The Museum of the Albemarle’s newest exhibit Memorable Sands will open on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 10 a.m. with a ribbon cutting, curator tours, music, and a lecture. The exhibit will feature images and artifacts from African American beaches in the region including Chowan Beach in Hertford County, Bias Beach in Currituck County, Bogues Beach in Pasquotank County, and Seaview Beach in Virginia. During the hot days of summer, thousands of local residents and visitors gather at regional beaches and swimming holes to cool off.
In the early to mid-1900s, beaches were segregated with White and African American beach-goers sharing the same water, but not the same sand. Since segregation denied African Americans access to public beaches, members of the black community began to develop their own in the late 1920s.
Throughout the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, summer at these beaches meant a time and place where visitors could socialize, relax, swim, picnic, enjoy music, and take part in other various recreational activities. Memorable Sands seeks to capture these memories and share them for all to enjoy.
For more information on the exhibit call (252) 335-1453. The Museum of the Albemarle is a unit of N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. For more information on North Carolina arts, history and culture, visit Cultural Resources online.