but first... A Welcome Sight THE FIRST BRIDGE CONNECTING THE OUTER BANKS
to the Currituck mainland was a three-mile-long wooden toll bridge that opened to the public in 1930 – and paved the way for new era in the barrier islands’ then-fledgling hospitality industry. While this was the initial sight that greeted people as they entered the Outer Banks on the south side of the bridge, the wording on the opposite side of the decorative arch also reminded departing visitors that they were “Always Welcome.” Photo courtesy of the Outer Banks History Center, circa 1931.
WHEN IT FELT AS THOUGH THE WHOLE WORLD
had suddenly stopped this past spring, two professional photographers in Needham, Massachusetts, launched The Front Steps Project with one simple idea: In order to foster a sense of community while maintaining quarantine precautions, they’d snap quick pics of area residents on their front porches in return for a suggested donation to a local nonprofit.
Home, Sweet Home
After they posted their first family portrait on March 18, the idea quickly went viral and hundreds of photographers from around the globe joined in to replicate the project in their own towns – and the Outer Banks was no exception. Over the course of a couple weeks, a number of local photographers volunteered their time to offer mini, socially distanced photo sessions to individuals and families from Corolla to Hatteras Island, and the results were nothing short of spectacular. “People really wanted to be a part of the project,” says Kill Devil Hills photographer Kati Wilkins, who personally received more than 100 photo session requests. “And it kept growing, so we just ran with it.” continued> N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 7
