Topics Related to Living History

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, America 250 NC invites all North Carolinians to participate in a powerful national moment of reflection and unity: “Two Lights for Tomorrow.” Communities across the United States will unite this Friday, April 18, 2025, to honor the spirit of cooperation and courage that helped ignite the American Revolution.

The initiative is part of the upcoming America 250 semiquincentennial observance in 2026. In North Carolina, the event is led by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ America 250 NC initiative.“Two Lights for Tomorrow” will take place on the night of April 18, recognizing the 250th anniversary of the ride of Paul Revere. To commemorate this event, two lights will shine from the fourth floor of Museum of the Albemarle in our community throughout the night of April 18.

Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site will host two living history programs on Saturdays during April. Both programs will run from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.On April 12, the site will present “The Women of Brunswick,” which will showcase the women who lived and worked in the colonial port. Throughout the day, visitors are invited to interact with interpreters who will demonstrate various tasks typical of the time, including woodworking, processing indigo and fabric dyeing, apothecary, and more. A colonial dance lesson will be offered from 2-2:30 p.m.

Bennett Place State Historic Site will commemorate the 160th anniversary of its Civil War surrender with two public programs on April 25-26. These programs mark the end of the 160th-anniversary commemorations of the American Civil War in North Carolina by North Carolina State Historic Sites.

The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ America 250 NC initiative has dispersed nearly $1.2 million in a second round of grant funds across 58 counties in the state. The grant-funded projects include new cultural events, physical and digital exhibits, historical markers, and more all inspired by North Carolina’s revolutionary history and the themes of America 250 NC. The America 250 NC Grants are designed to spark programs and activities on a local level to create a memorable and meaningful commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

 On April 12, 1776, the 4th Provincial Congress in session at Halifax, N.C., passed a resolution that became known as “The Halifax Resolves.” In this document, North Carolinians declared their grievances against British rule and encouraged their delegates in the Continental Congress to vote for independence. It was the first official action of any of the 13 colonies calling for independence.

Throughout March, in celebration of Women’s History Month, agencies within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources will showcase the remarkable contributions of North Carolina women through special programs and exhibits.