The following are historical projects that have been conducted by Jack Robinson, primarily at his own expense:
1) Extensive research on the life of Captain Otway Burns, a War of 1812 Privateer who lived in Swansboro, NC.
His research has evolved into a Graduate Thesis, internet web site, and a manuscript that reviews the challenging life experiences
of Captain Burns, much of which debunks the known history of his life.
2) Has conducted preliminary, extensive articulate research on the1898, Wilmington, North Carolina, race
riots, his findings suggests that known reasons and events that took place are to be challenged.
3) Requested by Wilmington, NC historians to conduct a basic research project dealing with WWII era USO (United
Service Organization) clubs within New Hanover County. Found extensive material through articulate research in the state of
Minnesota. Extension of the same research project similar lost records for Jacksonville, NC Segregated USOs were located.
All records were thought to be lost and presumed destroyed. The Jacksonville USO preservation project— that consisted
of over 300,000 pages of material was performed by Jack Robinson over a three year period.
4) Redesigned and developed much needed and required extensive criteria for the Montford Point Marines Museum,
Camp Lejeune, NC. The museum tells the story of the first African American Marines as they trained for the
US Marine Corps at Montford Point, Jacksonville, N, from 1942 to 1949. He started with little, if any, internal organized
procedures and then he restructured the entire museum operation.
5) While working for the Cape Fear Museum of Wilmington, NC assisted in the development of a Internet web site
dealing with local history during WWII. Assisted in preserving, documenting and conserving material while working at Caper
Fear Museum.
6) While working at the Randall Library, University of Wilmington, NC, sorted, documented, and preserved over
5,000 pages of material dealing with Wilmington, NC and surrounding towns. Many of the original documents dated to the early
19th Century.
7) Conducted research, preservation, and stabilizing techniques for the once segregated "Old Georgetown Cemetery,"
the remaining gravesite of its kind left in Jacksonville, NC. Since leaving the project in 2004 and without financial assistance
Jack conducted independent research and has compiled detailed information. Of note, It is documented that no more
than six former slaves are buried within this historical burial ground along with no more than five military Army veterans
from WWI or WWII.
Update:
8) Has published his findings in regards to Captain Otway Burns' adventurous life
and is offered for sale on this and other Internet sites. His first short story, Simbar: Freed Slave;
Witness to WWII, has received positive comments from local authors, historians, and friends.
9) Currently Jack is the primary and sole caretaker of the historic "Brick Mill
Cemetery," an all African American Cemetery believed to be in use since ca.1895. Located in the village of Richlands,
North Carolina it has, to date, no less than fifteen former slaves along with not less than twenty veterans of foreign
wars (WWI, WWII, Vietnam) have been layed to rest in this private "Community" cemetery.
Note: This cemetery is on private land and is not available to individual public visits,
however, tours can be conducted by contacting Jack to set up visitation or tour on Wednesdays or Saturdays (10am to 2pm
only). This is an all outdoor area without rest rooms. It is only partically handicap accessable.
Click on Intenet address listed below to view a 2.5 minute video of the earliest steps
in stabilizing the "Brick Mill Cemetery." The preservation phase begins after stabilization is completed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxYDVMoehm4
10) Jack is currently conducting an independant cemetery stabilization and preservation
project on the "Brick Mill Cemetery." Privately funded and privately conducted, this project was initialed due
to the lack of attention of the site and is solely researched, processed, and promoted by Jack. His work is
in no way connected through any church, museum or Not-for-profit organizations. These organizations will be asked to
contribute and assist where possible. Jack is conducting this major and massive project on his own and at his own expense.
Note: Since this is a private stabilization and preservation project, Jack is not a "Not-for-profit" entity.
Because of this fact, he can not formerly solicit funds or taxable donations in any form. He does recognize, however, that
this is a vital project that is long overdue for the community and family members of individuals buried within the "Brick
Mill Cemetery."
Jack plans to develop and then publish a book for sale on his findings (anticipated spring of 2008). He
will donate a few of his finished published material on the history of the "Brick Mill Cemetery" to the
town's churches, museum and selected members of the community.
Note: Jack hopes to gather as much information on the former slaves, veterans of foreign wars, and local community
residents who are buried within this historic cemetery. If you know who is buried at this site, or have photographs,
or documents that will aid in this project please contact Jack Robinson.
One of the goals of this long overdue historical research and preservation project is to formerly recognize
the former slaves and the numerous veterans of foreign wars. These people need to be recognized for their sacrifices
and community contributions. It needs to be done out of respect to them and to their direct descendents.
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Jack has been the main subject for several newspaper and magizine articles. He has been a subject for
a main article presented by the North Carolina, Our State, magazine and again in the local southeastern "Max" magazine.
His latest recognition for his continuous work in preserving and educating the general public about southeastern
history came from the North Carolina Society of Historians in 2005, where he received three pretigous awards.
