Press Releases

The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ America 250 NC initiative has dispersed nearly $900,000 in grant funds across 34 counties in the state. The grant-funded projects include new cultural events, physical and digital exhibits, historical markers, and more all inspired by North Carolina’s revolutionary history and the themes of America 250 NC. The America 250 NC Grants are designed to spark programs and activities on a local level to create a memorable and meaningful commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

The Museum of the Albemarle will host our monthly History for Lunch on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 12 p.m. in the Gaither Auditorium.  Joshua Strayhorn, PhD, a Mellon Humanities Postdoctoral Fellow with the National Park Service, will discuss the legacies of freedom seekers in North Carolina by highlighting how enslaved people used the strategies they developed during slavery, such as running away, marronage, and resistance, to advocate for themselves during the Civil War and beyond.  He will highlight how enslaved people’s knowledge of the environment in and aro

This 4th of July, a Raleigh tradition continues with music and a ceremony on the Capitol grounds. The Capitol will host a ceremony that includes an outdoor naturalization for new citizens, a reading from the Declaration of Independence, and a wreath laying at the George Washington monument by the Sons of the American Revolution. The Raleigh Concert Band will also perform from 11:30 a.m. to noon, and the ceremony will begin on the east grounds at noon.

Young historians from across the state gathered at the North Carolina Museum of History this spring for the

The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation announced a new partnership with Waypoint Adventure, based in Black Mountain, N.C., to provide adaptive recreation programs for visitors with disabilities. Recreation activities such as accessible kayaking and guided hikes will be offered at a few western state parks this summer and fall as a pilot program.“We are eager to launch this program to offer a new way for visitors with disabilities to experience and enjoy North Carolina’s beautiful state parks,” said State Parks Director Brian Strong.

An American Indian tribe linked to settlements in southeastern North Carolina soon will be recognized with a North Carolina Highway Historical Marker.

The Museum of the Albemarle will collaborate with Elizabeth City Downtown, Inc.’s Mariners' Wharf Film Festival 2024 on Tuesday, July 30, starting at 6 p.m., at Mariners’ Wharf at 200 South Water Street, Elizabeth City to highlight the museum’s newest exhibit Where the Waves Break:  Surfing in Northeastern North Carolina.   

Free ice cream, watermelon, a ducky derby, and a voter registration drive will be happening at the museum’s annual "Red, White, and Blue Ice Cream Social." Enjoy the festivities from 2-4 p.m., on July 4.

This summer, splash into an underwater world of art during Paint Nights Under the Sea at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring yourself to make fin-tastic memories during this relaxing night of creating artwork. Instructors from Wine and Design on Wheels from Morehead City will provide all the painting supplies and guide participants every step of the way.

The tent, trailer, and RV campsites and the picnic shelter at Medoc Mountain State Park In Halifax County were closed June 3 for at least 12 months due to construction. These facilities are being renovated as part of the park’s Connect N.C. Bond project.“We are very excited for this project to improve the camping experience at Medoc Mountain State Park,” said Kathy Capps, deputy director of operations at N.C. State Parks. “The park has done a lot of work in recent years to improve day-use experience with the addition of new trails, including the mountain biking trails.”