! Returns to the 1897 Poe House!

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Fall Programming at the Museum of the Albemarle

Community Partners & Sponsor Recognition

Grateful for Our Volunteers!

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Biography Profle

Freemasons of Unanimity Lodge in the American Revolution

Revolutionary War Era Sword on Display

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Theophilus White House: Important and Attractive

Amber D. Revels-Stocks, Copy Editor Andrew Nelson-Redondo, Exhibit/Graphic Designer

Contributors

Carrie Barker,Elaine Alexander Goodwin, Noah Janis, Wanda Lassiter, Lori Meads, Andrew Nelson-Redondo, Barbara Putnam, C. J. Roberts, Rebecca Stiles, Alexis Torres, Maria Vann, Paul Vincent, Tricia Williamson The Gateway is published two times per year by the Friends of the Museum of the Albemarle. Published articles do not necessarily represent the views of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources or any other state agency. © 2025 by the Museum of the Albemarle

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North Carolina Museum of History’s Renovation Project: A Behind-theScenes Peek at Our Whirlwind Year

For information on making a contribution to the Friends of the Museum of the Albemarle or to sponsor an issue of The Gateway, call 252-335-1453.

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Fall — Winter 2025 - Vol. 51

Exhibits

Boatbuilding During the American Revolutionary War

By Wanda Lassiter, Curator of Collections & Exhibits

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hroughout history, shipwrights often held other duties, such as carpenters, farmers, fisherfolk, and positions in government offices, including during the colonial era.

Records indicate John Watts and William Barkely were involved in shipbuilding in Perquimans County in the 1690s. Nathaniel Matthias and Abell Miller of Chowan County and Samuel Smith of Hyde County operated as regional shipwrights who also took on apprentices of the trade. Bertie County shipwright William Haly obtained land “for shipyard laying on Salmon Creek.” Robert Russell and John Lewlling were shipwrights in Tyrrell County in 1758 and 1760, respectively.

During the American Revolutionary War, shipbuilders converted and constructed brigs and privateers to fight against British ships along the coast. The brig Fair American was built in Hertford County.

Camden-based Lucy and Edenton-based Hiram became British spoils of war. More than 25 shipwrights and shipbuilders worked in northeastern North Carolina, including Thomas Gaines of Tyrrell

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MACKNIGHT SHIPYARD ARCHAEOLOGICAL ARTIFACTS

Artifacts—including a pipe bowl fragment, coral, wooden stir paddle, button backs, tacks, and pins—were recovered from underwater archaeological excavations at the MacKnight shipyard site in Currituck County. The site produced 18th- and 19th-century artifacts.

These objects are on loan from the North Carolina Office of State Archaeology, Underwater Archaeology Branch.

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County and Thomas Streeter of Chowan in 1766.

Regional shipyards proved an asset to towns like Edenton, as surrounding counties brought cargo to this port for shipping and trade. The port led the region in exporting shingles and staves from the late 1760s to the early 1770s. More than 10 vessels were constructed in Edenton from 1774 to 1775. Tobacco, livestock, and barrels of pork were exported. Imports included iron, molasses, rum, and tea. Schooners and sloops traveling along the eastern seaboard coasts and to the West Indies entered the port in the 1780s.

Cornelius Moore operated a shipyard in Perquimans County in 1771.

Shipbuilding also occurred in Hyde, Northampton, and Bertie Counties.

During the Revolutionary War era, enslaved peoples and freed Black sailors sided with the British or the Americans aboard privateers, schooners, fishing vessels, and ferries.

Archaeological excavations have been conducted in Currituck County of a shipyard, leading many researchers to believe it is the site of Thomas MacKnight’s Shipyard. His business built ocean-going and coastal-usage vessels from the 1760s to the 1770s. Enslaved persons served as caulkers, carpenters, and blacksmiths at the shipyard. MacKnight, a known Tory, left his North Carolina home and returned to England in 1776.

