Education has always been a core mission of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR). For over 50 years, the department has inspired a lifelong love of learning at more than 100 sites across the state, including museums, parks, historic sites, aquariums, libraries, archives, and the zoo.
This year the department has launched a new initiative, “Learning Happens Here,” to highlight DNCR’s extensive educational resources so that teachers, parents, and students throughout the state use them in the classroom and at home. The initiative aims to inspire a love of learning, promote unity through shared history, foster science literacy, encourage environmental responsibility, and instill a lifelong passion for reading.
“‘Learning Happens Here’ spotlights DNCR’s efforts to provide lasting enhancements to the educational landscape of our state," said DNCR Secretary Reid Wilson. "We have more than 100 locations across the state, plus educators on staff throughout our department who focus on this important work every day. Governor Cooper has declared 2024 as the Year of Public Schools in North Carolina, and our ‘Learning Happens Here’ initiative will complement the governor’s efforts by sharing our department’s substantial educational content and programs.”
Focusing on key areas in K-12 education — history, science, arts, and reading — DNCR’s educational programs offer a well-rounded and immersive educational experience.
Through field trips, staff visits to schools, standards-aligned classroom resources and online content, teacher training and professional development, and special programs for students and families, “Learning Happens Here,” will help the next generation of North Carolinians to thrive in a knowledge-driven world.
Learn more at https://www.dncr.nc.gov/learninghappensherelanding.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.