Icons of the Outer Banks: Richard Etheridge

An essential part of Twiddy & Company’s legacy has been the preservation of local Outer Banks history. It’s in that spirit we’re excited to share Icons of the Outer Banks, a new mini-documentary series that tells the stories of the fishermen, historians, lifesavers, and trailblazers who have played a significant role in shaping the area’s past, present, and future. “From Walter Raleigh to the Wright Brothers, the Outer Banks was built on the shoulders of visionary men and women who worked tirelessly and, in many cases, sacrificed much to make this area a place locals love to call home and vacationers from around the world visit year-after-year,” said Clark Twiddy, president of Twiddy & Company. “We are proud to share this important documentary series that illuminates and celebrates these individuals who’ve had such an enormous impact on the area’s history and identity.” To commemorate Black History Month, the inaugural episode of the series features the story of Richard Etheridge, the first black man to lead a crew of surfmen in the U.S. Lifesaving Service. Etheridge, a former slave, lived on the Outer Banks until his death at the age of 58. He and his all-black crew were responsible for some of the most harrowing rescues conducted off of the area’s coastline. Learn more about the Icons of the Outer Banks on our blog at: https://www.twiddy.com/Kg94Z