New Bern Historical Society Hosts Author, Historian Kevin Duffus Dec. 14

Crafted in France, admired by millions at a New York world’s fair, stolen from its lighthouse, buried during the Civil War, recaptured, returned and repaired at Paris, stolen again, and exhibited again: America’s most historic, most traveled, yet most disrespected lighthouse Fresnel lens has a story like no other. Join the New Bern Historical Society as they host author, Kevin Duffus at 2pm on Sunday, December 14 at Orringer Auditorium at Craven Community College. He’ll unravel the mystery of what happened to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Fresnel Lens.

It was cutting edge technology when it was crafted in France and exhibited at New York’s Crystal Palace in 1853. Fully assembled, it stood 12 feet tall and weighed 6,000 pounds. How was it lost, found, and moved so often? Kevin Duffus will present the full story.

Duffus, a noted North Carolina author, documentary filmmaker, and research historian who has successfully unraveled dozens of longstanding maritime mysteries, including discovering the mythical grave of the pirate Blackbeard’s sister. His seven books on the maritime history of the Carolinas spanning 500 years include The Lost Light, the story of finding the lost Fresnel lens of the 1853 Hatteras Light House missing since the Civil War; The Last Days of Blackbeard the Pirate, and Into the Burning Sea, The 1918 Mirlo Rescue. He has appeared on the History Channel, National Geographic, and on the Travel Channel’s “Expedition Unknown.” In 2014, he was named “Historian of the Year” by the North Carolina Society of Historians. He was the 2020 recipient of the National Lighthouse Museum Research Award in New York City. He will be available both before and after the presentation for a book signing with all seven books available for purchase.

This special presentation is part of the New Bern Historical Society’s ongoing series of lectures. Cost is $12 for members, active-duty military, and students; $15 for nonmembers. Reservations 

are strongly suggested. Reservations at www.NewBernHistorical.org or at the new Bern Historical Society Office at 511 Broad St. or by calling 252-638-8558.

The mission of the New Bern Historical Society is to celebrate and promote New Bern and its heritage through events and education. Offices are located in the historic Attmore-Oliver House at 511 Broad Street in New Bern. For more information, call 252-638-8558 or go www.NewBernHistorical.org or www.facebook.com/NewBernHistoricalSociety.