The Federation of North Carolina Historical Societies, a nonprofit affiliated with the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, has selected three organizations to receive special Newsome Awards, funded by America 250 NC. The awards recognize these projects for outstanding local history contributions to the America 250 NC commemoration:
- City of Raleigh Museum’s participatory project and exhibit, Patterns of Belonging: English Learners' Reflections on America 250. Building on a special curriculum for English Language Learners that explored the themes of freedom, culture, and the American dream, the museum incorporated 30 student journals with reflections and drawings into the exhibit, as well as a mural with shapes inspired by patterns the students contributed. Artist Adriana Ameigh, a Puerto Rican abstract painter, sculptor, and muralist based in Raleigh created the exhibit centerpiece from the students' drawings. Preview the museum’s current exhibits at raleighnc.gov/parks-and-recreation/places/city-raleigh-museum.
- Odyssey for Democracy's Black Oral Histories of Beaufort County project preserves Black community members’ stories with a growing collection of 34 recorded interviews. The organization partnered with 13 local and national nonprofits, including Federation members Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum, P.S. Jones Museum, and Historic Port of Washington Project. To learn more about the project and listen to recordings, visit blackoralhistories.blubrry.net/2026/09/18/growing-up-in-aurora-north-carolina/.
- Stanly County Museum and Historical Society's America's 250th Field Trips and Traveling Exhibit project hosted field trips for 3rd graders across the county, integrating museum visits, a scavenger hunt, and library programs. The museum coordinator is also completing visits to all 5th grade classrooms, for a total of 2,300 students in 2026.
Each winner will receive a framed certificate and $500 during an awards presentation at the High Point Museum, Oct. 27, 4-5:30 p.m.
For more information about the Federation of N.C. Historical Societies, visit dncr.nc.gov/explore/history-culture/history/federation-north-carolina-historical-societies. For more information about the Newsome Award, visit dncr.nc.gov/explore/arts-history/office-archives-and-history/federation-nc-historical-societies/services/newsome-award.
For more information about the award selection and presentation event, contact Adrienne Berney, Adrienne.berney@dncr.nc.gov; 919-814-6863.
About America 250 NC
America 250 NC is North Carolina’s commemoration of the United States’ 250th anniversary and is led by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. For more information about America 250 NC, visit america250.nc.gov.
About the State Archives of North Carolina
The State Archives of North Carolina preserves and provides access to the state's historical records. Through its extensive collections, educational programs and exhibitions, the State Archives helps connect North Carolinians with their shared history.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. At more than 100 sites across the state, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.