RALEIGH — Gov. Josh Stein rolled out an invitation to North Carolinians to participate in America 250 celebrations and events.
“Two hundred and fifty years ago, our founding fathers set forth to create a nation where all men are created equal,” Stein said in a Jan. 28 press release. “Thanks to tireless work by countless brave Americans over the generations, we have kept moving closer to living up to that ideal.
“This celebration of our nation’s independence and the part North Carolina played gives us the chance to reaffirm our commitment to justice, equality, and people’s individual freedoms. We look forward to commemorating North Carolina’s history across the state this year.”
Stein said he will be highlighting the anniversary by holding Council of State meetings at Revolutionary War-era sites. The February meeting will be held at Moores Creek Battlefield, followed by the Halifax State Historic Site on April 7, Historic Edenton State Historic Site on May 12 and Tryon Palace on Nov. 10.
Stein’s release also outlined America 250 efforts led by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), which can be viewed at america250.nc.gov.
To date, the DNCR has issued more than $2 million in grants to 74 of North Carolina’s 100 counties for events, displays and other celebration-related projects. Eighty-eight of the state’s counties have created an America 250 NC committee.
“In 2026, DNCR is inviting every North Carolinian to join us in looking back on 250 years of our history and in looking forward to the future of our state,” said DNCR Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell. “Through events and celebrations across North Carolina, we want everyone to have an opportunity to participate in commemorating our shared history and shining a light on what makes North Carolina and its people so special. North Carolina’s stories are an important part of the American story.”
Upcoming 2026 signature events include the First in Freedom Festival from Feb. 21-28 at Moores Creek National Battlefield in Currie; Halifax Resolves Days on April 11-12 at the Halifax State Historic Site; and an Independence Day event July 4 at the North Carolina State Capitol in Raleigh.
Last month, the North Carolina Judicial Branch announced its Celebrate 250 campaign to commemorate the nation’s founding and the state’s constitutional legacy.
“The North Carolina Judicial Branch has been given the solemn and sacred task to help protect life, liberty, and property,” N.C. Chief Justice Paul Newby said in a statement. “When our citizens feel safe and secure, communities thrive. Life is cherished. Liberty is safeguarded. Property is protected.”
The Celebrate 250 webpage currently includes two historical timelines, with key events and facts for both the American Revolution and the state Judicial Branch’s history: Putting Faces to Places: Who’s Where of the American Revolution and American Revolution to Digital Evolution: 250+ Years of North Carolina Justice.
