Press Releases

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.

Bright Star Touring Theatre brings “Happily Ever After”, to the Indoor Theatre at Roanoke Island Festival Park July 8, 9 and 10 at 10:30 a.m. The production is a hilarious rendition of some of the best from the Grimm Brothers’ iconic works.

There's no better way to celebrate the quintessential American holiday, July 4, than at a state historic site or museum. The state observance is July 3, so most state historic sites and museums will be open July 4, as well as some July 3. This July 4 also kicks off "It's Revolutionary!," a two year long celebration of the birth of the nation. The 240th anniversary tribute focuses on North Carolina's significant role at colonial historic sites and will be observed July 4, 2015, through July 4, 2017.

The North Carolina Symphony will celebrate America’s 239th birthday with a concert of patriotic favorites and high-spirited classics in its traditional free Independence Day concert, with fireworks, at Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre on Saturday, July 4 at 7:30 p.m.

The "First Family of Country Music" A.P. Carter, his wife Sarah and sister Maybelle learned a lot from Lesley Riddle, an African American musician born in Burnsville in 1905. He will be recognized with a N.C. Highway Historical Marker to be dedicated at RiddleFest July 3, 8:30 p.m., at the Mountain Heritage Center, Burnsville. Eventually it will stand on U.S. Highway 19 near Main Street in Burnsville.

Cary's Booth Amphitheatre will come alive with the hot sounds of the New York City-based band the Hot Sardines on Thursday, July 9, at 7:30 p.m., in the season finale of the 2015  Rex Healthcare Summerfest Series.  Gates open for the concert series at 5:30 p.m.  Children 12 and under are free on the lawn.  The North Carolina Symphony is presenting, but will not perform at the concert.