To learn more about boatbuilding traditions, please come and view Rock of the Eye: Boatbuilding Traditions Around the Albemarle Sound. The exhibit features graphics and artifacts that exemplify boatbuilding traditions that tie generations and communities together, showcasing northeastern North Carolina’s strong, diverse maritime heritage. But visit soon. The exhibit closes on October 25, 2025.

SHIPYARD AT SALMON CREEK, 1767

The shipyard is circled on the William Churton map of the Duckenfield tract.

Courtesy State Archives of North Carolina

Research for this article was taken from several sources, including the book Shipbuilding in North Carolina, 1688– 1918 by William Still, PhD, and Richard Stephenson, PhD.

A DRAWN PLAN OF THE TOWN AND PORT OF EDENTON, 1769

Surveyed and drawn by C. J. Sauthier.

Edenton resident Joseph Hewes owned a shipyard in Edenton that produced sloops. Hewes was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, merchant, and businessman.

Courtesy British Library Collection and Norman B. Leventhal Map and Education Center at the Boston Public Library

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Fall — Winter 2025 - Vol. 51

Exhibits

Revolutionary War Era Sword on Display

By Wanda Lassiter, Curator of Collections & Exhibits The Revolutionary War officer’s sword owned by Brigadier General William Skinner (1728–1798) of Perquimans County is now on display in the Our Story: Life in the Albemarle exhibition. Skinner served during the American Revolutionary War, including at the 1775 Battle of Great Bridge in Virginia. He was a member of the General Assembly, Provincial Congress, North Carolina Senate, and 1788 Constitutional Convention. Skinner also acted as a judge in the Admiralty Court.

He also held positions as commissioner, clerk of court, and sheriff in Perquimans County, as well as treasurer for the Northern District and the Edenton District.

The sword is on loan from the North Carolina Museum of History, Joshua J. Skinner collection.

BATTLE OF GREAT BRIDGE MAP

This topographical map depicts the site of the 1775 Battle of Great Bridge, Virginia. The British lost the battle and retreated.

Troops from North Carolina participated in the action.

Courtesy William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan Library Digital Collections

America 250 NC is North Carolina’s commemoration of the United States’s 250th anniversary and is led by the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. For more information about America 250 NC, visit america250.nc.gov.

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Exhibits

Interpretations of

A SOCIETY OF PATRIOTIC LADIES, AT EDENTON IN NORTH CAROLINA

Patriotic Ladies

Philip Dawe. London: Printed for R. Sayer & J. Bennett, 25 March 1775.

COURTESY LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

By Alexis Torres, Collections Assistant

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n Edenton, on October 25, 1774, a collection of 51 politicallyminded women, organized by Penelope Barker, attended a tea party at the home of Elizabeth King. While in attendance, they signed an agreement to actively boycott the consumption of English imported goods, including tea. Their agreement was published on November 3rd in the Virginia Gazette with the list of their names and their intentions, now known as the “Edenton Resolves”. While political resistance was commonplace throughout the 1770s, women did not typically participate within the political sphere, and an organized movement led by women was stunning. Thus, the exploits of these unprecedented women made news as far away as London, England, where their tea party was forever captured in mezzotint caricatures. Mezzotint is a style of monochrome printmaking that was popular in England during the 18th century.

The patriotic activities of the Edenton Tea Party, as it soon became known, caught the interest of many throughout the years, leading to the creation of the 1893 painting by artist B. A. Richardson that is currently on loan from the NC Museum of History and on display in Our Story. The painting is an oil on canvas altered interpretation of Philip Dawe’s 1775 famous mezzotint, A Society of Patriotic Ladies, at Edenton in North Carolina.

