Jane and Leonard Bryant
A photograph of Jane and Leonard Bryant of Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, in September of 1942.
At the time, the Bryants were the only Black family on the island of Ocracoke.
A photograph of Jane and Leonard Bryant of Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, in September of 1942.
At the time, the Bryants were the only Black family on the island of Ocracoke.
Leonard, a sexton at the local Methodist church, donated 58-acres of the family's land to the United States government in 1942 to aid in the creation of what is now known as Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
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Jane and Leonard raised nine children on the island, several of which remained Ocracoke residents. Muzel Bryant was the last remaining, having lived on the island her entire life. She passed away at the age of 103 in 2008.
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Source: ConDev3099 - From the Conservation and Development Photo File, State Archives of NC.
The Hawley Museum is passionately committed to uncovering and sharing the fascinating family stories that have influenced our state's and nation's history. We believe that every family has a unique story to tell, one that adds depth to the rich tapestry of North Carolina and U.S. History.
We encourage you to reflect on your own family narrative—did your ancestors play a pivotal role in these historical events? We invite you to become a part of our family curator team by sharing your family's history, whether it be through photos, videos, articles, or documents.
Let’s work together and weave a more comprehensive narrative that honors the roles families have played in our collective past to inspire future museum visitors.
The Hawley Museum is passionately committed to uncovering and sharing the fascinating family stories that have influenced our state's and nation's history. We believe that every family has a unique story to tell, one that adds depth to the rich tapestry of North Carolina and U.S. History.
We encourage you to reflect on your own family narrative—did your ancestors play a pivotal role in these historical events? We invite you to become a part of our family curator team by sharing your family's history, whether it be through photos, videos, articles, or documents.
Let’s work together and weave a more comprehensive narrative that honors the roles families have played in our collective past to inspire future museum visitors.