By JOAN SEARS

For the Daily News

SWAN QUARTER — Learning about history and sharing it with others is commonplace in Hyde County. This may be in large part because the families that reside there are decedents of those from when the county was first established and developed. There are items and even collections from times of old across Hyde that help us to remember folks from an earlier time and tie families together.

Al Schmitt of Hyde County has a collection of old Hyde news articles passed down to him through his family. Schmitt has found a home for this collection of hundreds of articles where they can be viewed and enjoyed by the public.

The Hyde County Historical & Genealogical Society is the renowned source for Hyde’s history and family records. It is made up of members who have a genuine interest in the subject. Many publications have evolved from their existence. They have a very active board and have regular gatherings in the spring and the fall. Old homes and churches are the gathering points for the meetings. They will usually have special guest speakers who tell about an interesting family history and happenings throughout the years often with old photos and documents. The stories of the guest speaker are included in the biannual issues of the “Hyde Tides” along with other interesting and entertaining family history.

Spencer’s True Value in Engelhard carries a large collection of HCHGS publications for sale. The HCHGS has a corner in the Mattamuskeet Library where one can sit and enjoy photos, documents and writings about life and times of long ago in Hyde County. If you are interested in attending the biannual meetings or becoming a member call 252-926-0310 or 252-926-1955 to find out more information.