June BOOK CLUB- Fire on the Beach

 “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)

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. Through the story of Richard Etheridge and the all-black crew of the US Life-Saving Service, 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