From paranormal activities to an abandoned speakeasy to Appalachia’s King of Moonshine, Wake County Public Libraries invites you to embark on a virtual tour of our state’s hidden history and untold stories.
North Carolina History, Mystery and More features free events that dive into the stories you didn’t read about in school. Programs run from Oct. 25 to Nov. 15 and are geared toward adult audiences.
“This is a great opportunity to learn about lesser-known parts of our state’s history,” said Commissioner Vickie Adamson. “Our librarians have put together many compelling, thought-provoking programs.”
Register early to reserve your spot for the following:
Haunted Carolina
Tuesday, Oct. 25, 6:30 p.m.
Join the National Society of Paranormal Investigation and Research, Inc., and The Ghost Guild to explore how paranormal investigations have changed over the years.
I Didn’t Know That! Untold Stories of North Carolina
Tuesday, Nov. 1, 6:30 p.m.
Young adult historical fiction author Sara Whitford uncovered endless trails of forgotten stories buried deep in the record books. Join us as she describes how the “Tuscarora War” may be a misnomer, the true story of the Spanish Invasion of Beaufort and which historical markers in eastern North Carolina should be changed or removed altogether — and why.
Raleigh’s Hidden History: Exploring the Past in Front of You
Thursday, Nov. 3, 6:30 p.m.
Explore secret cobblestone tunnels, step into an abandoned underground speakeasy and venture inside the ruins of hospitals and historic mansions with Heather Leah, multiplatform producer and online storyteller with WRAL-TV.
The "Lost Colony" of Roanoke Was Never Lost
Sunday, Nov. 6, 2 p.m.
Scott Dawson, author of “The Lost Colony and Hatteras Island,” president and founder of the Croatoan Archaeological Society, Inc., and frequent guest on the National Geographic, History, Science, and Discovery Channels has spent a decade digging up artifacts and searching for clues to the colonists’ fate. What really happened?
Understanding the People Who Dwelled in the Great Dismal Swamp
Monday, Nov. 7, 6:30 p.m.
Join professor and archaeologist Dan Sayers in a conversation about African American and Indigenous American communities that emerged in the Great Dismal Swamp during the colonialist and race-based slavery systems of the Mid-Atlantic region.
Staff Picks: North Carolina Authors
Monday, Nov. 14, 6:30 p.m.
Have the North Carolina History, Mystery and More programs piqued your interest for some great NC reads? Join Wake County librarians for recommendations on fantastic North Carolina authors.
Appalachian Moonshiner Popcorn Sutton
Tuesday, Nov. 15, 6:30 p.m.
Join filmmaker and author Neal Hutcheson for a presentation on Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton, a legendary moonshiner and bootlegger who grew up in the mountains of Western North Carolina. An iconoclast until the end of his life, Sutton is affectionally referred to as the “King of Moonshine,” staying an outlaw to his uncompromising end.
Register for these events at guides.wakegov.com/nchistory, and learn more about Wake County Public Libraries at wakegov.com/libraries.
