Topics Related to Things to Do

Hello NC Initiative Celebrates Rural North Carolina

From hearing the calls of endangered birds in a sanctuary in eastern North Carolina to seeing a mountain sunrise in the west, our state has unlimited rural treasures awaiting discovery.

We are a rural state, with 80 of 100 counties beyond the hustle and bustle of major cities. Without a doubt, the state’s most beautiful natural resources can be found in rural North Carolina.

In 2020, the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources is launching a new initiative to celebrate North Carolina's rural counties.

Aycock Birthplace Celebrates Black History Month

FREMONT, N.C. — Music and dance will resonate at Aycock Birthplace State Historic Site during a free program celebrating Black History Month Saturday, Feb. 22, 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Artist April C. Turner will lead an interactive performance celebrating African American culture. The free program will include site tours and a presentation on groundbreaking African American legislator George White. 

“Plunging Shot and Screaming Shells:” 155th Anniversary of the Fall of Fort Anderson

Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site will commemorate the 155th anniversary of the fall of Fort Anderson Feb. 15 and 16.

The site is offering a free living-history event during the daytime, and a special program Saturday night requiring tickets purchased in advance.

Black History Month Read-In Feb. 29 in Raleigh

Hear excerpts by authors, musicians, poets, scholars, orators, and more as we celebrate literature during Black History Month! A free read-in hosted by the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission will take place at the Pure Life Theatre in the Historic Royal Bakery Building, 3801 Hillsborough St., Raleigh on Saturday, Feb. 29 from 1-4 p.m.

Tickets for the Largest Civil War Re-enactment and Family Day Available

Advance tickets for the country’s largest Civil War re-enactment of 2020, the 155th anniversary of the Battle of Bentonville slated for March 21-22, are limited but still available. Other weekend family activities are free. 

Black Gold – African American Gold Miners in North Carolina Black History Month Tour

The origins and impact of slavery in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and the benefits of slave labor to Reed Gold Mine will be examined during Black History Month. Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site will offer “Black Gold – African American Gold Miners in North Carolina” tours Saturdays in February at 1 p.m. and examine the area’s social and economic environment during John Reed’s lifetime. Join us Feb. 8, 15, or 29. 

CSS Neuse Interpretive Center Unveils “Treasures from the Vault” Feb. 5

Rarely seen Civil War-era artifacts will be on view when the “Treasures from the Vault” exhibit opens Feb. 5 at the CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center. The temporary exhibit will display unseen items from the museum’s collection and also present eastern North Carolina’s Civil War history more broadly. 

Black History Month Observances at North Carolina Cultural Attractions

RALEIGH, N.C. — African American history in North Carolina involves songs and struggle, triumph and despair, artistry and achievement. Black History Month programming within the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources reflects the variety of experiences that is family-friendly and usually free. Find out more here. 

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Free Day at the CSS Neuse Civil War Center

Make a stop at the CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to see the annual Christmas parade and beautiful lights in downtown Kinston. Prior to the 3 p.m. parade, visitors can enjoy cider, cookies, and crafts of a Victorian Christmas in the museum, with no fee. 

“This will be a fun experience for the entire family,” said Program Coordinator Rachel Kennedy. “Enjoy making ornaments, playing games, and learning about the history of Santa Claus. Admission, cookies, cider, and crafts, and all will be free.” 

A Walk Through Christmas Past at the CSS Neuse

During the Civil War at Christmas 1862 most people thought the war would be over. Instead, it was at Kinston’s doorsteps. Join volunteers and staff at CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center Friday, Dec. 6, 6 to 8 p.m., for a unique theater presentation, “A Walk Through Christmas Past.”