Press Releases

The N.C. Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and N.C. State Parks will present “Where the Sidewalk Ends,” a free program to help those with visual and physical disabilities learn how they can enjoy America’s parks, monuments and trails, 1-3 p.m., Oct. 13, at the Beatties Ford Branch of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, N.C. 

The settlers of what was North Carolina’s western frontier were fed up with corrupt sheriffs and illegal taxes. They were driven to fight a mightier foe. Almost 2,000 backcountry farmers, called Regulators, faced off against 1,000 royal militiamen of colonial Gov. William Tryon, and were defeated. 

In celebration of October as North Carolina Archaeology Month, a series of free lectures will be presented by the North Carolina Office of State Archaeology on a broad range of subjects, including the underwater coastal heritage of North Carolina, history of channel improvements in the Cape Fear River, and Moravian pottery production in Old Salem. A student symposium showcasing archaeological research from students across the state is also planned. Lunchtime lectures and the student symposium will be held in the auditorium of the Archives and History Building, 109 E. Jones St., Raleigh.

The North Carolina African American Heritage Commission, in partnership with the Ernie Barnes Family Trust, Museum of Durham History, Empower Dance Studio, The Repertory Dance Company at NCCU and Thomas DeFrantz + SLIPPAGE, will celebrate the life and legacy of North Carolina artist Ernie Barnes (1938-2009) with events exploring and celebrating his famous painting, “The Sugar Shack,” Oct. 6 and 11 in Durham.

 A king of the swing era of big band music, Kay Kyser, will be recognized with a N.C. Highway Historical Marker, Oct. 5, at 4 p.m. in his hometown. Kyser was born in Rocky Mount and went on to become perhaps the best-known bandleader in America. The marker dedication will be at First United Methodist Church Annex, 273 Sunset Ave., Rocky Mount, N.C. It will be. followed by a musical performance at the Imperial Centre at 270 Gay St. in Rocky Mount.

Bring your toe-tappin’ shoes and be ready to dance at the 27th Annual Cornshucking Frolic at Horne Creek Living Historical Farm. Music, food, children’s games and crafts will make for a fun-filled day to remember Saturday, Oct. 20, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s a great way to celebrate fall in the mountains.

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and the North Carolina Arts Council have teamed up to present the North Carolina Stage at the Wide Open Bluegrass Festival Friday, Sept. 28 and Saturday, Sept. 29 in downtown Raleigh.

The North Carolina Historic Preservation Office has set up an online form for local governments and citizens to report damage to historic properties from wind and flooding a

How did civilians learn the art of war? Well, not in a classroom. Many long and tedious hours turned green recruits into soldiers. Bennett Place State Historic Site will offer a “School of the Soldier,” program Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 29-30, that illustrates the transition.   

The demands of life for soldiers and civilians in the 1750s will be on view at the “Frontier Life Recreated” program at Fort Dobbs State Historic Site Saturday, Sept. 29. Re-enactors dressed as soldiers and settlers will demonstrate what daily life was like at the French and Indian War site 260 years ago.