Press Releases

The Museum of the Albemarle has partnered with Dixieland Speedway on Friday evening, August 16, 2024.  Join us as we once again take the Moonshine and Motorsports Trail to the track under the lights and sounds of roaring engines.  Take a minute to learn a few facts about local moonshiner  Alvin Sawyer and historic locations, natural areas, and racetracks across the state that tell the story of North Carolina Moonshine and Motorsports.Dixieland will feature five action packed classes of races.  The rising stars of tomorrow will open the night with Kids-N-Karts.

Local author Julia Nunnally Duncan will discuss and sign copies of her works, including her latest book of poetry, "When Time Was Suspended," from 2-4 p.m.

A special series of concerts celebrating North Carolina’s unique story of moonshine and motorsports will feature N.C. legend of Americana, Jim Lauderdale, and the iconic bluegrass trio, the Kruger Brothers. They will be joined by special guests at each concert.

Brock Martin has been named the new lead park superintendent at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area in Chatham County, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. Martin succeeds longtime superintendent Shederick Mole.

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) announced today that Joanna Zazzali has been named the next director of the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher. An aquarium employee for more than 16 years, Zazzali will assume her new role Aug. 1. Zazzali replaces Hap Fatzinger, who left the aquarium in January to become director of the North Carolina Aquariums Division.

The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced that Michael Wood is the new park superintendent at Stone Mountain State Park in Wilkes and Alleghany counties. Wood succeeds Jeff Jones, who retired earlier this year.Park superintendents lead operations and administration at a park and have wide-ranging responsibilities that include staffing, training, law enforcement, planning, resource management, interpretation and education, and visitor services.

Colton Blake has been named the new park superintendent at Lake Norman State Park, located in Iredell County, the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced. Blake succeeds Scott Avis, who was promoted to South District Superintendent last year.Park superintendents lead operations and administration at a park and have wide-ranging responsibilities that include staffing, training, law enforcement, planning, resource management, interpretation and education, and visitor services.

The North Carolina Zoo will commemorate its 50th anniversary with a special admission deal for Randolph County residents.In the early 1970s, residents of Randolph County advocated tirelessly for the state zoo to be built in the heart of North Carolina. To show its appreciation, the Zoo will be offering a $5 flat rate zoo admission Aug. 5-30 for residents who show a valid ID with a Randolph County, NC zip code. This special admission rate may be extended to up to four people per party (the resident plus three people, who do not need to be from Randolph County).

The third public information meeting for the Pisgah View State Park Master Plan will be held Thursday, Aug. 1, from 5-7 p.m.

Fort Dobbs will highlight the resilience of Native American culture with a visit by a group of educators known as the Atsila Anotasgi or “Fire Builders” on July 27.Serving the Museum of the Cherokee People, the group is comprised of enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who are passionate about reconnecting with and preserving their heritage while educating other communities about Eastern Cherokee beliefs and traditions through dance performances, art demonstrations, and storytelling sessions.