Resources for Older Adults
Here you will find a wealth of resources, programs, and services designed to enhance the lives of older adults and promote their engagement with our state's natural and cultural heritage. Whether you're interested in exploring our parks, visiting museums, or participating in educational activities, we have something for everyone.
The Museum of the Albemarle promotes the understanding of history and material culture primarily of the Albemarle Region in which it is located and secondarily for the state of North Carolina for the educational benefit of all people. Through regional collections, historical interpretation, and professional assistance, the museum encourages citizens and visitors to explore and understand the past, to reflect on their own lives and their place in history; and to preserve regional history for future generations.
- Two History for Lunches twice a month (sometimes 3) (except for the month of December), at 12 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. Accessible through Zoom video live, or on our YouTube channel a day or two after the programming.
- Guided Tours to groups of 10 or more with two weeks’ notice.
- Docent Program
- Two wheelchairs
- Handicap restrooms
- Handicap accessibility throughout the building
- Handicap parking
- Audio Tour accessed via phone of our permanent exhibit “Our Story: Life in the Albemarle”, as well as other specialty exhibits and/or artifacts on display currently. The audio tour can be accessed while in the building or remotely from any phone.
- Bi-lingual translation of our permanent “Our Story” exhibit as well as other special exhibits and/or artifacts on display currently.
The Division of Archives and Records is part of the Office of Archives and History and the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The name “Archives and Records” reflects the dual role of the division: to provide guidance concerning the preservation and management of government records to state, county, city and state university officials; and to collect, preserve and provide public access to historically significant archival materials relating to North Carolina. The first role is handled primarily by the Government Records Section, while the second is the focus of several specialized sections, which are collectively called the “State Archives of North Carolina.
The search room at the Raleigh headquarters at 109 E. Jones Street is open to the public for research five days a week. Tuesday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Accessibility measures include:
- Ramp on the Blount Street side of the building
- Automated doors
- Elevator to search room on 2nd floor
- Check-in assistance
Regional branches are open for research Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Locations:
- Western Regional Archives, 176 Riceville Road, Asheville
- Outer Banks History Center, 1 Festival Park Blvd., Manteo
Explore our collections online on these platforms:
- digital.ncdcr.gov
- flickr.com/photos/north-carolina-state-archives
- Visit the State Archives YouTube channel to view historic film footage, tutorials on preservation and archival practice, a virtual tour, and recorded virtual programs.
Contact State Archives staff for additional services.
Individuals and families:
- Guidance on preserving document and photo collections
- Assistance with N.C. history and genealogy research
Organizations:
- Guidance on managing archival collections
- Virtual & onsite consultations with the Traveling Archivist Program
- Speakers on N.C. history topics and genealogy
- Customized research training for your members
- Customized program support, such as N.C. Trivia & pop-up museums
- Customized tours of the State Archives
- Help to promote your history programs to a wider network
- Help connecting to additional state and regional organizations for assistance
- Grant-seeking advice and prospect list for history organizations/ projects
- Opportunities to influence ways the Archives identify related communities and subjects
The State Library enriches the lives of North Carolinians through access to information resources, strengthens communities through exceptional library services, and inspires and supports literacy and lifelong learning for all North Carolinians.
SLNC Government & Heritage Library
Onsite Hours:
Tuesday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Closed for state holidays.
Contact:
Phone: 919-814-6790
Fax: 919-733-1843
E-mail: slnc.reference@ncdcr.gov
Apply for a State Library Card
If you are a North Carolina resident or state agency employee, you can apply for a library card and borrow items from the SLNC Government & Heritage Library’s circulating collection. SLNC Government & Heritage Library cardholders can access many online resources and databases from anywhere.
Online Resources
A list of online resources covering history, genealogy, statistics, geography, newspapers, periodicals, and more!
Research Guides and Tools
Get help with your research -- browse research guides by subject or watch one of our instructional videos or recorded presentations!
