Press Releases

Pilot Mountain State Park in Surry and Yadkin counties will celebrate its 50th anniversary this month with a day full of events at the park. The area near the big and little pinnacles in the Sauratown Mountains became a state park in 1968. The park now consists of more than 3,800 acres and includes a section along the Yadkin River.  

From Stede Bonnet to Blackbeard himself, people have long been fascinated with pirates, which are part of North Carolina history. Who were they? Where did they live? What did they wear? How did they become pirates? Discover pirates as the streets of the town of Bath will be filled with them for the “Pirates in the Port” program July 21, 10 a.m.

A War for Empire that crossed five continents and lasted seven years is remembered at Fort Dobbs State Historic Site, the state’s only link to the French and Indian War. What can be learned about the 1756 construction, and the 50 men garrisoned at the fort? These are the lessons often left to archaeology and the recovery of materials inhabitants left behind. 

In recent decades hundreds of movies have been made in North Carolina, and N.C. Museum of Art Curator Laura Boyes will review “Filmmaking in North Carolina” Thursday, July 12, 12:30 p.m. at the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Building, 109 E. Jones St., Raleigh.

Tory vs. Whig…Loyalist vs. Patriot…Neighbor vs. Neighbor…the Revolutionary War goes by many names. The scars of this personal and complicated war can still be witnessed at House in the Horseshoe State Historic Site. Come experience the American Revolution during the 237th anniversary of the House in the Horseshoe Battle Re-enactment Aug. 4-5.

There are many ways to celebrate the Fourth of July, but none more authentic than at a state historic site that played a role in the march to independence for the American colony. Roanoke Island, Historic Halifax, Historic Edenton and Tryon Palace all were part of the creation of this nation and will celebrate with history, fireworks, music or a reading of the Declaration of Independence. 

Dwayne Patterson, currently chief financial officer of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, has been named director of the state Division of Parks and Recreation. 

The Ku Klux Klan planned a rally near Hayes Pond in Maxon, N.C. Jan. 18, 1958, with the intent of intimidating the area’s Lumbee Indians. Locals learned of the plans and decided to confront the Klan. As part of the annual Lumbee homecoming celebration, a North Carolina Highway Historical Marker will be dedicated July 5 to commemorate that Robeson County encounter. The 3 p.m. marker dedication will be part of a commemorative program that starts at noon. The dedication will be at the intersection of NC Highway 130 and Hayes Pond Road.

First Lady Kristin Cooper will welcome visitors to the Governor’s Western Residence, 45 Patton Mountain Rd, Asheville, for an open house Sunday, July 1, from 2-4 p.m.   Reservations are not needed to attend the open house. Mrs. Cooper will greet guests inside the residence. For more information, please call (828) 225-0122.    

Governor Roy Cooper today announced that poet, teacher, and community arts advocate Jaki Shelton Green will serve as North Carolina’s ninth poet laureate.   “Jaki Shelton Green brings a deep appreciation of our state’s diverse communities to her role as an ambassador of North Carolina literature,” Governor Cooper said. “Jaki’s appointment is a wonderful new chapter in North Carolina’s rich literary history."