History enthusiasts are invited to discover how a Carrickfergus man helped shape colonial North Carolina, encouraged Ulster migration to America, and was the first European to discover the Venus Flytrap.

It’s all part of the seminar Arthur Dobbs, ‘Curious in Everything’, which will take place on Saturday, August 22 from 11.00am – 2.30pm in Carrickfergus Town Hall.

The event brings together leading historians and experts from both Northern Ireland and North Carolina to explore Dobbs’ life, achievements and legacy.

Appointed Governor of North Carolina in 1753, Dobbs witnessed and helped shape many of the political and social developments that unfolded in Colonial America during the years leading up to the Revolution.

History enthusiasts are invited to discover how Carrickfergus man Arthur Dobbs helped shape colonial North Carolina, encouraged Ulster migration to America, and was the first European to discover the Venus Flytrap. Image: MEABC

placeholder image — History enthusiasts are invited to discover how Carrickfergus man Arthur Dobbs helped shape colonial North Carolina, encouraged Ulster migration to America, and was the first European to discover the Venus Flytrap. Image: MEABC

He was also a passionate scientist and is widely credited as the first European to document the Venus Flytrap.

While historians in both Ireland and North Carolina remember him fondly, his remarkable contribution is still largely unknown to the wider public.

The seminar will include talks by:

- Trevor Parkhill, MBE author and historian – Arthur Dobbs: Colonial Undertaker and Governor of North Carolina;

- David Hume, local historian – On waves to the Backcountry: the Emigrant Experience;

- Jim McKee, site manager, Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site, Tippitiwitchet to Toiletry: Arthur Dobbs at Brunswick Town, NC 1758-1765;

- Katie Hatton, North Carolina Colonial Records Project - "The Best and Tenderest of Husbands": Arthur Dobbs' Marriage to Justina Davis.

Lunch is provided; attendees are asked to advise of any dietary requirements.

The event includes a lunchtime performance by musician Dick Glasgow, who will bring along his Appalachian Dulcimer.

Tickets cost £8.00; for more information or to book, visit https://www.shapedbyseaandstone.com/whats-on/arthur-dobbs-curious-in-everything-p1063781.

Andrew Jackson Cottage is currently hosting an exhibition tracing Dobbs’ extraordinary life, which includes unique items kindly on loan from the Dobbs collection held by the Public Record Office of Northern.

This exhibition will be open until Saturday, September 5 2026.

The seminar and exhibition form part of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s programme of events marking America 250, commemorating the 250th anniversary since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.