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Bladen County Historical Society and Harmony Hall Plantation Village group have been managed in part by Bobby and Seth Lewis, two brothers with a huge love for History. However, last week, the brothers resigned their services with the historical clubs.

Many may not know just how much the duo have done to retain history here in Bladen County and the surrounding areas. Seth Lewis served over 50 years on the Historical Society and worked with Harmony Hall for over 30 years. Bobby Lewis has 30 years of service under his belt with the Historical Society and the Harmony Hall group.

“These two men are historical heroes, but never have wanted recognition for all they have done,” according to Gary Roberts, a fellow history buff.

Roberts and many others are upset and outraged the two men have felt the need to resign from their posts. According to a Historical Society Board member, eight highly involved members of the society followed the brothers and have resigned from the society over the dissension. The Backwoods Milita group have moved their headquarters to 164 Lewis Pocket Road in Bladenboro since the split.

According to Roberts, Seth and Bobby not only helped restore Harmony Hall from being a storage area going to ruin, but made it into a place people can come enjoy and learn about our history here in Bladen County. They have made sure other historical sites have been recognized as well. Seth and Bobby have been leaders in bringing awareness to the rich history we have in our area according to Roberts.

The two brothers along with other board members have worked hard to create a annual festival to observe the Battle of Elizabethtown. In February Harmony Hall received a new roof under the Lewis leadership, and benefits of Harmony Hall have been publicized more than ever before.

Roberts said when talking about the two, “They helped pull Harmony Hall up from the ground and now they are being villainized and it’s just outrageous. I’m very disappointed. No one had talked about what the good things they have done.” Seth even helped bring recognition to George Washington’s visit to Robeson County according to Roberts.

When asked what accomplishments they were most proud of, Bobby said, “I guess the Battle of Elizabethtown is the most interesting.” He said he would continue to offer his assistance with the annual event if he was needed.

Seth said, “Hopefully we have brought more awareness to our history.” According to Seth, his hope is people will continue to pursue history and it’s publication and increase participation and appreciation for history.

Seth said his new focus would be to bring awareness about the Brown Marsh Battlefield Project. “I am open to where I can be of service,” Seth said.

Another project Seth would like to see happen is the newly constructed bridge on Tar Heel Ferry Road be renamed in memory of war hero Col. James Richardson.

The brothers are not giving up on the history in our area and they hope others don’t either.