Exploring Island Life in the John Wilson IV Papers: A Summer Internship at the Outer Banks History Center

Connecting the Docs: True Stories from the Old North State

Each summer the Outer Banks History Center welcomes an intern to its archives on Roanoke Island. Named after the History Center’s founder and legendary Outer Banks historian, David Stick, the annual internship offers students pursuing graduate degrees in library science the opportunity to engage in a range of projects. In this week’s episode, the 2022 summer intern and dual-degree graduate student at Simmons University, Johnna Purchase, shares her experience processing the John Wilson IV Papers, which document the range of contributions Wilson made to the development of the town of Manteo through his many years of service as the town’s mayor. Through his work as a professional architect, Wilson’s designs proved essential to developing the island vernacular style of building unique to the Outer Banks. Purchase joins host John Horan and regular panelist Josh Hager to discuss her time processing an archival collection, conducting oral history with a local fishing legend from Ocracoke, creating a reading room exhibit, her chance meeting with the collection’s donor, and all the Outer Banks history, geography, and culture that surprised her along the way!

Sources Mentioned:

An Interview with Stanley Beacham, 2021. Oral History Interviews with Outer Banks Residents, AV.5214.50. Outer Banks History Center.

All other items discussed herein can be found in the John F. Wilson IV Papers, 1980-2008, ca. 1980s-2008, Outer Banks History Center.