America 250 NC About the Commemoration As the United States nears its 250th year, North Carolina is preparing to commemorate this important historical marker. The commemoration will focus on two interpretive concepts to explore our past, present, and future: Revolutionary NC (the historical events of the Revolution and NC) and When Are We US? (an exploration of the ideas of freedom, civic responsibility, overcoming challenges, and change as we lean into the ideals of democracy). Our team worked with a subcommittee of creative colleagues from across the department to develop interpretive themes that will guide our commemorative activities, falling under these two large concepts. These themes illustrate how we at DNCR are sourcing and developing content related to our two overarching themes that will define the statewide commemoration. The first theme is that of the USA’s evolution through “Visions of Freedom." The American Revolution was an important marker on the continual journey towards true freedom for North Carolinians. Here we will highlight movements that pushed us closer to a better version of our state and nation – the Civil Rights Movement, Women’s Suffrage, even scientific and industrial developments – and how they have all shaped who and what we are as North Carolinians striving for the ideals of 1776. Our second theme is a “Gathering of Voices." This commemoration cannot be told through a single lived experience. The historic and modern-day voices and stories of North Carolinians serve to inspire others to take innovative steps toward a “More Perfect Union,” and to ensure that all voices are heard. Our third theme is “Common Ground.” We must recognize that we are students, witnesses, and makers of history. Physical spaces hold shared stories of struggle, creation, and connection and our spaces of reverence (battlefields, historic spaces, the natural world) can echo happiness, violence, painful memories, evidence of struggles, rebirth, and growth. All hold the narratives of collective and individual struggle, creativity, and relationships to one another. We must always strive for common ground and ways to make our state a better place. Connect With Us About America 250 Learn more about America 250, the national initiative to celebrate our country's anniversary. Explore our Planning Guide Use this planning guide to learn more about our themes, our inspiration, and how you can engage with America 250 NC. Submit an Event Let us know what your organization is planning here! Contact Us If you have any questions about America 250 NC or would like to just get in touch contact us here. North Carolina's Colonial and Revolutionary History Explore the colonial beginnings of our state. Featured Stories Revolutionary NC The Route to Kings Landing North Carolina has a rich revolutionary history. Learn more about the Yellow Mountain Road, today part of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, which stretches through what is present-day Avery County. Explore all 250 NC blogs here Colonial NC North Carolina's Colonial History Explore a wide variety of content related to North Carolina's Revolutionary and Colonial history. Learn More Here NC 250 Events Across the State Sign up for our newsletter! Subscribe
America 250 NC About the Commemoration As the United States nears its 250th year, North Carolina is preparing to commemorate this important historical marker. The commemoration will focus on two interpretive concepts to explore our past, present, and future: Revolutionary NC (the historical events of the Revolution and NC) and When Are We US? (an exploration of the ideas of freedom, civic responsibility, overcoming challenges, and change as we lean into the ideals of democracy). Our team worked with a subcommittee of creative colleagues from across the department to develop interpretive themes that will guide our commemorative activities, falling under these two large concepts. These themes illustrate how we at DNCR are sourcing and developing content related to our two overarching themes that will define the statewide commemoration. The first theme is that of the USA’s evolution through “Visions of Freedom." The American Revolution was an important marker on the continual journey towards true freedom for North Carolinians. Here we will highlight movements that pushed us closer to a better version of our state and nation – the Civil Rights Movement, Women’s Suffrage, even scientific and industrial developments – and how they have all shaped who and what we are as North Carolinians striving for the ideals of 1776. Our second theme is a “Gathering of Voices." This commemoration cannot be told through a single lived experience. The historic and modern-day voices and stories of North Carolinians serve to inspire others to take innovative steps toward a “More Perfect Union,” and to ensure that all voices are heard. Our third theme is “Common Ground.” We must recognize that we are students, witnesses, and makers of history. Physical spaces hold shared stories of struggle, creation, and connection and our spaces of reverence (battlefields, historic spaces, the natural world) can echo happiness, violence, painful memories, evidence of struggles, rebirth, and growth. All hold the narratives of collective and individual struggle, creativity, and relationships to one another. We must always strive for common ground and ways to make our state a better place. Connect With Us About America 250 Learn more about America 250, the national initiative to celebrate our country's anniversary. Explore our Planning Guide Use this planning guide to learn more about our themes, our inspiration, and how you can engage with America 250 NC. Submit an Event Let us know what your organization is planning here! Contact Us If you have any questions about America 250 NC or would like to just get in touch contact us here. North Carolina's Colonial and Revolutionary History Explore the colonial beginnings of our state. Featured Stories Revolutionary NC The Route to Kings Landing North Carolina has a rich revolutionary history. Learn more about the Yellow Mountain Road, today part of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, which stretches through what is present-day Avery County. Explore all 250 NC blogs here Colonial NC North Carolina's Colonial History Explore a wide variety of content related to North Carolina's Revolutionary and Colonial history. Learn More Here NC 250 Events Across the State Sign up for our newsletter! Subscribe