Press Releases

A mineral found in North Carolina that is essential to making specialized glass will be the topic of a free program hosted by the Western Office of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.Mica, which has been mined in western North Carolina for centuries, was used to make windows for early coal- and wood-burning stoves, along with more modern uses including radio vacuum tubes.

This fall the North Carolina State Capitol is once again offering live interpreter-led virtual programs for students.These interactive programs are free, take place via a preferred video platform, and last 30-45 minutes. Educators or group leaders can choose from one of three themed programs or sign up for a guided virtual tour of the Capitol, all led by trained Capitol staff. All programs are offered weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Sept. 5-Dec. 15.

A demolition project at the North Carolina Zoo will require the transfer of birds from a long-time favorite habitat to another zoo.The North Carolina Zoo will relocate its flock of 15 Chilean Flamingos to the Greenville Zoo in South Carolina in late September where they will join a flock of 19 flamingos.

The North Carolina Office of State Archaeology (OSA) soon will hold a town hall meeting in Columbia, N.C. to gather local information about the area’s historic sites, cemeteries, community ties and local history. The meeting will be held Wednesday, Aug. 30, from 6-8 p.m.

This event has been postponed due to the threat of severe weather 

The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced that Keith Nealson, who has been with state parks for 25 years, has been named a superintendent at Kerr Lake State Recreation Area. Nealson joins Bill Stanley, the lead superintendent, who moved into that role last year after longtime superintendent Bryce Fleming retired.

The State Library of North Carolina is offering opportunity youth living in Halifax, Hertford, Northampton and Wayne counties scholarships to earn a high school diploma through Gale Presents: Excel Adult High School. The program, provided to public libraries by Gale, part of Cengage Group, is designed to help adults obtain their high school diploma entirely online, as well as prepare them for college or the workplace and is a collaboration between the State Library of North Carolina and local public libraries in participating counties.

The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the N.C. African American Heritage Commission and the N.C. Freedom Park Board of Directors will celebrate the opening of North Carolina Freedom Park Wednesday, Aug. 23 at 10 a.m.The site is the first park in North Carolina to honor the African American struggle for freedom, an experience that represents universal themes of freedom, perseverance and equality.

The Museum of the Albemarle will be at Dixieland Speedway on Friday evening, September 8, 2023.  Join us as we take Moonshine and Motorsports Trail to the track under the lights and sounds of roaring engines.  Take a minute to learn a few facts about the local moonshiner, Mr. Alvin Sawyer portrayed by Dickie Sanders.  While supplies last grab a Moonshine and Motorsports hat or keychain.

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) announced today that Clint Taylor has been named the next director of the N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. An aquarium employee for more than 18 years, Taylor currently serves as assistant aquarium director at Fort Fisher.