Shaped by the oral traditions of his rural upbringing, a Carteret County historian works to preserve the full collective memory of our eastern region.
The Surfboard Shaper: Scott Busbey
Captivated by the craft since childhood, a self-taught surfboard shaper on Hatteras Island sculpts thousands of bespoke boards, his artistry a steadfast fixture along the Outer Banks.
The Artist: James Melvin
Drawing inspiration from the barrier islands he calls home, a Nags Head painter brings everyday coastal landscapes to life on canvas and across the pages of beloved children’s books.
The Doctor: Walter Holton & Barbara Holton
As the sole physician in a once-remote coastal community, a Dare County doctor spent decades caring for his neighbors, setting the standard for modern medicine in the Outer Banks.
The Scientist: Sara Mirabilio
In Dare County, a devoted marine scientist pioneers tools for conservation, protecting marine life and sustaining the families who make their living on the water.
The Boatbuilder: Paul Spencer
After spending his life on the water, a Dare County captain embarked on a journey to craft his own vessels, developing a signature style that have drawn buyers from around the world.
The Shrimpers: Thomas & Monica Smith
Armed with a cooler of fresh shrimp, a Beaufort couple began their campaign to bridge the gap between fisherman and consumers.
The Netmaker: Heidi Harris Roberts
Although an industry’s tide has swelled and receded, a Carteret County native preserves her family’s tradition of hand-weaving fishing nets, one rope, cable, and knot at a time.
The Oystermen: Morris Family Shellfish
In Sea Level, three generations of oyster farmers cultivate a symbiosis of taste and place through their bivalves.
