Press Releases

From wood burning pits to high tech grills with ceramic briquettes, North Carolina is in love with barbecue. Historic Bath will host an exhibit June 1 to Aug. 31, which examines barbecue from the Caribbean in the 1500s up to today. The free exhibit debunks some common myths, such as “more is better,” and whether the cooked meat needs to “rest.”

He was the most feared of captains during the Golden Age of Piracy, and in June 1718, four vessels under his command sailed into what was then Topsail Inlet (now Beaufort). Blackbeard’s flagship, Queen Anne’s Revenge (QAR), became stranded in the inlet’s shallow water. To commemorate the effective end of a piratical career, a North Carolina Highway History Marker will be dedicated Thursday, June 7, 1 p.m., near the entrance on the drive into Fort Macon at Atlantic Beach.

Summer is just around the corner, flowers and trees are blooming, and cool breezes off Lake Phelps stave off the stifling heat. The eighth annual Days Gone By living history event at Somerset Place State Historic Site presents the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather.

Two trails at Grandfather Mountain State Park in Avery, Watauga, and Caldwell counties are closed to visitors due to damage sustained from heavy rains May 17-20, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

 This Memorial Day is the ideal time for saluting those who have served the country, and a great time to explore the rich variety of natural and cultural resources of the state. See the great outdoors at a state park, some special offering at a history, science or art museum, or enjoy the launch of Summerfest, the North Carolina Symphony outdoor concert series, over the weekend.

The settlers in what was North Carolina’s western frontier were fed up with dishonest sheriffs, illegal fees and taxation. It was time to fight, and the resulting Battle of Alamance will be re-enacted May 19-20 at Alamance Battlefield State Historic Site. The fee is $2, under 12 are free.

A limited-edition poster that celebrates the 2018 North Carolina Heritage Award recipients is now available in advance of the May 23 ceremony and concert in Raleigh.

North Carolina’s Hispanic population was 932,221 in 2016. They are in engaged in communities, work in and own businesses and are a vibrant presence. A presentation, “The Hispanic Impact on North Carolina’s Economy,” will be shared by N.C. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Chair Henry Stewart, Thursday, May 17. The 12:30 p.m. presentation is part of the “Thursday Talk” series of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources EEO Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

Six-time Tony Award-winning costume designer William Ivey Long says all roads lead to North Carolina. That will be the case on Wednesday, May 16 when Long visits Raleigh for a talk about his career and a preview of four costumes inspired by French paintings for a one-night-only event.

To celebrate their newly renovated library space, the North Carolina Government & Heritage Library will host an open house Friday, June 1, 4 -7 p.m. on the first floor of the Archives and History/State Library Building, 109 E. Jones St., Raleigh.