Press Releases

In 1948 polio rapidly spread through North Carolina causing 147 deaths with 2,517 cases recorded. The Guilford County outbreak was the highest per capita both in the state and the nation. Citizens rallied and built a hospital there in just 95 days after fundraising began.

While the traditional school year is ending for teachers and students across the state, it is never too early for educators to think of exciting ways to engage their students next year.

N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Susi H. Hamilton today announced more than $2 million in 2019-20 Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grants for local N.C. libraries at an event held at UNC-Wilmington’s Randall Library. 

See the magic and skill as fabric, tools or toys take shape at the “Saturday on the Farm” program June 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Governor Aycock Birthplace State Historic Site. The free event will showcase blacksmithing, woodworking and spinning talents and will celebrate 19th century North Carolina farm life. Music will be performed by the Waterbound Dulcimers in the morning.

An example that the pen is mightier than the sword is journalist Louis Austin, who advocated for and advanced social justice and civil rights as publisher of the “Carolina Times” newspaper in Durham. The Halifax County native will be recognized with a N.C.

The North Carolina Historical Commission will meet at 10 a.m. Wed., June 5 in room 308 of the Archives and History Building, 109 E. Jones St., Raleigh. The meeting is open to the public.

A special weekend celebrating the talent, legacy, and spirit of legendary North Carolina musician Nina Simone is scheduled Aug.

Meet the rising generation of North Carolina’s traditional artists in a collection of documentary portraits in the exhibition "New Faces of Tradition: Documenting North Carolina’s Young Artists," May 28 to June 30 at the Rubenstein Arts Center at Duke University.

N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Susi H. Hamilton announces the appointment of Angela Thorpe as the director of the N.C. African American Heritage Commission (AAHC). Thorpe has served as acting director since September 2018.

As North Carolina continues to celebrate 2019 as the Year of Music, a first-time collaboration with the Americana Music Association and the state will be announced Tuesday, May 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the Executive Mansion.