NC Maritime History Conference

Beginning tomorrow evening and running through Saturday, the North Carolina Maritime History Council will convene it's annual meeting in New Bern. The site was chosen because New Bern is celebrating the 300th anniversary of it's founding this year, and the colonial capitol has played a vital role in the state's maritime history. The program definitely includes some good speakers. One of my mentors, Dr. Alan Watson, will be discussing the maritime history of New Bern from it's founding through the Civil War. Research historian with the NC Office of Archives and History, Josh Howard will talk about privateering in North Carolina during the American Revolution. The keynote speaker on Friday evening is Dr. Craig Symonds, who will be doing a presentation on the Civil War naval history of North Carolina. I am on the program for Saturday morning's session, giving a presentation on the Confederate raid on the USS Underwriter in February 1864. There are, of course, many more speakers, plus a number of tours taking place during the conference. For more information go to the NC Maritime History Council's website and click on the "Annual Conference" link on the left side of the page.