RALEIGH — The North Carolina General Assembly’s Centennial Committee met on July 24 to discuss preparations for America’s 250th anniversary.
Amber McClure, senior director of Civic Engagement for the YMCA of the Triangle and state director of NC Youth & Government, gave a presentation on the importance of civic participation and proposed initiatives such as civic community celebrations, youth civic “Bees” and writing contests, as well as virtual field trips.
The committee reviewed the highway marker program, discussing how a broader publicity campaign for upcoming markers could raise awareness of the anniversary’s significance and increase local engagement.
Updates on the committee’s website, promotional “swag” items and a video project were shared, highlighting efforts to increase public awareness through digital platforms, branded merchandise and short videos featuring General Assembly members.
The Foundation Forward organization’s “Charters of Freedom” displays, which replicate founding documents to promote and support civic education, particularly among youth, were praised as impressive, “uplifting” and “truly patriotic” by Sen. Ted Alexander (R-Cleveland), one of the committee’s co-chairs.
NC250 Executive Director Troy Kickler provided updates on partnerships with organizations interested in participating in the celebrations, including the North Carolina Symphony. The symphony is interested in holding a patriotic concert and potentially partnering with the Town of Cary, which has a concert as part of its July 4 celebration at Koka Booth Amphitheater.
The American Battlefield Trust was also mentioned as potentially hosting a Revolutionary War kiosk at the General Assembly.
Kickler is heading to Washington, D.C., to attend a “America250 States and Territories” convening to coordinate celebration efforts.
Finally, there were discussions on future interactive exhibits, such as one in Charlotte covering the entirety of the American Revolution with a special breakout room dedicated to the Southern campaign.
Other upcoming events mentioned included the Liberty Mountain Revolutionary Drama to be held in Kings Mountain this September and October.
All meeting files and presentation materials can be accessed on the committee’s legislative page on the North Carolina General Assembly website. The committee also has an official webpage with contact information, timelines and a suggestions portal.
Aside from the committee’s plans, the N.C. State Fair has announced competitions and events using the theme “America 250 — Celebrating The Great American State Fair.”
Contests will include decorated Christmas trees, fresh flower arrangements, 4-H haybales, a Home Chef Cake Decorating Challenge and several other competitions honoring the nation’s semiquincentennial.
There is also an open essay competition for sixth through eighth grade students on “Why American State Fairs are Important to Our Communities.”
America250 kicked off a nationwide storytelling tour Tuesday on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
According to the America250 website, “Our American Story” will be an “oral and visual storytelling project aimed at collecting and preserving our nation’s stories.” The website allows the public to submit nominations for a living individual who has a story that should be shared and archived at the Library of Congress.
The project’s launch will include speeches by America250 Chair Rosie Rios and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. Additionally, there will be a live preview of the mobile Airstream recording studios, and it will also feature story recordings from America250 commissioners and other leaders.
For additional North Carolina America250 information, visit america250.nc.gov. National America250 information can be found at america250.org.
