Press Releases

The campground at Pettigrew State Park in Creswell, N.C., will close on Jan.1, 2023 for the construction of new campground facilities, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. The project will include the refurbishment of existing campsites and the construction of new facilities and amenities. Construction is expected to take up to 12 months.

Eyewitnesses to the battle of Bentonville likened the noise of the fight to “one continuous peel of heavy thunder.” Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site will recreate that noise Aug. 20 during its “Heavy Thunder” event. Costumed interpreters will demonstrate how artillery and infantry units functioned during battles.

The national Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has awarded two separate grants to fund projects at the N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and Town Creek Indian Mound State Historic Site. Both facilities are part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Matt Haynes is the new park superintendent at Bob's Creek State Natural Area in McDowell County, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. He is the first superintendent of the natural area, which was authorized in 2017. Haynes served as a park ranger at Hanging Rock State Park for nine years before a promotion to advanced ranger at Chimney Rock, where he also served for nine years. During his time as a ranger, he periodically acted as superintendent and was the lead natural resources ranger.

N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary D. Reid Wilson announces the appointments of Kerry Bird as director and Quinn Godwin as associate director of the newly created North Carolina American Indian Heritage Commission.

This 4th of July, a Raleigh tradition continues! From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the State Capitol is hosting a free, fun-filled family event that offers musical performances and several hands-on activities for children to enjoy. Pie the redcoat or King George III or dress up like a Revolutionary era citizen! We will also have supplies available to write letters to support our troops courtesy of the organization A Million Thanks. 

RALEIGH, N.C. — Vonda Martin is the new division of parks and recreation grants and outreach manager, the division announced Friday. Martin succeeds Chris Schmidt, who has served as interim grants and outreach manager since 2018. The grants and outreach manager supervises the program and staff who administer the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF), the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and development of the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.

Joe Shimel is the new east district superintendent of North Carolina state parks, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. Shimel succeeds Sarah Kendrick, who served as acting superintendent beginning in 2020. Kendrick will return to her post as superintendent of Hammocks Beach State Park. A district superintendent is the chief of operations and administration of a park district with wide-ranging responsibilities for staffing, planning, law enforcement, and visitor services.

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources announced today the appointment of Michelle Underhill as the new State Librarian of North Carolina. Underhill currently serves as Digital Services Supervisor with the State Library and was previously Director of the N.C. Government and Heritage Library.