Press Releases

State Archives to Host Virtual Program on Lives of the Enslaved Laborers Who Built the North Carolina State Capitol

The men who built our state’s most iconic building, although they were enslaved, left a legacy for all North Carolinians.

North Carolina Zoo Adds More Wildlife Conservation Lands

The North Carolina Zoo expanded its lands for local wildlife conservation by adding 139 acres to Ridges Mountain Nature Preserve, increasing it to 423 acres.

State Historic Preservation Office Begins Clay County Comprehensive Architectural Survey

Clay County has been chosen as the subject of a comprehensive survey of historic buildings and landscapes. The architectural survey will intensively document historic buildings and landscapes from the 19th century through the 1970s, including those in Hayesville and rural areas.

2024 Eastern NC Regional Braille Challenge Set For Feb. 19

The State Library of North Carolina Accessible Books and Library Services (ABLS) is thrilled to announce the upcoming 2024 Eastern NC Regional Braille Challenge, a compelling event that promises to highlight the talents and achievements of blind and visually impaired students in the realm of Brai

Nominations Open for 2024 North Carolina Awards

Nominations are being accepted for the 2024 North Carolina Award, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the state, now through April 1.

The State Archives to Host Virtual Program on Western N.C. Railroad and New Research on Incarcerated Labor

Recently released prison records may offer clues for a project that will memorialize incarcerated laborers who died building the Mountain Division of the Western N.C. Railroad from Old Fort to Ridgecrest.

Public Input Opportunity for Pisgah View State Park Master Plan

The second public information meeting for the Pisgah View State Park Master Plan will be held Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. at the Upper Hominy Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, 1795 Pisgah Highway in Candler.

State Parks System Grew in Visitation, Size in 2023

The North Carolina state parks system welcomed more than 20.1 million visitors in 2023 and acquired over 2,890 acres of new land, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. Visitation at state parks increased by 4% — more than 755,000 — from 2022.

Bean Shoals Access at Pilot Mountain State Park to Close for Construction

Pilot Mountain State Park’s Bean Shoals Access, located along the north side of the Yadkin River, will be closed beginning Feb. 5 through the end of 2024, the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation announced.

Asteroids and meteorites abound at Museum’s Astronomy Days event, Feb. 3-4

 It's time for lift off when the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences hosts Astronomy Days, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 3-4, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.