While Richardson clearly used Dawe as inspiration for his work, there are some blatant artistic differences between the two pieces. For example, Richardson created a vastly more simplistic room, lacking the grand windows which Dawe envisioned. Dawe used the traditional spelling “ladies” while Richardson decided to use a unique spelling “ladys.” Richardson also chose a much kinder portrayal of the women who attended the tea party; he toned down the mannish features that Dawe had imagined in 1775. There are many differences between the two works, but all in all, Richardson’s 1893 interpretation shows the changes in attitude towards the women who made up the tea party over the hundred years that lapsed between the creation of Dawe’s mezzotint and Richardson’s rendition.

A SOCIETY OF PATRIOTIC LADIES, AT EDENTON IN NORTH CAROLINA

B.A. Richardson. Oil on canvas painted 1893 in Norfolk, VA. Courtesy State Archives of North Carolina

The painting is on loan from the North Carolina Museum of History.

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Fall — Winter 2025 - Vol. 51

Conservation

Theophilus White House: Important and Attractive

By Carrie Barker, Collections Specialist

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he interior of the circa 1736 Theophilus White House lives on in the Museum of the Albemarle despite the house being destroyed in the 1970s. As a large architectural artifact, the Perquimans County house’s interior has been incorporated into multiple exhibits since its installation in the museum in 2012.

Butchko wrote in 2009, “Fortunately, the architectural importance and physical attractiveness of the wall will be easily justified for a wide variety of future exhibits.” He was absolutely correct.

In 2009 MOA curator Thomas R. Butchko stated that the interior pieces would be installed as part of an exhibit commemorating the Civil War to represent “the best domestic architecture houses of the 18th century when plantation economy became well established in the region.”

He further stated, “Future exhibits for this space will probably be planned knowing that this wall, by necessity, will be part of the background.”

Integrating the Theophilus White house interior into varying exhibits requires creative thinking and planning from curation and exhibit design staff. The current exhibit in the gallery, Crafted from Wood, focuses on woodworking crafts; the Theophilus White house interior portrays the craftsmanship of both the original builder, believed to be Thomas Pierce, and the master carpenter and housewright Russell Steele, who reconstructed the interior pieces into Gallery B in 2012.

HIGH ON THE HOG EXHIBIT, 2019

UNDER BOTH FLAGS: CIVIL WAR IN THE ALBEMARLE EXHIBIT, 2012 MuseumOf TheAlbemarle.com

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Education

Fall Programming at the Museum of the Albemarle

By Lori Meads, Education Curator

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t the Museum of the Albemarle, we are excited to welcome the fall season! Cooler temperatures will bring the much-anticipated reopening of the Discovery Room, a favorite space families ask about daily. After months of planning and construction, we’re thrilled to unveil its new theme: Colonial Life, in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

The Discovery Room will be used for these programs to enhance the interactive learning experience.

The holiday season at the museum is packed with festive programming. Start your holiday shopping early — or treat yourself on Saturday, November 15, in the Designer Workshop!

Join local artist Laura DeNunzio for an Alcohol Ink workshop sponsored by the Friends of the Museum of the Albemarle. The The Discovery Room will reopen to the public on Saturday, supply fee includes materials, a light lunch, and the September 27. Our staff is eager to share this interactive space, opportunity to create a couple of alcohol ink paintings and a designed for families to explore and learn together. scarf.

Join us for our History for Lunch series, offered on the first and third Wednesdays from September through November. The Education Department has created a compelling lineup of topics: • • • • •

Return of the County Christmas Trees returns! Visit the museum to see beautifully decorated trees from the 13 counties the Museum of the Albemarle represents. New this year: a Fan Favorite Tree Contest — be sure to cast your vote!

Becoming American: The Life, Service, and Sacrifice The winning tree will be announced on Friday, January 2, 2026. of Colonel Edward Buncombe Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a day of hands-on Through My Grandmother’s Eyes: The Veit Simon activities including farm animals, face painting, and a visit from Santa, on Saturday, December 7. Staff and volunteers Family During the Holocaust will be on hand to get visitors of all ages in the holiday spirit.

