When called on for a broad presentation, Ms. Salsi's topic is "North Carolina Alive." This is based on a ten-week class she teaches at Guilford Technical Community College and a book, The North Carolina Imagination Box, to be published in March 2003. Beginning with facts and features most people know about North Carolina, she then weaves in stories of places unfamiliar to most people--places such as Portsmouth Island, Cape Lookout, Plymouth, Robbins, Blowing Rock, and Weaverville. In this presentation, the choice of topics depends on there Ms. Salsi is speaking. For example, in the western part of the state she may use more coastal examples; in eastern North Carolina, more mountain examples. Included in this presentation are comments and stories from the diverse and interesting people Ms. Salsi has interviewed throughout the state.

Ms. Salsi takes her audiences on an exploration of the coast of North Carolina. She begins about 1850, centering on history and culture of specific coastal areas. The presentation is based on oral histories of eye-witnesses that she has interviewed and from her books, Voices of the Crystal Coast and Images of Craven County. These stories unlock doors to the past and show how personal history is important. The audience is treated to stories about whaling, Civil War Spies, Shell Island Castle, the fishing industry, and the North Carolina railroad.

*Upon request, Ms. Salsi can also present a lecture about the Piedmont, especially Guilford County.

Included in this presentation are legends of the Hicks family of Banner Elk--Ray Hicks, his grandfather Benjamin and his great-great grandfather Counce (Council) HarmonÑ-and how the Jack Tales came to North Carolina. This is a poignant and humorous presentation including songs, jokes, and customs of the mountain people.