Museum-grade Giclée print of Darrell Collins by James Melvin.
The Outer Banks has always been a place where history and innovation meet-from lifesaving stations to the birthplace of flight. Today, you have the opportunity to help protect that legacy while shaping its future.
Take advantage of the opportunity to purchase an exclusive museum-grade, Limited Edition Giclee print of Darrell Collins signed by renowned local artist James Melvin. Quantities are limited.
Proceeds directly support preservation and education initiatives in the Outer Banks.
Your contribution supports two critical initiatives:
Preserve the Pea Island Cookhouse Museum
An essential African-American historical site, the Cookhouse tells the story of the Pea Island Life-Saving Station—the only all-Black crew in U.S. history. We celebrate Darrell Collins’ contributions as the founder and President Emeritus of the Pea Island Preservation Society, Inc. Your support will help fund a dedicated museum staff position to ensure the story is preserved, interpreted, and shared for generations.
Darrell M. Collins Aviation Science Scholarship
A LEGACY of GREATNESS
The Outer Banks of North Carolina, where history and innovation meet, a place like no other-and no other told the story like Darrell M. Collins.
As a college student, he was captivated by the Wright Brothers story. It would become his life's passion. He spent 40 years as a historian at the Wright Brothers National Memorial telling that story on the grounds of the First Flight. His gifts of historic storytelling and engagement with audiences from two to the thousands including children, politicians and industry leaders, and legendary aviators lead to speaking engagements nation-wide. His knowledge, research, education and history consultation, public speaking and public relations lead to his standing among the top three Wright Brothers authorities in the world. The passion continued post- retirement as he shared the Wrights' Legacy of Greatness the "Miracle at Kitty Hawk" to new audiences.
His dedication to Outer Banks history introduced new audiences to Roanoke Island's Freedmen's Colony and the Pea Island Life Saving Station. He told the story of Fort Raleigh and The Lost Colony with the conviction of a native son.
Darrell was always grateful for the opportunities that his education afforded him. He cherished the opportunity to enlighten young minds through his scholarship and interpretation of the Wrights. Their lives were more than just about flight; their story held life lessons.
Darrell proclaimed the Wrights' story as a Legacy of Greatness, one that transcended flight. And in that work, he created a legacy of academics, honor, ethics, work, family, and community service-another legacy of greatness.
Darrell believed in, and invested in, our next generations. Honor this aviation icon with your investment in the Darrell M. Collins Aviation Science Scholarship. Funds will establish this scholarship for aviation and aerospace students at Elizabeth City State University, Darrell's alma mater.
The scholarship will be in the care and administration of the Outer Banks Community Foundation with family involvement.
Donations to the Darrell M. Collins Aviation Science Scholarship can also be remitted to: The Outer Banks Community Foundation Attn: Darrell M. Collins Aviation Science Scholarship PO Box 2299 Manteo, NC 27954
Contact Tonya by cell, or email with any questions you may have on the scholarship. You may purchase a Limited Edition Giclee by visiting the Shop Page. Tonya Collins, PIPSI President PO Box 217 • Manteo, NC 27954 252-573-8332
We are looking for enthusiastic Museum Volunteers and a Lead Staffer position which comes with a bi-weekly stipend.
JOIN US
We are seeking new board members with nonprofit experience who are team players to invigorate our organization.
Those with proven fundraising and education backgrounds are encouraged to inquire.
