Press Releases

Morrow Mountain State Park added 45 acres of land south of Mountain Creek to its holdings this summer. The new property includes more than 3,000 linear feet of frontage on Mountain Creek, a pristine stream home to rare mussels.

Pilot Mountain State Park in Surry and Yadkin counties will celebrate its 50th anniversary this month with a day full of events at the park. The area near the big and little pinnacles in the Sauratown Mountains became a state park in 1968. The park now consists of more than 3,800 acres and includes a section along the Yadkin River.  

From Stede Bonnet to Blackbeard himself, people have long been fascinated with pirates, which are part of North Carolina history. Who were they? Where did they live? What did they wear? How did they become pirates? Discover pirates as the streets of the town of Bath will be filled with them for the “Pirates in the Port” program July 21, 10 a.m.

A War for Empire that crossed five continents and lasted seven years is remembered at Fort Dobbs State Historic Site, the state’s only link to the French and Indian War. What can be learned about the 1756 construction, and the 50 men garrisoned at the fort? These are the lessons often left to archaeology and the recovery of materials inhabitants left behind. 

In recent decades hundreds of movies have been made in North Carolina, and N.C. Museum of Art Curator Laura Boyes will review “Filmmaking in North Carolina” Thursday, July 12, 12:30 p.m. at the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Building, 109 E. Jones St., Raleigh.

There are many ways to celebrate the Fourth of July, but none more authentic than at a state historic site that played a role in the march to independence for the American colony.

First Lady Kristin Cooper will welcome visitors to the Governor’s Western Residence, 45 Patton Mountain Rd, Asheville, for an open house Sunday, July 1, from 2-4 p.m.
 

Duke Homestead celebrates North Carolina’s food history and culture July 14 at “Pork, Pickles and Peanuts: Tastes of North Carolina.” This free, fun family event focuses on everything that makes the state taste great with the highly competitive and extremely tasty annual Barbecue Cook-Off and Pie

Music and melon will accent the Old-Fashioned July 4 Ice Cream Social celebration at Mountain Gateway Museum (MGM). Red watermelon, white vanilla ice cream and bluegrass music are a formula for a fun-filled, family friendly free celebration Wednesday, July 4, 2 to 4 p.m. – or until the food runs out.

Find a fun-filled celebration with history, music and nature for the Fourth of July! Enjoy authentic experiences at attractions of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources this year.