Topics Related to Things to Do

Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site is thrilled to announce a new program scheduled for Saturday, May 15 called “Bentonville in Bloom.” This spring event will showcase the natural resources and wildlife that call Bentonville home. 

As battlefield preservation has grown to over 2,000 acres, the wildlife found within those acres have also been conserved. “Bentonville in Bloom” will provide visitors with a chance to learn more about the ecosystem from experts on the flora and fauna of eastern North Carolina.

Alamance Battleground State Historic Site will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the 1771 Battle of Alamance with virtual programs and a special illumination Saturday, May 15.

Three hundred luminaries will mark the positions of the battlefield combatants, with one luminary representing 10 people who participated in the battle. The memorial in light will occur 7-10 p.m.

The State Archives of North Carolina will host a virtual round table, “Preservation Pointers for the Public,” Wed., May 12, 7-8:30 p.m. Enhance your own family archive with tips from the pros! 

May is Preservation Month and State Archives staff want to help you preserve family memorabilia. Staff with expertise in documents, photographs, audio-visual recordings, and electronic records (including social media) will present brief overviews of how to keep those types of materials safe for years to come. They will also address your preservation questions.

In honor of Earth Day on April 22, N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources sites have some great events planned throughout April. 

Earth Day is meant to increase awareness of the planet we live on, and encourage people to learn more about pollution, climate change, endangered species, and other environmental issues.

This year’s theme is “Restore Our Earth.”

When young Conrad Reed discovered a rock that was really a 17-pound gold nugget in 1799, he had no idea that the Carolina Gold Rush would soon start. Reed Gold Mine invites you to join the gold panning action during the 2021 gold panning season April 1-Oct. 31. Individuals aged eight years and older can participate for a $3 fee on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only, weather permitting.

During the early 1800s, North Carolina was considered a sleepy, backward state with a sluggish economy and little interest in change. It became known as the “Rip Van Winkle State.” Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Center (MGM) will open a new exhibit Saturday, March 27 about the state’s transformation and the culture of mining in western North Carolina.

Songbirds and sunshine return as spring is here! It’s time to get outside and take part in Parks and Trails for Health (PATH), an online program of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources to encourage activity in parks, trails, greenways, and other outdoor spaces. As you plan spring break and Easter outings, add some history and culture and make a visit to a site historic site that also has a trail. Trails range from a quarter-mile to eight miles. Most sites are open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and are free.

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.