North Carolina in the American Revolution If you are a teacher or know one, book your class’s visit during Generative AI and Large Language Models December early to immerse your students in colonial- themed Transforming the Digital Landscape activities along with seeing the Albemarle Express HO scale train travel through the 13 counties.

The Furious Fall of ’75

A Perfect Frenzy: A Royal Governor, His Black Allies, Make plans now to join us for one or more of these exciting and the Crisis That Spurred the American Revolution programs at the Museum of the Albemarle. We look forward We hope you find a topic or several that sparks your interest. to seeing you this fall and holiday season!

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Tot Time returns in September! This program, designed for children ages 3 to 5, will take place on the second Thursday at 10 a.m. in September, October and November. Topics include:

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That Ship Has Sailed

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Discover Colonial Life

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Christmas in the Colonies

America 250 NC is North Carolina’s commemoration of the United States’s 250th anniversary and is led by the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. For more information about America 250 NC, visit america250.nc.gov.

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Fall — Winter 2025 - Vol. 51

Education

Grateful for Our Volunteers!

By Lori Meads, Education Curator

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olunteers are absolutely essential to the Museum of the In Collections, with the guided supervision of staff, volunteers Albemarle. Our wonderful volunteers keep everything assist by scanning photographs and documents, cleaning and running smoothly — whether they are greeting guests cataloging artifacts, or contributing in other meaningful ways. at the reception desk, helping with educational programming, Whether the volunteers focus on a single area or support or assisting in collections care. multiple areas withing the Museum of the Albemarle, each

At the front desk, volunteers might cover a two-hour lunch break, fill in for a morning or afternoon shift, or even take on an entire day. No matter the amount of time provided, they greet the visitors, monitor the galleries, and providing a positive experience for the visitors.

In Education, they help prepare for school visits, summer camps, outreach activities, and public programs. Some volunteers work behind the scenes, while others step forward to present the programs. Some programming can be very intense, with as many as 150 students visiting consecutive days or a public day with well over 1,000 visitors. No matter what the day, our volunteers leave visitors with a positive learning experience and the need to return for more experiences of the same.

MuseumOf TheAlbemarle.com

volunteer is vital to our operations.

We simply could not do everything we do without each and every one of them. We’re incredibly grateful they chose to volunteer with us.

STAFF AND VOLUNTEER DOCENTS AT THE ANNUAL LUNCHEON COURTESY MUSEUM OF THE ALBEMARLE

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Biography Profil

Freemasons of Unanimity Lodge in the American Revolution

By Paul Vincent, Contributing Researcher

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s was characteristic of many of the Freemasons associated with the American cause for independence, military service in the American Revolution was certainly prevalent among the brotherhood at Unanimity Lodge in Edenton. Fredrick G. Speidel, in commemoration of the 1976 Bicentennial, chronicled the biographies of several North Carolina Masons who served in the American Revolution, including two members of that lodge.

One of the lodge’s top brass, Colonel Edward Buncombe, fought with the American forces during the war as a brother of Unanimity. Buncombe was born in the West Indies and later settled on his inherited family estate, “Buncombe Hall,” in Tyrrell (present-day Washington) County. The Colonel initially served the Crown and the Royal Governor as a magistrate. In September 1775, two months prior to Unanimity’s first meeting, he was appointed colonel of the Tyrrell County militia.

The following April, the Provincial Congress in Halifax appointed Buncombe command of the 5th North Carolina Regiment. According to lodge secretary Edward Spires’ 1930 CAPTAIN HARDY MURFREE, “Colonial History,” this regiment of “500 to 600 men, recruited 2ND NORTH CAROLINA REGIMENT Courtesy Tennessee Portrait Project for the most part from Tyrrell and contiguous counties... were quartered and drilled at ‘Buncombe Hall’, where [Buncombe] Serving as an ensign with the 2nd North Carolina Regiment, equipped and fed them at his own expense...”

