Press Releases

In 1761, the western part of North Carolina was in crisis. Warfare between British colonists and the Cherokee had raged for two years. By the summer and fall, armies massed for a final invasion of the Cherokee's homeland. Fort Dobbs State Historic Site will host a living history event Sept. 25 that will demonstrate the experiences of the soldiers, Cherokee, and settlers caught up in the Anglo-Cherokee War. Ongoing displays of life in military camps will include period cooking, trades and crafts, as well as scheduled weapons firing demonstrations.

The North Carolina Arts Council announced today that five traditional artist teams from western North Carolina have received the third annual North Carolina Appalachian Folklife Apprenticeships awards.

Like almost everything else, BugFest will be a little different this year … welcome to BugFest 2021: Plan Bee, a celebration of bees!Did you know there are more than 20,000 species of bees worldwide and more than 4,000 in North America alone? Seventy percent of the world’s agriculture depends on bees, and without them many plants would not be able to reproduce. Because they are crucial to Earth’s ecosystems, it’s important to protect bees and to understand our part in their survival. 

 It’s time! After a long-anticipated, robust upgrade in exhibits and overall space, the former A Time for Science center on Dickinson Avenue is holding a public celebration Saturday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Grand Opening is coupled with a science expo, showcasing displays and activities inside and outside of the museum.

A historical marker commemorating the life of a renowned immigrant architect and builder soon will be installed near the site of his Black Mountain estate.

Construction of a new visitor center at Eno River State Park will limit parking at Fews Ford access through late summer 2022. Visitors should expect parking to reach capacity early in the day on weekends and good weather days. Park staff say visitors should prepare to have a wait for a parking space at Fews Ford while construction continues.

 The North Carolina African American Heritage Commission has received a $100,386 federal grant (MH-249108-OMS-21) from the national Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for its follow-up project "A Tale of

The North Carolina Transportation Museum is pleased to announce an update to the “How the West Was Won” exhibit, located in the Bob Julian Roundhouse.

N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Reid Wilson announces the appointments of Dr. Darin Waters as Deputy Secretary for Archives and History and Schorr Johnson as Director of Communications.

Summer is here, flowers and centuries-old trees are in full bloom, and cool breezes from Lake Phelps stave off the stifling heat. The 10th annual “Days Gone By” living history event at Somerset Place State Historic Site offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy this beautiful weather.