N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Reid Wilson announces the appointment of Adrienne Nirdé director of the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission.
“Adrienne Nirdé has been an integral part of the African American Heritage Commission staff for the past three years,” said Secretary Wilson. “She brings a background and expertise in interpreting African American history and culture and a real passion for this work that will serve the commission well.”
“On behalf of the NCAAHC Commissioners, I am delighted to welcome Ms. Adrienne Nirde to her new role as Director of the NCAAHC,” said Dr. Valerie Johnson, chair of the African American Heritage Commission. “We offer Adrienne our support as well as our congratulations.”
Nirdé holds a master’s degree in museum studies from Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis as well as bachelor’s degrees in history and anthropology from Indiana University and a certificate in diversity, equity, and inclusion from Cornell University. She has served as the N.C. African American Heritage Commission associate director since 2020, and previously worked at the department’s President James K. Polk State Historic Site. She has spent nearly 10 years working in museums and cultural institutions.
“I am incredibly honored to continue my work with the African American Heritage Commission and serving the people of North Carolina,” Nirdé said. “The commission plays an integral role in the department and across the state preserving, protecting, and promoting African American history, art and culture. I look forward our continued collaborations with practitioners, commission staff, and commissioners in this important work.”
Nirdé lives in Wendell, N.C. with her husband, a high school social studies teacher.
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 North Carolina Symphony, 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.ncdcr.gov.