Press Releases

Experience some of the great things about North Carolina this Veterans Day at attractions within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Most state historic sites are closed but all state parks are open, and of course are free.

North Carolina’s Executive Mansion–the “people’s house”–will open its historic doors once again for the beloved annual Holiday Open House from Thursday, Dec. 6 through Sunday, Dec. 9. 

The Oxford American Magazine’s 20th annual Southern Music Issue celebrates the musical legacy of North Carolina and features an artistic portrait of North Carolina native Nina Simone, the High Priestess of Soul, on the cover. 

The North Carolina Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped will celebrate 60 years of service to North Carolinians during a public Open House Celebration Thursday, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1841 Capital Blvd., Raleigh.

What is archaeology? It’s more than just digging in the dirt! The North Carolina Office of State Archaeology will hold a Public Archaeology Day Saturday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Bicentennial Plaza in downtown Raleigh. 

Even 400 years after his death, Sir Walter Raleigh continues to intrigue. Raleigh sponsored three expeditions to Roanoke colony in the 1580s, the earliest British attempt to settle North America. In 1792, North Carolina’s legislature honored this feat by naming the state’s new capital city for the explorer, soldier, and writer.   

Visit Historic Stagville Friday, Oct. 19, for a full day of educational activities! Are you studying American history, African American history, colonial history, the Civil War, or the history of slavery? Stagville’s Fall Harvest Homeschool Day will offer students hands-on activities about life on a plantation from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a fee of $4 per child. 

Take a ride on a wagon around the historic Harper House at Bentonville Battlefield’s annual fall festival Saturday, Oct. 20. The program will include demonstrations by costumed interpreters and a festival atmosphere that will offer wagon rides provided by End of the Drive Mule Farm, carnival games, vintage baseball, crafts, pumpkin hunt and more!  

The cooler weather, lower humidity and bright fall colors inspire many to decorate for the season. Pumpkins, dried corn and gourds become art objects. Bennett Place State Historic Site will host members of the North Carolina Gourd Society Saturday, Oct. 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a one-day craft making event. The fee is $10 and reservations are required. 

The great jobs of today and tomorrow are in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Yet people with disabilities remain underrepresented in these fields despite recent advances in the accessibility of information technology and other tools used by working professionals. To help turn that tide, the 6th annual STEM Career Showcase for Students with Disabilities will be held Tuesday, October 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.