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Local state park was formed as a recreation place for African Americans during segregation

PRE News & Ideas | By Annette Weston
Published February 26, 2024 at 7:25 AM EST
A New York neurosurgeon doctor purchased 4,600 acres including Bear Island in 1914 for a hunting and fishing preserve, according to officials with N.C. State Parks. In 1950, the land was deeded to the North Carolina Teachers Association, a nonprofit group of Black educators. After an unsuccessful attempt to develop the land, it was donated to the state in 1961 and it operated as a state park for Black people until it was opened to all in 1963.
Swansboro Historical Association
A New York neurosurgeon doctor purchased 4,600 acres including Bear Island in 1914 for a hunting and fishing preserve, according to officials with N.C. State Parks. In 1950, the land was deeded to the North Carolina Teachers Association, a nonprofit group of Black educators. After an unsuccessful attempt to develop the land, it was donated to the state in 1961 and it operated as a state park for Black people until it was opened to all in 1963.

The Swansboro Historical Association is recognizing the town’s African American heritage with program about Hammocks Beach State Park.

Local historians and park leaders will talk about how the park became important to the Swansboro community and how it evolved into a center for recreation, education, preservation, and conservation.

A New York neurosurgeon doctor purchased 4,600 acres including Bear Island in 1914 for a hunting and fishing preserve, according to officials with N.C. State Parks. In 1950, the land was deeded to the North Carolina Teachers Association, a nonprofit group of Black educators. After an unsuccessful attempt to develop the land, it was donated to the state in 1961 and it operated as a state park for Black people until it was opened to all in 1963.

The event begins at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Swansboro Area Heritage Center Assembly Room.
Annette Weston
Annette is originally a Midwest gal, born and raised in Michigan, but with career stops in many surrounding states, the Pacific Northwest, and various parts of the southeast. An award-winning journalist and mother of four, Annette moved to eastern North Carolina in 2019 to be closer to family – in particular, her two young grandchildren. It’s possible that a -27 day with a -68 windchill in Minnesota may have also played a role in that decision. In her spare time, Annette does a lot of kiddo cuddling, reading, and producing the coolest Halloween costumes anyone has ever seen. She has also worked as a diversity and inclusion facilitator serving school districts and large corporations. It’s the people that make this beautiful area special, and she wants to share those stories that touch the hearts of others. If you have a story idea to share, please reach out by email to westona@cravencc.edu.
See stories by Annette Weston