Outer Banks Aquarium Employee to Receive National Honor
N.C. Aquarium Dive Safety Officer Patrick Murphy To Receive U.S. Department of Interior Award
Roanoke Island, NC – Patrick Murphy, dive safety officer for the North Carolina Aquariums on Roanoke Island (NCARI) will receive a U.S. Department of Interior Partners in Conservation Award for his efforts on behalf of the Battle of the Atlantic Expedition in the summer of 2008.
David Alberg, sanctuary superintendent Monitor National Marine Sanctuary and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently contacted Murphy about receiving the award in Washington, D.C. Alberg said, “Your efforts have proven to be a constant in our partnership and conservation of the Monitor Marine Sanctuary.” “This award underscores not just the importance of preserving our Nation’s cultural heritage, but the role we all play in assuring those resources are managed properly for future generations. The participation by the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island in helping educate the public about the value of maritime heritage resources was instrumental to the long-term success of the project. “Congratulations Pat!”
Other team member’s besides NCARI were NOAA, National Park Service, East Carolina University, UNC Coastal Studies, and Mineral Management Service.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Sidney R. Yates Auditorium, Main Interior Building in Washington, D.C., on Thursday May 7 at 10:00 a.m., with a reception to follow. The Secretary of the Department of the Interior will present the awards.
How Did the Outer Banks Get Its Name?
The Outer Banks of North Carolina has not always been known as such to visitors and locals alike. How did this barrier island become known as the Outer Banks?
Until recent years, the area was referred to as Nags Head. Even up until a few months ago, the Virginia Department of Transportation had an exit for the Outer Banks that labeled the area as Nags Head.
“Up here, everything from Oregon Inlet north was Nags Head, Hatteras and Ocracoke was the Banks,” said Allen Burrus, a 56-year old native of Hatteras village. “Manteo was Roanoke Island. And of course south of us was Down East.” Old advertisements invited visitors to “Come to Nags Head” or the “Dare beaches” or the “Sir Walter Raleigh cost land.”
In a collection at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Wilson Library, the earliest mention of the Outer Banks, written in lowercase, in the New York Times archives was on Dec. 26, 1932, according to Nicholas Graham, the state’s maps project manager.
As far as locals and the Dare County tourism board are concerned, the changing of the Virginia Department of Transportation’s sign is a huge success story. “That’s how powerful the brand is,” said Carolyn McCormick, managing director of the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.
The Outer Banks brand is catching on, and the OBX alias is a close second.
Benefits of Off-Season Travel to the Outer Banks
Summer on the Outer Banks is exceptional; warm temperatures, sunny Carolina skies, warm water, and a lot to see and do. However, the truth is that the Outer Banks is exceptional at any time of year. The mild climate is always inviting, the water stays warm through November, the surf and fishing is best in the fall and spring, local events are scheduled throughout the year, and best of all, OBX is practically empty once the summer visitors head home for school and work.
There are a lot of benefits to traveling to the Outer Banks during the “off-season,” and a recent article on DestinationsForLeisure.com does a great job of highlighting these benefits. Traveling in the off-season is a great way to save money. The rates for lodging, flying, and other costs associated with traveling are reduced in the down season. Traveling in the off-season is a great way to have a more intimate experience with the Outer Banks and get to know the area without large crowds. Great vacation rentals are available throughout the year.
-
Flickr Photos
More Photos Subscribe to My Podcast
