A Manteo native and descendant of both the Freedmen’s Colony and the Pea Island lifesavers, Darrell M. Collins devoted his life to preserving and interpreting the history of Roanoke Island and the Outer Banks. He retired in 2017 after a distinguished 40-year career as Historian at Wright Brothers National Memorial with the National Park Service, Cape Hatteras Group. Widely respected for his scholarship and public interpretation, Darrell received numerous honors, including the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

Beyond his federal service, Darrell was an author, the owner and Aviation Historian of ALOG, LLC (A Legacy of Greatness), and a long-time Town of Manteo commissioner, Mayor Pro Tempore, and Zoning and Planning Board member. His leadership, deep historical knowledge, and unwavering commitment to community made him one of the region’s most beloved public historians.

Darrell passed away on Christmas Eve in 2024. His legacy continues to guide the work of the Pea Island Preservation Society, and his influence remains deeply felt across Roanoke Island, the Outer Banks, and the many communities he inspired.

Co-Founder of PIPSI who married Darrell and transplanted to the Outer Banks in 2000. Owner/Broker of Outer Banks Dreams Realty, LLC specializing in first-time home buying, investment homes and affordable housing. Also serves as Managing Partner of ALOG, LLC.

Born and raised in Manteo, Frank Hester is a descendant of the Freedmen’s Colony and the Pea Island lifesavers. He retired from the United States Coast Guard as a Chief Warrant Officer after 20 years of service. After living in Maryland, he returned home to Roanoke Island in 2005. He recently retired from his second career at the National Park Service, Cape Hatteras Group. His lifelong connection to the island and its maritime heritage informs his dedication to the Society.

Coquetta Laverna C Brooks was born in Charleston, SC, and moved to Dare County in 1977. Member and former Queen of The Order of the Eastern Star, and former secretary for 20 years. Coquetta was the former Vice Chair and Madame Chair of the Manteo Precinct for 20 years.

Gayla spent two years active duty in the US Army and has lived in Manteo permanently since 1986. She is a Senior Relationship Banker at First National Bank with 24 1/2 years of service, worked at the Christmas Shop for over 15 years, Darrell’s restaurant for over seven years and currently works part-time at Food Lion. She enjoys working in the customer service field and working with the public.

Chrissy grew up in the suburbs of Atlanta while also spending a lot of time on the Outer Banks as a child. She played collegiate basketball at East Tennessee State University and UNC-Chapel Hill. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Old Dominion University and her Juris Doctor degree from Wake Forest University School of Law. Chrissy has been practicing law in North Carolina since 2003. She spent approximately ten (10) years as an Assistant District Attorney in the First Judicial District. In 2013, Chrissy opened Simmons Law wherein she focus her practice in the fields of family and criminal law. Chrissy and her husband Deon Simmons have two sons, Markus and Devon.

Adonis A. Osekre is a public historian and longtime seasonal Park Ranger at Wright Brothers National Memorial. He serves as Chair of the Friends of the Outer Banks History Center and is the author of Windswept Dreams: The Wright Brothers' Legacy from Kitty Hawk's Dunes and Beyond. Through public speaking, writing, and community engagement, he is committed to helping people connect with the layered history of the Outer Banks, including its maritime, African American, Indigenous, and aviation heritage. He is honored to serve on the Board of the Pea Island Preservation Society and support its mission to preserve and share the remarkable legacy of the Pea Island Life-Saving Station.

Rear Admiral Stephen W. Rochon retired from the United States Coast Guard after 37 years of service, culminating as Commander of the Maintenance and Logistics Command Atlantic. He later served as Director of the Executive Residence and White House Chief Usher (2007–2011). Admiral Rochon played a pivotal role in securing the posthumous Gold Lifesaving Medal for Keeper Richard Etheridge and the all-African American crew of the Pea Island Lifesaving Station.