Chatham County Historical Association upcoming events

June BOOK CLUB- Fire on the Beach (20 Jun 2026)

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 13:30:00 GMT

“NC History Between the Lines”- A Local History Book Club

JUNE 2026 ~ TRANSPORTATION

Fire on the Beach: Recovering the Lost Story of Richard Etheridge and the Pea Island Lifesavers by David Wright & David Zoby (2002)

Through the story of Richard Etheridge and the all-black crew of the US Life-Saving Service, Fire on the Beach explores the dangers of 19^th century coastal transportation along North Carolina’s “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” where ships carrying goods and people faced constant danger. The crew faced discrimination and the dangers of the Atlantic yet rose to heroism in their service.

The Chatham County Historical Museum invites you to join NC History Between the Lines, a monthly book club exploring our local area’s rich past through engaging reads that connect with historical themes. We’ll meet on the third Saturday of each month at 9:30 am at the museum for lively discussion and conversation.

Each month’s selection will reflect our rotating historical focus. Whether you’re a lifelong history lover or simply curious about the people and events that shaped our area, we would love for you to join us. Come read, learn, and share your perspectives as we connect our local stories to the larger sweep of American history.

Sign up here for the Saturday, June 20 meeting at 9:30 am. Participation is free and you are welcome to bring friends.

Questions ~ or to borrow a copy of the book contact: Volunteers@chathamhistory.org

July BOOK CLUB- Redcoats on the Cape Fear (18 Jul 2026)

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 13:30:00 GMT

“NC History Between the Lines”- A Local History Book Club

JULY 2026 ~US INDEPENDENCE

Redcoats on the Cape Fear: The Revolutionary War in Southeastern North Carolina by Robert M Dunkerly (2012, revised version of Redcoats on the River, 2008)

Redcoats on the Cape Fear brings the American Revolution to Chatham County’s doorstep. British troops patrolled the Cape Fear River, and local farmers, townspeople, and militia faced danger, disruption, and difficult choices. Through local stories, this book shows how ordinary people helped shape the fight for independence right here in our area.

Sign up here for the Saturday, July 18 meeting at 9:30 am. Participation is free and you are welcome to bring friends.

Questions ~ or to borrow a copy of the book contact: Volunteers@chathamhistory.org

August BOOK CLUB- To Drink From the Well (15 Aug 2026)

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 13:30:00 GMT

“NC History Between the Lines”- A Local History Book Club

AUGUST 2026 ~EDUCATION

To Drink From The Well: The Struggle for Racial Equality at the Nation's Oldest Public University by Geeta N. Kapur (2021)

Kapur chronicles the University of North Carolina's origins and the long struggle for racial equality on campus, challenging us to examine how historical institutions confront, conceal, or preserve their past.

Sign up here for the Saturday, August 15 meeting at 9:30 am. Participation is free and you are welcome to bring friends.

Questions contact: Volunteers@chathamhistory.org

September BOOK CLUB- A Home on the Field (19 Sep 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 13:30:00 GMT

“NC History Between the Lines”- A Local History Book Club

SEPTEMBER 2026 ~LATIN AMERICAN LOCAL HISTORY

A Home on the Field by Paul Cuadros (2006)

Set in Siler City during a period of rapid demographic shift driven by the poultry processing industry, Cuadros recounts his experience fighting to establish a soccer program at Jordan Matthews High School. Against a backdrop of culture clashes, anti-immigrant rallies, and systemic under resourcing, Cuadros coaches a team of young, mostly Latino immigrants, the Jets, to overcome prejudice and poverty to fight for the 2004 NC State Championship.

Sign up here for the Saturday, September 19 meeting at 9:30 am. Participation is free and you are welcome to bring friends.

Questions ~ contact: Volunteers@chathamhistory.org