Author and North Carolina State professor Tim Hatcher is requesting help from locals and longtime visitors alike on telling the story of Hatteras Island life.
He is working on a new book about people who have worked and lived along the North Carolina coast and how their lives have changed over the decades. Hatcher is writing the book because, he says, “A way of living, working and raising a family has changed for the people who have deep roots in the sands of the North Carolina coast. People who have for a long time called the coast their home have a story to tell about the way life used to be. It’s that story that needs to be told”. When asked about other books about the coast, Hatcher replies, “What I have seen and read are some really good books, such as ‘Hatteras Blues’ and, of course, all of David Stick’s books. Many of them include old photos. But I am more interested in the stories that go with the photographs.”
He added, “For me to tell the real story of the North Carolina coast means that I need to find and sit with local folks who have stories to tell.”
Hatcher is asking for help to find people or their relatives or friends who have stories and photos of life and work on the water all along the North Carolina coast, from Corolla to Portsmouth Island, and all points in between.
“Help me tell your story,” he asks.
Hatcher says he will be visiting the coast often this spring, starting in March. If you have stories, photographs, or both, please contact Hatcher to set up a visit. He can be reached by email at tim_hatcher@ncsu.edu