Joseph Worth was already a Master Mason when he joined On May 15th, 1776, the lodge received letters from Buncombe Unanimity in 1775. Listed in the November 14 minutes as one and one of his company commanders, Captain Benjamin of two visiting Brethren in attendance, Brother Worth Stedman, “with [the] desire of being admitted into the ancient successfully applied for admission into the lodge that day. and honorable Society of Masonry.” The next day, both officers were initiated into the lodge on the first degree of Worth was appointed to Captain Hardy Murfree’s company Masonry; less than three weeks later, Buncombe was raised in the 2nd NC Regiment, his commanding officer gained admission as a member to Unanimity Lodge the following to Master Mason. day. Worth was promoted to lieutenant the following year.

Buncombe gifted a pair of silver candlesticks to the lodge on Fate soon caught up with Worth as he suffered the June 2, 1777, “for which the brethren returned him thanks.” unfortunate circumstances of falling ill during the war, dying Unfortunately, this lodge meeting would be Buncombe’s last, on April 6, 1777. Moreover, his death occurred almost twoas he sustained severe injuries during the fighting at the and-a-half months after the lodge moved to expel him for Battle of Germantown that October and was taken as a non-payment of dues, the only member to be permanently prisoner of war by the British Army. With no effective way to “excluded [from] the lodge” during this time. return home, he died from his wounds in Philadelphia in May 1778.

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Fall — Winter 2025 - Vol. 51

Membership

President’s Report

By Elaine Alexander Goodwin

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he Museum of the Albermarle has had a particularly good spring and early summer. Attendance is up, as is museum membership.

We have new exhibits coming as the staff rotates out some closing exhibits to open the spaces for the new. Make sure to visit the new Discover Colonial Life. This talented staff has had this exhibit in the making for a long time, and I am excited to see what they have accomplished!

The Museum of the Albermarle is a regional museum for the 13 counties comprising the Albermarle region, specifically: Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hertford, Hyde, Northampton, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington Counties. The mission “promotes the understanding of history and material culture of the Albermarle region... for the benefit of all people.” The Friends group supports this mission financially, through grants, memorials, and fund raising. Your continued support is most appreciated!

The maintenance and renovation work on the physical plant of the building is ongoing. A new chiller has been installed; work at the entrance and portico will begin in the fall. The architects have been on site, and the work will begin with the entryway, followed by the enclosure of the portico. This will enable year-round use of the space. There is also work ongoing across the street at the park. This will add more parking spaces and hopefully not cause too much disruption on Water Street.

The museum has excellent staff in new-to-them positions.

Barbara, Becky, and Paul have all taken on new responsibilities.

I am sure they will continue their good work in their new positions. The museum has amazing professional staff; I thank all of you for your excellent work!

We have several term-limited board members who will be Elaine Alexander Goodwin leaving the board in September. A big thank you for your service and dedication to the Friends group and to the Museum President of the Friends of the Museum of the Albemarle of Albermarle.

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Membership

Membership Matters February 2025 – August 2025 Thank you for supporting the museum!

RENEWALS

Individual • Dr. Glen Bowman • Newell Cannon • David Clegg • Margene Curtice • Peggy Davenport • Dianne Fletcher • Wendy Flores • Holly Glenn • Johny Hallow • Evelyn Henley • Mae Heyer • MSG William Hoffman • Harriett Hornthal • Frank Johnson • Tess Judge • Joyce Lassiter • Bettie Lowe • Stephen Manning • Daniel McAuliffe • Diane Nordstrom • Sue Owens • David Seymour • Shelia Simpson • Judy Stallings • Tony Stimatz • Dianne Wells • Peggy West • Emily Jennings-White

