Press Releases

South Mountains State Park in Burke County is partially reopening its main access at Jacob Fork on April 10, the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced. For the first time since Hurricane Helene, the visitor center will reopen to the public and camping will be permitted in the park.The park's Clear Creek Access in Morganton reopened for day use March 17.

The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ America 250 NC initiative has dispersed nearly $1.2 million in a second round of grant funds across 58 counties in the state. The grant-funded projects include new cultural events, physical and digital exhibits, historical markers, and more all inspired by North Carolina’s revolutionary history and the themes of America 250 NC. The America 250 NC Grants are designed to spark programs and activities on a local level to create a memorable and meaningful commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

 On April 12, 1776, the 4th Provincial Congress in session at Halifax, N.C., passed a resolution that became known as “The Halifax Resolves.” In this document, North Carolinians declared their grievances against British rule and encouraged their delegates in the Continental Congress to vote for independence. It was the first official action of any of the 13 colonies calling for independence.

Graham County has been chosen as the subject of a comprehensive survey of historic buildings and landscapes planned to take place in 2025. The 2025 architectural survey will intensively document historic buildings and landscapes from the 19th century through the 1970s. Data gathered during the survey will assist Graham County in planning for the preservation of its historic resources for years to come.

Due to expected inclement weather, Sunday, March 16 events for Bentonville Battlefield’s 160th Reenactment are cancelled.Guests who already purchased tickets for the Sunday, March 16 reenactment event may request a refund or choose to donate the price of tickets to the Friends of Bentonville Battlefield, a non-profit organization that supports the state-owned battlefield. This donation will fund preservation and interpretive programs at Bentonville Battlefield.

A disaster a century ago that killed 53 coal miners in North Carolina will be commemorated with a program hosted by the State Archives.On the morning of May 27, 1925, an explosion shook the earth in the rural coal mining communities of Cumnock and Farmville, located on the Deep River at the border of Lee and Chatham counties. Locals were not strangers to the perils of mining, and many old-timers knew what the shake meant: another disaster — this one claiming the lives of 53 miners.

South Mountains State Park in Burke County is partially reopening March 17, the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced. The park has been closed since last fall due to widespread damage after Hurricane Helene.Clear Creek Access in Morganton will reopen March 17 for day use. Visitors will be able to utilize both Clear Creek and Lake View trails for hiking and horseback riding. Picnic facilities and fishing will be available at the lake.The park’s main access is slated to partially reopen in April.

The North Carolina Trails Program has released the fiscal year 2025-26 grant cycle for the federal Recreational Trails Program, the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced. Eligible applicants can apply for grants from $10,000 to $100,000 to fund trail development projects across the state. In addition, the spring 2025 grant round for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Safety and Education Grant (SEG), each up to $5,000, has also opened.

Join us in celebrating with the dedicated staff of the CSS Neuse Museum, devoted volunteers, and Friends of the CSS Neuse Museum board members as we commemorate ten years of promoting local history. Attend our "Cheers to Ten Years: Anniversary Celebration and Living History" on Saturday, March 8, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. We warmly invite our community and all visitors to explore the new exhibits and interactive enhancements that have enriched the museum over the past decade.

This Women’s History Month, learn about changes to the practice of midwifery in the early twentieth century in North Carolina.