NC History Book Club: Between the Lines

The Chatham County Historical Association invites you to join “NC History Between the Lines”, a monthly book club exploring the local area’s rich past. CCHA’s next meeting is Saturday, June 20, at 9:30 a.m. at the Pittsboro Historic Courthouse.

The selected book for June, “Fire on the Beach,” by David Wright and David Zoby, tells a little-known story from the late 19th century, when the U.S. Coast Guard had stations along the North Carolina coast. The men in these stations were responsible for ensuring safe passage for American and international ships, and for saving lives and salvaging cargo when disaster struck.

The station in Pea Island, North Carolina, was manned by the only all-Black crew in the history of the Coast Guard. These men battled discrimination as well as fierce storms, but through many daring and heroic rescues were ultimately regarded as among the most courageous crews in the service.

Go to www.chathamhistory.org for more information. This free meeting is open to all. Contact volunteers@chathamhistory.org for more information or to borrow a copy of the book.