Ocracoke Observer staff
The Ocracoke Preservation Society’s Porch Talks have become a tradition on Ocracoke Island, offering a delightful blend of history, culture, and storytelling since their inception.
These talks are held in the front yard of the historic David Williams House which serves as the Society’s museum and gift shop, 49 Water Plant Rd.
The kickoff will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday with “Stories on the porch” featuring the Donald Davis storytelling workshop participants.
The Porch Talks began as a way to promote the preservation of Ocracoke’s unique heritage. Over the years, the series has featured a diverse array of speakers, from historians, story tellers, authors, and academics on a variety of subjects, including the island’s history, health care AND education on the island, its unique brogue, impacts of hurricanes and the island’s rich natural history.
The nonprofit Ocracoke Preservation Society (OPS) is committed to preserving the rich history and cultural heritage of Ocracoke Island. Founded in 1983, OPS operates with the mission to protect and celebrate the island’s unique historical identity, ensuring that its stories and traditions are passed down to future generations.
Inside the OPS museum, you’ll find exhibitions and archives that highlight Ocracoke’s history and unique brogue, from maritime tales to local folklore.
The Society most recent ambitious project is restoring the Island Inn on Lighthouse Road and the creation of the Island Inn Commons.
The following is the June Porch Talk schedule:
Thursday, June 5: 10:30 am. Donald Davis storytelling workshop group participants; “Stories on the Porch.”
Tuesday, June 10: 1 pm. Philip Howard on the Ocracoke lighthouse
Thursday, June 12: 10:30 am. Ann Ehringhaus & Heather Johnson on “Ocracoke after Hurricane Dorian (2019).”
Tuesday, June 17: 1 pm. Rita Thiel on Ocracats.
Thursday, June 19: 10:30 am. Donald Davis storytelling workshop group participants, “Stories on the Porch.”
Tuesday, June 24: 1 pm. Jeff Reaser & Walt Wolfram talk about their new book “Language and Life on Ocracoke.”
Thursday, June 26: 1 pm. Seashells of Ocracoke with Charlie DeCarlo.