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Family

Patron

• Donna Baker

• Bill & Chris Barber

• Bill & Chris Barber

• Gretchen Blacksmith

• Kim & Jack Baumbaugh

• Mychele Conway

• Bernetta, Anthony & Elisa Brown

• Dolores Elder

• Sharon Burtner

• Elaine Goodwin

• Richard Phillips & Carol Willett

• David & Jane Harris

• Donald & Deborah Cherry

• Doris Hawkins

• Linda Davis

• Linda Hofler

• Linda & Shel Davis

• Alden & Patty Hoggard

• Janet Farmer

• Kurt & Bobbi Hunsberger

• Brenda & Billy Felton

• MaryAnn & Barry Keyes

• Holly Glenn

• Anne Marie Knighton

• Norma Hatot-King

• Christine & Michael Marshall

• Jan Lauten

• Don & Mary Lee Kosik

• Alex & Sandra Leary

• Di Small & Neal Blinken

• Chip Lewin

• Tom & Margaret Newbern

• Mack & Faye Sawyer

• Carolyn & Joe Peel

• Penny Leary-Smith

• Julia & Tommy Peters

• Daryl Lease & Julie Finn

• Julie & Harry Robinson

• Joyce & Justina Long

• Lynn & Russell Scull

• Pat & Dianne McDowell

• Elda & Bill Stevens

• Sean & Catherine Murray

• Ethel Sutton

• Sandie Neal

• Paul & Joyce Wheeler

• Freda & Wallace Nelson • Nancy & John Nicholls

Sponsor

• Cyn Owens

• Al & Min DelGarbino

• John Collins & Patsy Lowell

• Elana Muir

• Tom & Dee Ponte • Renee Wood & Ric Fulmore

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Membership

Lifetime Members

• Michael & Sherri McDaniel

• India Atkins & Jeremy Godfrey

• Ed & Claudia Merrell, Jr.

• Reid & Brandi Mobley

• Di Small & Neal Blinken

• CJ Roberts

• Kirk & Anita Oldham

• Sandra Spence

• Charlotte Patterson

• Linda Walker

• William Parker, Jr.

• Tammy Walston

• Chris & Whitney Paullet

• Shawn Wyman

• Dr. Anne Marie Radke • Tapp & Charlie Robinson

Patron

• Harry & Julie Robinson

• Ken Cherry

• Col. Bill & Susan Davis

• (In Memory Of) Alice Barrow Rayburn & Sadie Fearing Barrow

• Will & Scarlett Newbern

• Oliver & Linda Etheridge

• Matt & Breanne Scribner

• Joe & Judy Evans

• George & Anne Scott

• Jo Ann Foreman

Lifetime

• Mrs. Susan Scurria, Jr.

• Jordan Hennessy & Diana Hennessy

• Creig & Karen Foreman

• Beverly Small

• Dr. Linda Fusco

• Mark & Stacy Small

• Doug & Diana Gardner

• Dr. Benjamin Speller, Jr.

• Sharon Greene

• Marvin Stokley

• Dorsey Harris

• George & Mary Thomas

• Dr. Diana D. Hardison

• Jim & Jo Thomas

• Flint & Janet Harding, Jr.

• Bob & Judy Thorne

• James & Jackie Hathaway

• Mary Tirak

• Phyllis Bosomworth & Jim Watson

• Byrum Charitable Trust

• Dr. Karen Ray & Dr. John Hill

• Barbara & Leo Wachter

• Ken & Martha Howard

• Katherine Wassink

• Chad Hull

• Jimmy & Mary Jo Westbrook

• Russ & Courtney Hull

• Dian Williams

• Maughan & Kay Hull

NEW MEMBERS

• Gerry Anderson • Hilton & Mary Leigh Barrett • Arthur & Patti Bergman • Anna & Bruce Biggs • Dr. Karl Brandspigel & Nita Coleman • Geoff & Penny Byrd • Mrs. Carol Cowell, Jr. • Brenda & Terry Daniels • Sam & Faye Davis

• Nedra & Jules Lane • Mrs. Margaret Jones, Jr. • Mark & Lil Maland • Hunter Foreman Michael • Nancy Bailey Muller

Individual • Sandra McPherson

Family

• Buddy & Beverly Madrin

• Alyssa Banks

• Cynthia Mastro

• Patrice Ellis

• Mrs. Brenda Mahaffey

• Crystal Harden

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• Savannah Winslow

If you don’t see your name listed, your membership may not be current.

