The search for identity and recognition is a common theme among the 2020 North Carolina Book Award recipients who are being announced virtually. Video acceptance statements from recipients are available at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0D3Ny2CaPzmpuuwyMiP8trn6iVTzB-9e.
Press Releases
The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation launched a new web page to seek public input as staff develop the Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail master plan. The master plan is a long-term strategy for the park that details how and where access will be provided and prioritizes projects and investments. Master plan development involves identifying recreation and conservation needs for the trail and collecting stakeholder input on priorities for the park.
The State Archives of North Carolina is seeking volunteers who can help transcribe some of the state’s earliest court documents.
North Carolina’s Executive Mansion will soon be decorated for the season, and visitors are invited to view the outdoor holiday decorations beginning Friday, Dec. 4.
While the Executive Mansion remains closed to the public due to Covid-19, additional exterior decorations are planned for the public to enjoy. The mansion grounds will be decorated for the holidays, and lit trees will be visible through the mansion’s windows.
President James K, Polk State State Historic Site will close to visitors until Dec. 10.
Due to a recent exposure to COVID-19, the facilities will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, and site employees with potential exposure to the virus will self-quarantine for 14 days following N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services and CDC guidelines.
Because President James K Polk State Historic Site has only a few full-time employees, the site will be closed until employees are able to return to work.
Beginning Dec. 1, the State Library of North Carolina will host a series of online discussions to gather the public’s input regarding public libraries in North Carolina. Meetings will be 45 minutes long. Participants can register at surveymonkey.com/r/NC_Libraries.
A new podcast from the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources aims to highlight North Carolina's amazing rural and small-town appeal.
“Hello NC: Stories from Main Street” is part of the department’s Hello North Carolina initiative. Hello NC celebrates the people, culture, and stories of rural North Carolina through local voices and rich media. This multi-faceted initiative showcases stories about the diversity, traditions and richness of small towns and rural life.
Due to the uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the reenactment, scheduled for March 21-22, 2021 at Bentonville Battlefield has been cancelled. The event had been rescheduled from its original date in March 2020.
RALEIGH, NC – The N.C. Government and Heritage Library will open to the public Nov. 12 with some new procedures in place to help ensure the safety of staff and visitors, including:
• Temporary library hours: 1–4 p.m., Monday-Friday.
State Archives public research spaces in Raleigh, the Western Regional Archives in Asheville and the Outer Banks History Center in Manteo will open to the public on a limited basis Nov. 12 with some new procedures in place to help ensure the safety of staff and visitors, including:
• Researchers are encouraged to use State Archives web resources and contact staff at https://archives.ncdcr.gov/ to determine if they can conduct research remotely.