Press Releases

The unsung participation of African Americans in the Revolutionary War will be examined in an online panel discussion Saturday, March 13 at 10 a.m. The virtual discussion, “Seeking Liberty in Halifax,” is a preview for an exhibit of the same name that will open at Historic Halifax State Historic Site April 12.

The anniversary commemoration of the largest battle ever fought on North Carolina soil will have a different look this year. For the first time, visitors will be able to enjoy demonstrations, presentations, and tours all from the comfort of their own homes. “Since we aren’t able to gather in large crowds at this time, we felt that this would be the best possible way to honor the men who fought in the battle along with the civilians who suffered because of it,” said Programs Coordinator Chad Jefferds, regarding taking the event online.

You may have heard the legends, read books, or even seen the recent movie, “Harriet,” but now you can see a larger-than-life statue of the heroic figure at Historic Halifax State Historic Site in observance of Women’s History Month. The 9-foot-tall image of Harriet Tubman leading a girl to freedom will be unveiled by the site on Facebook Live Friday, March 5 at 2 p.m.

The far-reaching and impactful accomplishments and contributions of women often have been often overlooked in North Carolina and the nation. During Women’s History Month in March agencies within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources will highlight some of the significant achievements of North Carolina Women through virtual programs and in-person exhibits.East

Take action for more unity in the great outdoors. The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources is partnering with Black Folks Camp Too to encourage participation and engagement with diverse communities through the department’s new Parks and Trails for Health (PATH) initiative. PATH combines physical activity in parks, greenways, and other outdoor spaces in North Carolina with educational opportunities.

The Avery-Mitchell-Yancey Regional Library system officially joined NC Cardinal in February, giving residents of those counties access to over 7 million books.

Students at the state’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will have the opportunity to learn and earn this summer through a 10-week paid summer internship within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources is launching a new online campaign to encourage North Carolinians to get moving and get outside. Parks and Trails for Health (PATH) is an initiative designed to encourage physical activity in parks, trails, greenways, and other outdoor spaces in North Carolina.

Initially enslaved by North Carolina native President James K. Polk, Elias Polk took up the fight for black economic independence after the Civil War. His advocacy and rise as a leading black conservative in the southeast will be examined in a virtual program presented by the President James K. Polk State Historic Site Saturday, Feb. 20, 10 a.m. 

Hear stories of how freed people built Durham, the wealth and influence of the Cameron family, and how sharecropping shaped the lives of African American families post-Emancipation. All of this will be revealed during in-person tours at Historic Stagville in Durham, Feb. 20.  “Over 900 people were enslaved by the Cameron family in what is now part of Durham, Orange and Granville counties,” observes Site Manager Vera Cecelski. “The people and profits from these massive plantations shape the history of our communities to this day.”