Press Releases

Langston Hughes’ iconic character Jesse B. Semple will come to life on stage at the North Carolina History Center Thursday, July 16, at 7 p.m. for “The Best of Semple.” Actor and journalist Thomasi McDonald will become Jesse B. Semple, a character who focuses on topics like race, love and politics to create a portrait of what Hughes called the "everyman,” and gave African Americans a sense of hope. A graduate of North Carolina Century University where he studied theatre, performance art, and journalism, McDonald has appeared in numerous productions including August Wilson’s “Fences” and “Gem of the Ocean.” 

Special guests ranging from Earl Owensby, a Tar Heel film legend, to Tyrone Jefferson, who served several stints as music director for entertainer James Brown, will present August programs at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh.

The influx of Scots-Irish immigrants into North Carolina's backcountry in the 1760s, many of them Presbyterians, led to the creation of Goshen Presbyterian Church.

The 1897 Poe House, part of the Museum of Cape Fear Historical Complex, will once again serve as the backdrop for another Sweet Tea Shakespeare performance. The Tempest will run July 16-19 and 23-26 at 7 p.m. nightly. Come at 6:15 p.m.

There's a party at Town Creek Indian Mound July 11 thrown by the staff and everyone is invited! Come celebrate the birth of the "Godfather or North Carolina Archaeology," Dr. Joffre Coe, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn how he taught the art and science of research in the dirt.

World War I Weekend will be held at Tryon Palace and the North Carolina History Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 17-18, in downtown New Bern. This first-time event invites visitors to discover the stories and images of World War I through artifacts, photos, reenactors and exhibits.

Join the "Under the Dome Discovery Tour" series for a look at behind-the-scenes spaces of the State Capitol in July and August. You will see normally closed areas Saturday, July 25 and Saturday, Aug. 29, at 10 a.m. and noon both dates. Capitol City history as well as rarely seen spaces will be the focus of the look at this 19th century treasure. Tickets are $17. Make your reservation today by calling (919) 733-4994. 

The Tryon’s Explorers program invites children ages 6-10 to the Tryon Palace costume shop to learn about the clothing and fashions of the 18th century. The program will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 11.

July 4 is the kick off for "It's Revolutionary!" a two year observance of the importance of North Carolina's Revolutionary and colonial era state historic sites in America's freedom story. From ousting a colonial governor in New Bern to calling for freedom from England in Halifax, North Carolina has played a pivotal role in the move to independence for the Unites States.

North Carolina middle and high school students, as well as their teachers, shined with award recognition in the National History Day (NHD) Contest, June 14-18, at the University of Maryland, College Park. A first place, second place, several special awards and other awards were among honors bestowed on students from the Tar Heel state.