Press Releases

In its heyday Somerset Place was a self-sustained plantation equal to many small towns. Home to hundreds of enslaved workers, efforts from across the community were required to ensure effective operations. To commemorate Women’s History Month, a special tour highlighting the roles of the women at Somerset will be offered March 6-10, at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. The fee is $3.

A rare chance to learn about seldom-seen plants and animals will be available at Town Creek State Historic Site at the “Rich in the Rare” exhibit March 3 through April 14. Learn about some of the unique species that call North Carolina home, such as the Venus flytrap and the red cockaded woodpecker.

The power and persistence of African American musical traditions will be amplified by the well-rounded voice of renowned gospel singer Mary Williams. The educator and historian will perform in a free program Saturday, March 3, 1 p.m. at Historic Stagville State Historic Site. Her performance and historical presentation will illuminate musical practices that might have been part of survival and resistance for those enslaved at Stagville. Visitors should be prepared to participate and sing along! Come early to get a seat for this popular presentation.

A ca. 1845 china press crafted by African-American master cabinetmaker Thomas Day will be the first piece by the celebrated craftsman to be installed in the North Carolina Executive Mansion. The china press will be presented to First Lady Kristin Cooper by N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Susi H. Hamilton at an event scheduled for 3:15 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 28 at the Executive Mansion.

Governor Roy Cooper has ordered a Book of Condolences to be placed at the North Carolina State Capitol for members of the public to sign in remembrance of Rev. Billy Graham. The book rests on a small table at the foot of the George Washington statue in the Capitol Rotunda, and members of the public are invited to sign the book and add brief written condolences for Rev. Graham’s family from Friday, Feb. 23 through Friday, Mar. 2. Governor Cooper will present the book to Graham’s family on behalf of the citizens of North Carolina.

The door to new adventures recently opened for students across the state. Field trips, programming, and outreach opportunities became easier for teachers in North Carolina’s Title I schools thanks to the Aquarium Scholars grant program. More than $69,000 were distributed to teachers across the state, allowing schools with higher proportions of students from low-income households to experience aquatic animals, learn about important conservation topics and get involved with other unique educational opportunities.

North Carolina institutions that hold collections relevant to North Carolina’s history and culture may be eligible to participate in a grant-funded program to digitize the materials.

The 300th anniversary of the sinking of Blackbeard’s flagship is underway with a tour of artifacts recovered from the vessel, Queen Anne’s Revenge. The traveling QAR exhibit will be on display in the new Bath Exhibit Hall (formerly the northwest wing of the old Bath High School) from Mar. 1 to May 31. The exhibit is free.

Fort Dobbs State Historic Site will offer a glimpse of the harrowing days of the Anglo-Cherokee War Feb. 24-25.  The Cherokee had been allies of the British when the French and Indian War started in 1754, but tensions quickly spiraled into hostilities. The soldiers at the fort and local settlers were attacked by dozens of warriors in a confusing night time skirmish Feb. 27, 1760.

Celebrate literature during Black History Month at the State Capitol! Hear the words and experiences of African Americans echo through a structure built by African Americans for whom it was illegal to read, Saturday, Feb. 24, 1 to 3 p.m. at a free event.