War Zone: WWII Off the NC Coast

Join the New Bern Historical Society at 2pm Feb. 23 at Orringer Auditorium as they host author, historian and filmmaker Kevin Duffus. He’ll take you to the time when Ocracoke Island was on the front line of World War II, when the island lost its innocence and lives of our greatest generation were irrevocably changed. “War Zone” is told from the perspective of everyday people who faced daunting challenges with perseverance, patriotism, and uncommon valor.

At the close of the 20th century, a momentous turning point in American history was occurring and its consequence was hardly understood nor appreciated. The nation’s “Greatest Generation” and their memories of the Second World War were rapidly being lost.

Around that time, Raleigh-based research historian, author, and filmmaker, Kevin Duffus embarked on an ambitious project to produce a three-hour television documentary focused on the first six months of 1942 when German U-boats waged unrestricted warfare on Allied merchant and military vessels off the Outer Banks. The production, titled “War Zone,” was largely based on the experiences of residents of North Carolina’s barrier islands and how the war affected their daily lives.

The New Bern Historical Society is pleased to host Kevin 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 beginning January 13.