Government Publications
Tools to find state and federal government publications.
NCpedia
NCpedia is an online encyclopedia about North Carolina, managed by the Government and Heritage Library.
NC LIVE
NC LIVE is NC’s statewide library cooperative, providing online resources designed for at-home use. Access e-books, e-audio books, videos on demand, language learning resources, and more, all with your SLNC Government & Heritage Library card.
NC Digital Collections
90,000 historic and recent photographs, state government publications, manuscripts, and other NC resources from the State Library and the State Archives of NC.
Genealogy and Family History
Get started researching your family history. Learn about genealogy resources and other online tools to help with genealogical research.
SLNC also provides accessible books and library services.
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Closed for state holidays
Chat Services:
Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Contact
Phone: (voice): 984-236-1100
(Raleigh area residents)
Phone Toll-free: 1-888-388-2460 (Nationwide)
Fax: 984-236-1199
E-mail: ncabls@ncdcr.gov
Borrow Large Print, Talking, and Braille Books
Anyone who cannot use regular printed materials because of a visual, physical or print disability is eligible to borrow accessible books from our library by mail through Free Matter. All applications for service must be submitted with a certifying signature from a competent authority.
Download and Borrow
Download braille and audiobooks. Borrow descriptive videos, magazines, large type, locally produced braille and audio, and books on demand cartridges.
BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download)
Active patrons of SLNC Accessible Books and Library Services are eligible to use the BARD app on their smartphones and tablets available from an app store. With BARD, patrons can search and download digital talking and digital braille books from the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled’s collection. You must use the email address associated with your patron account.
North Carolina Library Directory
Search the State Library of North Carolina’s directory for public and academic libraries throughout the state of North Carolina and find important information such as an address, library hours, and contact information.
Digital Skills Resources
Consult this list compiled by the State Library to find resources to improve your digital skills. Resources include:
Digital Learn
Offers courses on getting started with computers and technology, being safe online, job skills, productivity, health information, connecting with others, mobile devices, and online shopping.
Techboomers
A free educational website that teaches older adults and inexperienced internet users with basic computer skills about websites. Provides a vast array of articles, tutorials on 21st century online platforms, tools and social media.
Adult Summer Reading
2023 Adult summer reading program offered by the Collaborative Summer Library Program. Please visit your local library to learn more and sign up for summer reading.
Somerset Place
Transcribed guided tour script on site tablet
Accessibility ramps into the site’s restrooms and the Collins House
Accessibility parking near Visitor Center
A pictorial binder of the tour of the Collins House second and third floors for visitors with mobility disabilities
Reduced guided tour fee of $1 for seniors. Our regular guided tour fee is $2
NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
A senior discount in our pricing. Seniors Ages 62 and older: $11.95
A behind-the-scenes tours
A one-of-a-kind volunteer opportunities for retirees of any age
Virtual adventures to enjoy from the comfort of your own home or with a group
The NCAFF outreach team comes to you whether at a business, neighborhood event, festival and more—sometimes they bring ambassador animals
NC Museum of Art Tours
Park and Museum tours offered in ASL
Selection of concerts offered in ASL
Film and audio descriptions and/or open captioning
Group tours for people with memory loss and their care partners
Soundcloud playlist of artwork audio descriptions
Tactile and sensory tours
Audio tours
Park app audio tour
NC Museum of Art Programs
Mindful Museum (ongoing)
Adaptive Tai Chi
Adaptive Chair Yoga
Programs for People with Memory Loss and their Care Partners (ongoing)
Virtual Sensory Journeys Through Art
Creative Impressions: Mindful art observation and artmaking for those with memory loss and their care partners
Virtual Slow Art Appreciation (ongoing series for care partners)
Matinee Cinema (First Wednesday of the month at 2 pm)
Low Mobility All Access Eco Trail (launching in September)
NC Museum of Art Classes
Adult studio classes are not tailored specifically for seniors but they make up the majority of participants