Book a Speaking Engagement

Jay Barnes

As author of North Carolina’s Hurricane History, Florida’s Hurricane History, and Faces from the Flood: Hurricane Floyd Remembered, Jay is often asked to share his knowledge of hurricane history through lectures and special programs. He can schedule a lecture for your museum, school, library, historical society or civic group, and follow up with a book signing. Contact him through the link below to arrange a presentation.

Program Outline

Jay has done presentations for a wide variety of groups over the years, from small literary clubs to large national conventions. In these talks he shares his insights on hurricanes and weaves together sometimes humorous and often tragic stories from these storms. His programs almost always feature a wonderful collection of historical photographs (PowerPoint) that offer a visual dimension to these tales of hurricane survival. His programs can be customized for individual groups, though his most popular presentations focus on North Carolina hurricanes, Florida hurricanes, or individual storms like Hazel or Floyd. Most presentations last about one hour. Talk with Jay about your interests and let him customize a presentation for you.

Hear What Others Had to Say

“Jay’s knowledge of hurricane history and his wonderful anecdotal style made for a delightful keynote speech at our annual conference—floodplain managers were talking about it for days afterward and thinking about what other venues we could bless with his insightful and fun presentation.”
—Joy Duperault, Florida Division of Emergency Management

“One of the highlights of the Florida Floodplain Managers Association (FFMA) Annual Conference on March 29, 2012 was Jay Barnes presentation on the “History of Florida Hurricanes”. The combination of Jay’s ability to engage the audience, the compelling facts and photos presented and the stories of how these storms impacted everyday people reminded us how important our work is. I highly recommend Jay based on his wit, command of the subject matter and presentation style.”
—Cece McKiernan, Executive Director FFMA

“Jay has complete command of the subject matter and equally important, an excellent ability to communicate it clearly and concisely for his audience. His relaxed and good-natured approach makes him disarming and engaging, which encourages an audience to listen closely to what he has to say.”
—Clay Johnson, Documentary Producer, WRAL-TV

“Jay Barnes is an excellent speaker and author; he provides a wonderful presentation on hurricanes that is very informative as well as fascinating. Anyone living in hurricane country would benefit from reading his books and also from hearing him speak on this subject.”
—Greg H. Needham, Director, Farmville Public Library

“Jay Barnes provided an excellent program of information enhanced by visuals at UNC Pembroke on October 28, 2004. He spoke about hurricane history with particular emphasis on recent hurricanes that affected Florida and North Carolina. His knowledge of history and science pertaining to the origin and development of hurricanes was impressive, and the audience was fascinated, engaging him in an enjoyable question-and-answer session following his presentation. A particular strength of Mr. Barnes is his extensive knowledge of stories of people who were affected by the hurricanes and floods, and the audience enjoyed this special touch he was able to provide.”
—Elinor F. Foster, Ed.D., University Librarian, Sampson-Livermore Library, The University of North Carolina at Pembroke

“Through awe-inspiring photographs and dialog, Jay draws the audience into the real-life drama of the power of hurricanes and the personal effects on coastal residents.”
—Jeannie Kraus, NC Maritime Museum

“A man of exceptional responsibility, Jay Barnes has gained the admiration and high esteem of all associates, as he extends substantial knowledge to his fellow man.”
—Mary Strickland, Southport Maritime Museum

“Jay Barnes spoke to the Hyde County Historical & Genealogical Society at its fall meeting on 24 October 2004. His presentation was well-prepared and well-presented. The audience responded with many questions and comments. We were very pleased with Mr. Barnes’ talk.”
—R. S. Spencer Jr., Hyde County Historical & Genealogical Society

“CNN and the Weather Channel claim to cover the damage and destruction caused by hurricanes, but all we really see is storm-lashed reporters “braving it” in the eye. Jay Barnes, by contrast, presents the human side of these tragedies. He tells not only of the death and devastation caused by such storms but of the more compelling will to survive and effort toward recovery that follows courageously in their wake. Living and working in Eastern North Carolina, I especially appreciate that Jay Barnes tells stories about communities which are sometimes at their very best when things are worst.”
—Maggie Riley, Trinity Center Program Director

Contact Jay to arrange a presentation, discuss program ideas, proposed dates, and speaking fees.