Please call Rebecca Stiles, Membership Liaison, 252-331-4035 for more information about the status of your membership!

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Affiliate Museums Be sure to visit our Affiliate Museums North Carolina Museum of History

Museum of The Cape Fear Historical Complex

Mountain Gateway Museum

North Carolina Maritime Museum | Beaufort

North Carolina Maritime Museum | Southport

The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum

Tobacco Farm Life Museum ­

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North Carolina Museum of History’s Renovation Project: A Behind-the-Scenes Peek at Our Whirlwind Year

By Tricia Williamson, NCMH Digital Content Producer

A

lthough our physical building is closed, the North Carolina Museum of History has had a busy year! We’ve marked major milestones in our ongoing renovation project, all while continuing the museum’s mission of outreach and education.

collection, and conserve artifacts. We’re also interacting with the public through pop-up events, our website, and social media.

Next year marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and an exciting new project is in the works for our K–-12 education outreach This past May, NCMH welcomed our new branch. A multi-part film about the executive director, C. J. Roberts. Revolutionar y War called “It’s Rober t s has been a museum Revolutionary!” has finished filming and professional for more than 30 years. In is in post-production. Episodes will be addition to leading NCMH, Roberts will released through our Beyond the oversee our seven regional museums Exhibit site starting in January 2026, across the state, including the Museum and will include supplementary of the Albemarle. There is no doubt that educational materials. his extensive experience will guide us As the renovation progresses, we’ll be through the next few years as we sharing behind-the-scenes peeks and renovate and reopen NCMH. milestones with you! Stay in the know The museum’s staff has been working by following NCMuseumHistory on tirelessly to move artifacts out of the Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and X. building. Each item—, from small coins to the iconic Wright flyers—, was carefully cataloged, packed, and moved to our deep storage facility. We marked the end of the move in July with the removal of the last artifact: a 1920s gas For a full listing of upcoming pump. Construction on the NCMH programs and events, visit building began in late summer. ncmuseumofhistory.org/events So now that the building is under cons tr uc tion, BEHIND-THE-SCENE PEEK what’s next? We are Courtesy North Carolina Museum of History busier than ever with proje c t s in ever y department. Our teams are working to design exhibits, manage our

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Fall — Winter 2025 - Vol.18 51

Affiliate Museums

History Live! Returns to the 1897 Poe House!

By David Reid, Director, Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex

O

ur fall program series, History Live!, consists of three events: , , and , all located at the 1897 Poe House in Fayetteville.

spotlights live theater with a historical Halloween twist. Hosted in partnership with Sweet Tea Shakespeare, the Night Tours will take place October 10th — 11th and 17th HALLOWE’EN REVELS 2024 ACTORS INSIDE THE POE —19th from 6 to 10 p.m.

HOUSE Tickets will be sold for this COURTESY MUSEUM OF THE CAPE event due to limited space.

FEAR HISTORICAL COMPLEX Delve into the motivations behind the Victorian spiritualism movement, how mediums performed tricks that deceived their viewers, and the counter movement that came about to expose mediums as frauds in this 45-minute interactive theatrical experience at the 1897 Poe House.

JOY THE CLOWN PERFORMING AT TRICK OR TREAT IN 2024 COURTESY MUSEUM OF THE CAPE FEAR HISTORICAL COMPLEX

e will be held on October 25, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free event is open to kids and families of all ages. and It features the 1897 Poe House adorned with traditional Halloween decorations from the early 20th century, a magic show by Joy the Clown, carnival games, crafts, food trucks, face painting, a costume show, a local DJ and dance party, and more!

