Press Releases

The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources is leveraging resources at state parks, historic sites and other community hubs to expand internet access and bolster remote learning opportunities for students across North Carolina.  The “Park and Learn” project, part of a broader effort called NC Student Connect, aims to provide free high-speed WiFi access to students in rural communities. 

The search for identity and recognition is a common theme among the 2020 North Carolina Book Award recipients who are being announced virtually. Video acceptance statements from recipients are available at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0D3Ny2CaPzmpuuwyMiP8trn6iVTzB-9e.   

The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation launched a new web page to seek public input as staff develop the Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail master plan. The master plan is a long-term strategy for the park that details how and where access will be provided and prioritizes projects and investments. Master plan development involves identifying recreation and conservation needs for the trail and collecting stakeholder input on priorities for the park. 

The State Archives of North Carolina is seeking volunteers who can help transcribe some of the state’s earliest court documents.

North Carolina’s Executive Mansion will soon be decorated for the season, and visitors are invited to view the outdoor holiday decorations beginning Friday, Dec. 4. While the Executive Mansion remains closed to the public due to Covid-19, additional exterior decorations are planned for the public to enjoy. The mansion grounds will be decorated for the holidays, and lit trees will be visible through the mansion’s windows.

President James K, Polk State State Historic Site will close to visitors until Dec. 10.  Due to a recent exposure to COVID-19, the facilities will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, and site employees with potential exposure to the virus will self-quarantine for 14 days following N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services and CDC guidelines.  Because President James K Polk State Historic Site has only a few full-time employees, the site will be closed until employees are able to return to work.  

Beginning Dec. 1, the State Library of North Carolina will host a series of online discussions to gather the public’s input regarding public libraries in North Carolina. Meetings will be 45 minutes long. Participants can register at surveymonkey.com/r/NC_Libraries. 

A new podcast from the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources aims to highlight North Carolina's amazing rural and small-town appeal.  “Hello NC: Stories from Main Street” is part of the department’s Hello North Carolina initiative. Hello NC celebrates the people, culture, and stories of rural North Carolina through local voices and rich media. This multi-faceted initiative showcases stories about the diversity, traditions and richness of small towns and rural life. 

Due to the uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the reenactment, scheduled for March 21-22, 2021 at Bentonville Battlefield has been cancelled. The event had been rescheduled from its original date in March 2020. 

Fort Dobbs State Historic Site will honor North Carolina’s military history with a “Military Timeline” Nov. 14. Visitors will learn about the experiences of soldiers and support personnel from the past 450 years.  “It’s important for us to remember the men and women who have sacrificed to make us who we are today as a country” says Site Manager Scott Douglas. The educational program will offer a small sample of soldier life through history.