Journey through a series of maps from the 1520’s to present to discover previously unseen connections and interpretations of Roanoke Island and surrounding Eastern North Carolina history. Integrating these maps with primary historical texts, surveys and deeds sheds light on diverse questions ranging from Indian burial grounds to Manteo’s street grid design to the 1585 “Newe Forte in Verginia” palisade built by Ralph Lane.
Mel Covey is a well-recognized historical and ecological researcher of Dare County and surrounding Eastern North Carolina. He is a Dare County resident whose ancestors have resided there for generations. Some of the numerous affiliations Mel has include: Past Director and Chairman, Outer Banks History Center Associates, Founding Director and past Chairman, Hatteras Island Genealogical and Historical Society, Team member of the original Croatan Project led by archeologist David S. Phelps, Ph.D. Eastern Carolina University, Discoverer of Old Indian Town in the Indian Patent on Croatoan (Hatteras Island), Chairman, Dare County Heritage Trail, Team member of the First Colony Foundation's archaeological excavations at Roanoke Island, Dare County and Bertie County, NC, Professional wreck scuba diver on Diamond Shoals and other locations offshore of Hatteras Island; major consultant and contributor to the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum.
In addition, Mr. Covey is a marine architectural consultant and construction contractor specializing in bulkheads, pilings, and docks. This work has allowed his rare and exceptional ability to view historical areas in Dare County below the surface—in the third dimension.
Dr. C. Leigh Broadhurst holds a Ph.D. Planetary Geochemistry and Physical Chemistry from the University of Arizona, and a B.S in Geology from the University of Maryland. Throughout her career she has specialized in laboratory design, spectroscopic methods and unique solutions to previously intractable research problems. Dr. Broadhurst has 30 years' experience with the US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service, including archaeological consulting. She is also a professional writer and Dare County resident.
The presentation is part of the museum’s Salty Dawg Speaker Series, which features presentations on North Carolina maritime history and culture. These programs are scheduled at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays from May 26 through Aug. 18 in the museum, located at 59200 Museum Drive in Hatteras. The series is free and open to the public. Reservations are not required. Call 252-986-0720 for more information.