Relive the Past with the Ocracoke Preservation Society

How can you fully appreciate and understand an area without knowing it's history? The Ocracoke Preservation Society seeks to do accomplish that goal with the island museum. The non-profit organization, formed in 1983, operates an admission free museum to share the Ocracoke story with future generations. The two-story farmhouse, built in 1900, was moved to the National Park Service owned property in 1989 for restoration. Displays and records are have been housed inside the historic David Williams House since 1992. The first floor of the building houses the museum displays, and the second floor contains a library of historical documents. Both the David Williams House and the Ocracoke area surrounding the building area listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Outdoor Exhibits

The exhibits at the building have continued to evolve over the years, thanks to the offerings from former residents. One of the cisterns which served the original inhabitants of the island moved to a position of prominence in the front yard of the museum in 2006. A fishing boat named "Blanche" built in 1934 now fills the backyard of the island museum. A Francis Life Car will find a permanent home in the side yard of the museum once restoration completes. The Coast Guard once used the enclosed boats to rescue passengers from sinking ships. The Life Cars worked on a pulley systems anchored both on the shore and the mast of the ship.

Porch Talks

During the summer months "Porch Talks" take place on the spacious front porch of the museum, sharing information on upcoming programs, projects and new additions to the collection. A schedule of current Porch Talks topics is available on the organizations website. Authors of books relating to the Ocracoke heritage are frequent visitors to the casual outdoor meetings.

The "Children's Porch Talk" series, also held during summer months, brings history to life for young visitors. The interactive programs are free and feature storytelling, photography displays, United State Lifesaving Service workshops and nature presentations. Common topics include the Ocracoke ponies, pirates, Ocracoke figs, oyster beds, growing up on Ocracoke and sea songs and stories.

Interior Exhibits

Each year the Ocracoke Needle and Thread Club donates a handmade quilt to the Ocracoke Preservation Society. Visitors can enjoy the colorful work of fabric art until the creation is raffled as a fundraiser for the museum. Visitors can explore the lower floor of the historic home and view island antiques, photos and displays commemorating life on the island. Each room holds treasures which were once common household items and handmade tools crafted by early inhabitants.

Five exhibit rooms, a back porch and main hallway house the history of Ocracoke Island. Drift back to a simpler time and imagine what life was once life for island residents. Explore the "Parlor" room and envision the family which once congregated around a piano after supper time. The "Maritime" room allows you to get better acquainted with the boat which once visited or fished the waters around the island. Check out the bedroom and kitchen and marvel and how the housewives of a bygone era managed to care for their families without a microwave and central air conditioning. The "Brogue" room walls are filled with the sights of Ocracoke and her former residents, both human and four-legged. Take a minute to relax on the back porch and enjoy the quiet sounds of nature, an important aspect of life of Ocracoke which has diminished with time.

"We have added a WWII beach jumpers exhibit to our collection," Ocracoke Preservation Society staffer, Chrisi Gaskill told the Coastal Guide. "Many people are unaware of the role the island played during the war, and the "Torpedo Alley" watch servicemen held during the war years. We have also added a Portsmouth Island photo exhibit to our collection. The nearby island is a ghost town now, and owned by the park service. Many Ocracoke Islanders once hailed from the island. Former resident, Francis Eubanks shared her family's photo collection with us, to preserve the history of the island."

Also adorning the walls of the museum are works by local artists. The artworks rotates and a reception held when a new series of artwork visit the museum. Visitors are treated to refreshments, music by local performers and the chance to meet the artist.

Library

Walk back in time as you maneuver up the stairway and across the old hardwood floor leading to the library. The shelves of the library hold genealogical documents, historic maps, photos and journals about Ocracoke history. Old papers shed knew light on the Ocracoke style of square dancing, the Banker ponies, British Cemetery and the island's lighthouse. Carefully flip through the pages of old newspaper accounts of local happenings or book about the naval base on Ocracoke during World War II. Museum staff and volunteers help visitors research their ancestry and discover their family history on Ocracoke Island. Visitors who plan on conducting research in the library should call ahead and make an appointment. The library, while extensive in information, isn't in overall square footage and can't accommodate large groups.

Gift Shop

After spending some time browsing through the museum's offerings, don't forget to hit the gift shop. The Ocracoke Preservation Society offers postcards, photographs, handmade baskets, music and cookbooks, among other small items. The cookbooks share recipes of classic island recipes and cooking tips. Purchase a cassette or CD of musical performances by Ocracoke and Cape Fear Coast performers. Forget to buy a souvenir t-shirt for your boss? No worries. You can shop online through the gift shop tab on the museum's website.