Press Releases

On March 21-22, 2020, thousands of living historians from across the country will descend on Bentonville Battlefield for the 155th Anniversary reenactment of North Carolina’s largest battle. Over 3,000 participants are expected for the two-day event, making it one of the country’s largest reenactments in 2020.  

The American Library Association has designated September as Library Card Sign-up Month. In recognition and support of this month-long event and to build awareness of library resources and services, the State Library of North Carolina's Government & Heritage Library will host an open house Wednesday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. on the first floor of the Archives and History/State Library Building, 109 E.

The North Carolina Historic Preservation Office has set up an online form for local governments and citizens to report damage to historic properties from wind and flooding associated with Hurricane Dorian.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation and Come Hear North Carolina have released a full concert video from Vanessa Ferguson’s recent performance at the childhood home of Nina Simone in Tryon, N.C.  

The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources will commemorate the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage on the grounds of the State Capitol at a kick-off event for “She Changed the World: NC Women Breaking Barriers” Saturday, Sept. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

The North Carolina Aquariums Division is proud to announce new directors at aquariums in Pine Knoll Shores and Roanoke Island. Liz Baird comes to the Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium after serving 24 years at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. She will begin her new position Sept. 2. Larry Warner, who has a 32-year career in museums and aquariums, will serve as director for the Roanoke Island location. He will begin his new position Sept. 3.

RALEIGH, N.C. – Born into slavery in Raleigh in 1803, Lunsford Lane worked industriously, started a business, and eventually bought his freedom. He also lectured to abolitionist groups and authored a memoir. The achievements and contributions of Lunsford Lane will be recognized with a N.C. Highway Historical Marker to be dedicated Tuesday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m.  Remarks and a dramatic reading from Lane’s memoir will be held in the House Chamber at the State Capitol in Raleigh.

The sounds of artillery and musket fire will once again ring out at Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site. The annual summer artillery living history program will be held Saturday, Aug. 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Costumed living historians will demonstrate how soldiers made meals, maintained their weapons, equipment and uniforms, trained for battle, withstood the weather and much more. This free program will feature artillery and musket firings at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.  

The Division of Parks and Recreation (Division) is seeking public input on the Elk Knob State Park Master Plan. The Master Plan will be a twenty-year plan that covers the entire state park, which contains over 4,200 acres spanning Watauga and Ashe Counties. The park is sited within the Amphibolite Mountains, an ecological hotspot of global significance.

Spying is sometimes known as the world’s second oldest profession. Nineteenth century notions about a woman’s place and capabilities set the stage for hundreds of women to become spies during the American Civil War. “Beautiful Deception” is an exhibit at the CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center through January 2020 about some fabled Civil War era spies.