COVENTRY CAROLERS PERFORMING AT HOLIDAY JUBILEE 2024 COURTESY MUSEUM OF THE CAPE FEAR HISTORICAL COMPLEX

is scheduled to take place on December 7, 2025, from 1 to 5 p.m. This year, the museum is excited to host the Coventry Carolers, Sweet Tea Shakespeare, and the Fayetteville Sound for holiday- themed musical performances right on the front porch of the Poe House. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will also be back to visit with children and pose for free photos inside the Museum of the Cape Fear.

These programs are supported by The Arts Council of Fayetteville/ Cumberland County and the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex Foundation.

For more information about events and exhibits at the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex, visit

museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov

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Community Partners & Sponsor Recognition The Friends of the Museum of the Albemarle (FOMOA) is a non-profit support group that seeks to raise awareness and provide funding for exhibits, educational programming, and artifact conservation throughout the 13 county region that we serve. The counties served are Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hertford, Hyde, Northampton, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington. The Museum of the Albemarle is the recipient of all funds raised.

ELIZABETH CITY FOUNDATION

Smithsonian

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The Gateway

Fall — Winter 2025 - Vol. 51

Museum Gift Shop

Come for a visit...

Take home a regional memory.

Vi s it the Mus eum Gi f t Sho p f o r a se l e cti o n of gi ft s to s uit ever y occasi o n, most are hand ma d e

by A l b em a r l e Cr a f tman’s Gui l d me mb e r s. He re yo u’l l fin d b o o ks ab o ut the re gi on, cul i nar y i te m s , a nd U S CG s o uven ir s. The sho p i s f ul l of r are a n d b e a u t i f u l g if ts , w r a p p i ng i s i ncl ud e d w i th p urch a s e s .

Museum Members receive 10% discount on some items!

Experiencing Exploring Engaging

as a community is so much easier than you think.

Traveling exhibits are an excellent way to display history and boost educational opportunities in your communities, schools, or civic events in your area. The museum will assist you with selecting the exhibit, shipping/delivery, and advise on set-up when necessary.

Please contact the museum for availability, reservation, and help.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Call 252-335-1453 today!

Experience • Explore • Engage www.museumofthealbemarle.com

Scan me!

To learn more about our traveling exhibit selctions, please visit and reserve your spot today: https://www.museumofthealbemarle.com/ exhibits/museum-traveling-exhibits

Make history a part of your special event.

Make your event ...an elegant affair.

Wit h a varie ty of s p a c e s a va i l a b l e f o r re n t a n d a n attrac tive and c onve n i e n t d own t own El i z a b e t h C i t y location, th e muse u m i s a n i d e a l c h o i c e f o r a l m o s t any e ve nt; inc ludin g b u s i n e s s m e e t i n g s , c o r p o r a t e dinners, c ommunity e ve n t s , p e r f o r m a n c e s , we d d i n g rece ptions, h olida y p a r t i e s , a n d f a m i l y re u n i o n s .

Reserve Today & Say I Do to History (252) 335-1453

Experience • Explore • Engage

Experience • Explore • Engage Friends of the Museum of the Albemarle 501 South Water Street | Elizabeth City, North Carolina 27909 (252) 335-1453 | MuseumOfTheAlbemarle.com

Nonprofit Organization US Postage PAID Elizabeth City, NC Permit No. 43

Picture

From the Past

THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE BOAT, circa 1900

MuseumOfTheAlbemarle.com

Please recycle.

The shad boat is known for its versatility and maneuverability in shallow waters and is named for the type of fish it was commonly used to catch. In 1987 the North Carolina General Assembly adopted the shad boat as the official state boat. It represents the maritime heritage of a region that is composed of half water and half land. The shad boat hanging in the museum’s lobby was built by Alvery (Alvirah) Wright in 1904.

Courtesy Gary Cosgrove collection, Outer Banks History Center, Manteo