In the 1970s, when most movies were made in Hollywood, Earl Owensby decided to build a studio — and create his own independent movies — in North Carolina. Earl Owensby Studios, in Shelby, opened in 1973 and proved that feature films could be produced east of California. In addition to directing and producing, Owensby played leading roles in several of his movies, such as “Death Driver” and “Living Legend: The King of Rock and Roll.”
Press Releases
“The Tuscarora World and New Bern in Maps: 1590-1800,” a new free exhibit of approximately 15 rare maps, will open at the North Carolina History Center in downtown New Bern Friday, July 24, through Wednesday, Sept. 16.
The North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) presents three free exhibitions opening in September 2015: Chisel and Forge: Works by Peter Oakley and Elizabeth Brim, featuring playful sculptures by two contemporary North Carolina artists; The Energy of Youth: Depicting Childhood in the NCMA’s Photography Collection, highlighting photographs of children from the NCMA’s permanent collection; and a series of gravity-defying video installations by South African artist Robin Rhode.
A stunning exhibition focusing on the bride and her dress will open Saturday, June 27, at the Museum of the Albemarle. "I DO! Weddings in the Albemarle, 1831-2015" also gives a nod to top hats, trousseaus, suits, vests and other wedding trimmings. The free exhibit runs until December 2017.
Memories of North Carolina’s involvement in World War I will come to life with “North Carolina in the Great War,” a new exhibit opening at Tryon Palace’s North Carolina History Center on June 20. This free exhibit will be open to the public through Sept. 13.
Needle Arts in New Bern is an all-new exhibit in the Duffy Exhibition Gallery that showcases the art of needlework. The free exhibit will be on display through May 31 at Tryon Palace’s North Carolina History Center, located in downtown New Bern, North Carolina.
From funk music to gardening, June will bring an eclectic mix of programs at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh. As always, there will be programs for all ages.
The North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame is honored to announce its 2015 induction class. The 10 new members, listed alphabetically, are Jeff Bostic, Joe Bostic, John Clougherty, Freddie Combs, Rick Hendrick, Gene Littles, Jerry McGee, Lenox Rawlings, Charlotte Smith, and Andrea Stinson.
Blackbeard returns to the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort as a newly expanded exhibit opens to the public on Saturday, January 24. The exhibit includes new artifacts from Blackbeard's ship, Queen Anne's Revenge and a new Conservation Laboratory.
Celebrating 86 years of service in 2015, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol remains dedicated to fulfilling its primary mission — promoting a safer state. A new exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh will highlight the organization’s history and showcase vehicles, firearms, uniforms and more from 1929 to the present. The exhibition North Carolina State Highway Patrol: Service, Safety, Sacrifice will open Saturday, Jan. 31, and run through Aug. 2, 2015. Admission is free. The exhibit was produced in conjunction with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and the Highway Patrol Hall of History.