Manteo Author to Discuss WWII and Boat Building in Speaker Series

LeVern Davis Parker will present on her book about Manteo's history at the College of The Albemarle - Dare campus.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:36pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring a repeated image of a vintage World War II-era boat in a grid pattern, rendered in a vibrant, high-contrast pop art style reminiscent of Andy Warhol's iconic screenprints.A community event celebrating Manteo's contributions to the World War II effort through its local boat building industry.Manteo Today

The Friends of the Outer Banks History Center and Downtown Books, in collaboration with College of The Albemarle (COA) - Dare and the COA Social Science Department, are hosting a speaker event featuring Manteo native and former COA instructor LeVern Davis Parker. Parker will present on her book "Manteo during World War II & The Manteo Boat Building Company" on Thursday, April 16 at the COA - Dare campus in Manteo, North Carolina.

Why it matters

This event provides the local community an opportunity to learn more about Manteo's history during World War II and the important role the town's boat building industry played during that time period. As a longtime resident and former educator, Parker's insights will offer a unique perspective on this significant chapter in the Outer Banks' past.

The details

The event will take place in Veterans Hall (DARA 110) at the COA - Dare campus. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and Parker's presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. The program is free and open to the public.

  • The event is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026.
  • Doors open at 6 p.m., with the presentation beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The players

LeVern Davis Parker

A Manteo native and former instructor at the College of The Albemarle, Parker is the author of the book "Manteo during World War II & The Manteo Boat Building Company".

College of The Albemarle - Dare

The Dare County campus of the College of The Albemarle, which is hosting the speaker event in collaboration with other local organizations.

Friends of the Outer Banks History Center

A local organization that is co-hosting the speaker series event featuring LeVern Davis Parker.

Downtown Books

A local bookstore that is co-hosting the speaker series event featuring LeVern Davis Parker.

Brian Edwards

The Associate Professor of History and Chair of Social Sciences at the College of The Albemarle - Dare, who can be contacted for more information about the event.

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What they’re saying

“This event provides the local community an opportunity to learn more about Manteo's history during World War II and the important role the town's boat building industry played during that time period.”

— Brian Edwards, Associate Professor of History and Chair of Social Sciences, College of The Albemarle - Dare

The takeaway

This speaker event highlights the rich history and community-driven spirit of Manteo, North Carolina, as residents come together to learn about an important chapter in the town's past from a longtime local author and educator.