The Landing: Where Our Crowd Gathers

This Interview with Polly Davis given by Amy Davis on February 4, 1997 highlights the importance of the church communities on Harkers Island. Polly was a member of the Methodist church and was heavily involved as a member since she was 15. Enjoy this interview filled with memories, insight, and history.  If you or someone you know is interested in joining us as a guest to The Landing, please fill out this form and we will reach out!

This week, we are putting a spotlight on one of the museum’s oral histories. In this 2017 interview conducted by Bonnie Hunter, we hear from John C. Bunting, District Commissioner for District 2, Eastern NC Babe Ruth Girls Softball League. He discusses the history of the league, how he became District Commissioner, and the importance the league has played in the Down East community over the years. If you or someone you know is interested in joining us as a guest to The Landing, please fill out this form and we will reach out!

In Part 2 of our conversation with Teresa Willis Freeman, she shares more about her childhood Down East. From the food she ate to the shenanigans her and her siblings got up to, her fond memories fill this episode with joy and love for the place she calls home. If you or someone you know is interested in joining us as a guest to The Landing, please fill out this form and we will reach out!

Teresa Willis Freeman joins us this week to share memories from her youth. All heartfelt, her stories are full of joy, laughter, and love for Harkers Island and a time where things moved a little slower. Listen in and enjoy the first part of our conversation with this special lady. If you or someone you know is interested in joining us as a guest to The Landing, please fill out this form and we will reach out!

Hear the rest of our conversation with Rodney Rose in this week’s episode. He talks his favorite type of fishing, challenges facing the fishing industry, his restaurant, and the importance of hard work.  If you or someone you know is interested in joining us as a guest to The Landing, please fill out this form and we will reach out!

This week, you will hear the first part of a two part conversation with Rodney Rose. He shares stories of his life Down East, including memories of his childhood and his years fishing. Enjoy this week’s episode and these important stories. If you or someone you know is interested in joining us as a guest to The Landing, please fill out this form and we will reach out!

Closing out July, we are shining a spotlight on this interview with Nathan Everett, given by Susan West. While he grew up in Pinetown in a tobacco farming family, he began working on a crab boat as a teenager and continued working in the fishing industry. Enjoy as he shares his stories and experiences. If you or someone you know is interested in joining us as a guest to The Landing, please fill out this form and we will reach out!

For our 100th episode, Karen Willis Amspacher joins us for a conversation about her love for Down East. From working on the Harkers Island Cookbook, creating the Mailboat for locals to share their stories, now to directing the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center, Karen is a core member of the community, working to preserve Down East traditions and heritage. Enjoy this insightful, fun, and heartfelt conversation with Karen Willis Amspacher. If you or someone you know is interested in joining us as a guest to The Landing, please fill out this form and we will reach out!

In this special episode, Staci shares her own story, reminiscing on her childhood and the family and friends who made her who she is today. She takes us through her early memories, her time in school, and the things she loves about Down East, so enjoy as she shares her roots. If you or someone you know is interested in joining us as a guest to The Landing, please fill out this form and we will reach out!

Darrell Basden joins us this week to share his Down East story. While he grew up in Duplin County, he now considers Down East his home. He shares his memories of meeting Staci, differences in their culture and dialect, and how he came to love Harkers Island. Sit back and enjoy this conversation with Darrell Basden. If you or someone you know is interested in joining us as a guest to The Landing, please fill out this form and we will reach out!

This week we are virtually joined by Skip Prange via a phone interview. During this conversation, Skip discusses moving to Harkers Island and becoming a park ranger. Some of his stories are full of comedy, while other memories are heartwarming, but with every moment shared, he makes it clear that the island is his home.  If you or someone you know is interested in joining us as a guest to The Landing, please fill out this form and we will reach out!

This series of recordings and interviews with Rany Jennette detail his memories of growing up to the lighthouse, where he was born, with his father as the lighthouse keeper. He recalls the layout of his former home, his childhood, and the storms, which ultimately led to their move away from the lighthouse. If you or someone you know is interested in joining us as a guest to The Landing, please fill out this form and we will reach out!

In this interview given by Pam Morris, Grace Littleton of Beaufort, NC recalls her experiences from Hurricane Hazel of 1954. She shares memories of the storm and aftermath, including getting on a small skiff floating in the yard and the community’s efforts to recover.   If you or someone you know is interested in joining us as a guest to The Landing, please fill out this form and we will reach out!  

In this interview, Bonnie Hunter speaks with Margaret Daniels, a retired nurse from Down East, about her experiences with hurricanes. She recalls storms from her childhood, from her years working as a nurse, and the storms after she retired. Listen close as we hear from one of Down East’s best storytellers. If you or someone you know is interested in joining us as a guest to The Landing, please fill out this form and we will reach out!

During the month of June, we will be focusing on oral histories and readings that reflect Down East stories and heritage. This week, we are putting a spotlight on an interview with Kenny Brite, an EMT who played a huge role in helping people in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.  If you or someone you know is interested in joining us as a guest to The Landing, please fill out this form and we will reach out!

This week we sit down with Melba Willis to talk about her beautiful life. Through family and faith, she reflects on growing up and life now through her love for her children and grandchildren and stories from growing up and beyond. Enjoy the memories and wisdom Melba has to share in this week’s episode. If you or someone you know is interested in joining us as a guest to The Landing, please fill out this form and we will reach out!

Today, we are joined by Stephen Willis, a Harkers Island native who cares deeply about his home, family, and faith. He shares memories of his time growing up, going to school, and his journey to becoming a pastor. If you or someone you know is interested in joining us as a guest to The Landing, please fill out this form and we will reach out!

Billy Joe Willis joins us this week to share his Down East story. He tells us about growing up to Harkers Island, his family, and his faith. Enjoy his stories full of love for where he grew up, the people who make Down East special to him, and the faith that drives him every day. If you or someone you know is interested in joining us as a guest to The Landing, please fill out this form and we will reach out!

Today, Kerry Willis joins us virtually to share his childhood growing up Down East and his journey to becoming a preacher. As he speaks with us, it will become clear that his love for where he grew up and for the church run deep.    If you or someone you know is interested in joining us as a guest to The Landing, please fill out this form and we will reach out!