The Arts of the Pamlico and the Washington/Beaufort County Human Relation Council are considering joining forces again to secure needed permits and artists for the 2019 Hispanic Heritage Month.

The Washington/Beaufort County Historic Preservation Commission will discuss this issue and several more at its meeting Tuesday.

The month begins Sept. 15 and ends Oct. 15, with events held at Havens Gardens, Bobby Andrews Recreation Center, Turnage Theatre and other sites.

Last year, Art of the Pamlico, in an effort expanded its programming to everyone, reached out to the Hispanic and Latino communities. The council presented two guitar groups, a dance group and comedy show featuring Latino and Hispanic performers to showcase their talents.

Eight percent of Beaufort County’s population is Hispanic or Latino. The Arts of the Pamlico’s Board of Directors decided to reach out to that population’s culture, using funds from the North Carolina Arts Council’s multi-cultural programming money and the Washington/Beaufort County Human Relations Council to present the performances.

In a related matter, the two organizations are also considering submitting a Story Trees concept for funding. Last year, the concept was send to the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation for funding, but the concept only made it to the second round and was not funded.

“The concept is worth pursuing other sources to support it, I think,” said Debra Torrence, executive director of Arts of the Pamlico, in memorandum to Arts of the Pamlico.

The council will also discuss the Ed Peed observance scheduled for Feb. 16 at the city’s headquarter fire station. Peed was a Washington firefighter killed in the line of duty Feb. 8, 1902. Peed was killed when the western wall of the Hoyt Building collapsed without warning. Peed died instantly. A monument was erected by the town’s residents at his gravesite in appreciation of his faithful service to his community.

The Washington/Beaufort County Human Relations Council meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Council Chambers, 102 E. Second St.