Researcher Kevin P. Duffus returns to Asheboro library to reveal Black Beard’s last days

Kevin P. Duffus

ASHEBORO – What truly happened during Black Beard’s last days that precipitated his demise?

Who, truly, was Edward Teach, and whence did he come? What was his true name? And where may he have hidden his treasure?

Join researcher Kevin P. Duffus as he shares groundbreaking research into Black Beard’s life — and death — at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 20, at the Asheboro Public Library.

Duffus’s presentation, “The Last Days of Black Beard the Pirate,” is free and the public is invited.

For years, Duffus wondered if it was possible to learn something new about the legendary pirate. After extensive research at archives in Great Britain, Pennsylvania and the Carolinas, he discovered that the answer was yes. And the true story about Black Beard’s last days substantially change the legend — and history.

Duffus, an award-winning author, researcher,  and filmmaker, has made significant discoveries about North Carolina history — starting when he was 17 and found a Confederate gunboat sunken in a river near his home.

He is author of The Lost Light: A Civil War Mystery, about his recovery of the Cape Hatteras lighthouse’s missing Fresnel lens, and War Zone: World War II off the North Carolina Coast.

His appearance is made possible by funding from the North Carolina Humanities Council, a statewide non-profit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Friends of the Library.

The library is located at 201 Worth Street. For further information, call 336-318-6803.

History prof looks at German POWS held in NC during WWII in Asheboro library talk

ASHEBORO – More than 10,000 German prisoners of war were interned in North Carolina during World War II, but few people were aware of their presence.

Wingate University history professor emeritus Dr. Robert Billinger will reveal startling facts about the prisoners in “Nazi POWs in the Tar Heel State during World War II,” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, September 14, at the Asheboro Public Library.

Billinger’s lively talk will include photos, maps and documents to recount the prisoners’ arrival, work, escapes, re-education and repatriation. The story also reveals the surprising diversity of the POWs: U-boat sailors captured off the North Carolina coast,  paratroopers captured in Europe and North Africa, Nazis, anti-Nazis, former concentration camp inmates, and a multitude of men captured in German uniforms who before the war had been Austrians, Belgians, Frenchmen and Soviets.

The talk, sponsored by the Randolph County Public Library’s Robert C. Taylor Jr. Memorial World War II Collection, is free and the public is invited.

The library is located at 201 Worth Street. Call 336-318-6806 for more information.

Learn to make yeast bread, freezer meals in library-sponsored cooking classes at Cooperative Extension

Jeannie Leonard

ASHEBORO – Get tips on making yeast bread and preparing freezer meals during two classes in September with Randolph County Cooperative Extension agent Jeannie Leonard.

Sponsored by the Randolph County Public Library’s Margaret C. Taylor Culinary Arts Collection bequest, both workshops will take place at Cooperative Extension headquarters, 1003 S. Fayetteville St. (Hillside Shopping Center).

“Intro to Yeast Bread Making” is a beginner-level class at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, September 7. Leonard will demonstrate the process and answer questions.

In  “Make Dinner Ahead: Freezer Meals” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, September 28, learn to save money and time by making convenience foods with ingredients on sale at the grocery store, and freezing them. Later, just thaw and cook.

The classes are open to adults age 18 and older. Space is limited for both programs; call 336-318-6803 to sign up or for further information.

Illusionist, storyteller Caleb Sigmon to perform at Asheboro library

Illusionist and storyteller Caleb Sigmon

ASHEBORO – Storyteller and illusionist Caleb Sigmon will materialize with an unexpected coda to “Build a Better World,” the library’s Summer Reading initiative, at 2 p.m. Tuesday, August 15, at the Asheboro Public Library.

His performance, sponsored by the Friends of the Library, is free and children of all ages and their families are invited.

Sigmon says he uses magic to share his story, his passion and his heart with others.

Born in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, he spent his childhood playing inside cardboard boxes, fighting dragons and playing Cowboys and Indians in his backyard. Now, he has made it his career.

He graduated from one of the top 10 national arts schools and immediately went to work forging his own way with a unique blend of magic, drama and storytelling. He performs over 150 shows annually in schools, libraries, churches and performing arts centers, and has appeared at venues ranging from the Virginia Beach Boardwalk to the Johnny Carson Theatre in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Sigmon was originally scheduled to perform on June 21, but was unavoidably detained elsewhere.

The library is located at 201 Worth Street. For further information, call 336-318-6804.

Asheboro library program on NC women in WWI canceled

“North Carolina’s Women ‘Do Their Bit’ During WWI,” a talk scheduled for the evening of Thursday, August 17, at the Asheboro Public Library, has been canceled due to an unexpected and unavoidable conflict on the part of the presenter.

The program may be rescheduled in the fall.