Dr. Steve Hill Explores Statesville’s Dark History in New Book
Dr. Steve Hill, Statesville’s local historian, tells the spooky and thrilling stories of the haunted and mysterious side of Statesville through his new book “Statesville After Dark.” With his upcoming book launch on Oct. 23, his story goes beyond being a local historian.
For Dr. Steve Hill, a passion for history began long before he became a local historian. Growing up in the 1950s and 1960s, Hill developed an interest in the past by listening to family stories and ghost stories, experiences that helped shape his lifelong fascination with the history of Statesville.
“Television was just starting to become popular, but you still had a lot of time to sit around the fireplace or sit around the year and listen to stories,” said Hill. “The conversation usually got back to the old days: what how it used to be done and what your parents and grandparents used to do, so I've always had a great appreciation for history, and I guess that's where my love for history came from.”
Over the years, that interest grew into a dedication to preserving the community’s stories and historical artifacts. As a teenager, Hill began collecting postcards and tokens in Statesville, building a collection that would eventually contribute to his work in local history.
After retiring in 2009, Hill worked alongside Mayor Costi to establish a museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the area’s heritage. The effort took the collection through several locations, including an old balloon factory and an Army Navy store, before it found a permanent home in the Holland Building.
For Hill, making history accessible to the public has always been a priority. He believes the collection belongs to the community and should remain free for residents and visitors to enjoy. Rather than viewing the artifacts as personal possessions, he considers them part of a shared heritage worth protecting for future generations.
Now, Hill is bringing another dimension to Statesville’s past through an upcoming book exploring darker and supernatural historical accounts connected to the area.
The book offers readers more than a traditional historical account. Designed to function as a walking tour guide, it encourages readers to explore the streets of Statesville while learning about the stories and events associated with specific locations.
Hill has also incorporated multimedia technology to create a more immersive experience. QR codes throughout the book allow readers to access recorded songs and eerie stories connected to historical events and places. By scanning the codes, readers can listen to audio that adds atmosphere and context to the stories they encounter.
Among the historical subjects featured is the story of Tom Dooley, whose history has inspired musical interpretations over the years. The book’s audio elements give readers an opportunity to experience those connections between music, folklore and history in a new way.
Through his collecting, museum work and upcoming publication, Hill continues to find creative ways to preserve Statesville’s past. His latest project invites readers to look beyond familiar landmarks and discover the mysterious stories woven into the city’s history.
By combining historical research, storytelling and technology, Hill hopes to make exploring local history an engaging experience for residents and visitors alike.
“I'm looking forward to hopefully seeing some people out on the streets on Friday night and Saturday night with their books and their cell phones, enjoying what a beautiful city we have here,” said Hill.
Dr. Hill will be holding a book launch on Friday, October 23 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Statesville Historical Collection located in Downtown Statesville (117 S. Center Street). Purchase a book and take a stroll through downtown Statesville this October. To learn more and purchase a copy of his book, visit this website.
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