February Book of the Month: Uncovering a Hidden Pioneer of American Radio

Each month, the Old Baldy Foundation highlights a book that deepens our understanding of coastal history and the remarkable people who shaped it. For February 2026, our Director of Philanthropy, Travis Gilbert, has selected a compelling new work by historian Kevin Duffus, whose research and storytelling continue to illuminate overlooked chapters of the American story. In The Inventor: Reginald Fessenden and the Origins of American Radio on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Duffus brings readers to the windswept shores of the Outer Banks to uncover the life and legacy of a visionary whose contributions quietly changed the modern world.

Once again, author Kevin Duffus has proven the old adage “never let the truth get in the way of a good story” is unnecessary because the truth often is the best version of the story. Kevin Duffus’s newest book, The Inventor: Reginald Fessenden and the Origins of American Radio on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, is a fascinating dive into a nearly forgotten chapter of history that separates fact from fiction. Duffus digs deep into the life and work of Reginald Fessenden, a brilliant but overlooked inventor who helped pioneer modern radio technology. What makes this book special is how Duffus brings history to life, showing not just the science behind Fessenden’s achievements, but also the wild, wind-swept setting of the Outer Banks where some of his most groundbreaking experiments took place. You can really feel the mix of isolation and innovation that defined his work.

True to Duffus’s style, the storytelling feels accessible and human. He has a knack for blending historical detail with a sense of wonder, making technical subjects feel approachable even if you’re not a science enthusiast. The author weaves in rich local color, from the storms, the seaboard life, and the grit of early 20th-century experimentation. Collectively, this narrative gives readers a strong sense of place. Few authors compare to Kevin Duffus in research, but also personal passion for coastal North Carolina and its overlooked contributions to the American story. 

By the end of the book, you can’t help but wonder why Fessenden isn’t as well-known as other figures like Marconi or Tesla. Duffus makes a compelling case for why that should change. The Inventor is both a tribute to Fessenden’s genius and a reminder that some of the most important moments in technological history happened far from the big cities, on a narrow strip of sand off the Carolina coast. It’s an engaging, enlightening, and surprisingly heartfelt read for anyone who loves hidden history, inventive minds, or a good coastal story. The Old Badly Foundation remains grateful for Kevin Duffus, whose friendship, support, and research continues to shape our mission and instill pride in our community.

Duffus’s work reminds us that innovation and history are often rooted in unexpected places, and that coastal North Carolina has played a far greater role in the American story than many realize. As we celebrate this month’s Book of the Month, we are also looking ahead with excitement—Old Baldy reopens on March 3rd with our spring hours, and we cannot wait to welcome you back. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning for another season, we look forward to seeing everyone for another exciting year at Old Baldy, filled with history, discovery, and community.