America’s Secret Warriors: The OSS and the George Watts Hill Collection

The Office of Strategic Services (OSS) was organized in 1942 and marked the early entry of the United States into the fields of international intelligence gathering and military special operations.

The exhibit features the only known surviving dog drag kit containing glass ampoules with chemicals designed to throw tracking dogs off the scent of fleeing OSS operatives. Also featured is a prototype of a pistol with a silencer, a time delay explosive device, a printing kit used in Nazi occupied Poland to trace signatures for placement on forged documents, and many other clever devices.

Our State Dog: North Carolina’s Plott Hound

The Plott Hound is North Carolina’s state dog and it is a working breed. Plott Hounds have been raised in the United States for over 250 years and are the only recognized dog breed from North Carolina.

This exhibit describes the arrival of Plott Hounds in America in 1750 and discusses how they were bred for work on the frontier. Informative panels tell about famous breeders as well as criteria and standards for show dogs. Featured is information on how these fearless hounds excel in hunting no matter if the prey is a small, yet fiesty raccoon, vicious wild boar, or even a 200 bear they must chase for days without rest. Don’t miss the extraordinary story of this loyal and dedicated breed, the Plott Hound. Opening Summer 2010

Workboats of Core Sound

Photographs and oral histories by Lawrence S. Earley documenting the coastal fishing communities of “Down East” North Carolina. Opening Summer 2010