What does it truly mean for North Carolina to be “First in Freedom”? How did this motto come to define the state’s identity?
Topics Related to America 250 NC
Reading Felicity Then and NowAs we approach America’s 250th anniversary, we are revisiting the American Girl: Felicity books, part of the popular American Girl Doll series that paired historical fiction with dolls representing different eras in American history. We’ll be reflecting on how these stories introduced a generation of readers to the American Revolution.
The first counties in North Carolina were established in the 1600s when colonists arrived on our shores. As the European population grew, the need for localized governments led to the creation of more counties. The last two counties were established in 1911, making the count an even 100. The names of our counties are as varied and unique as the people of North Carolina.
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence (or the Semiquincentennial). The North Carolina Museum of History is celebrating with a variety of programs, including the newest iteration of a long-standing series.
One of the greatest wonders—and oftentimes biggest challenge—of history are the documents that survive to tell it. What was the author thinking when putting ink to paper? Did they know their words would echo across time? Did they consider, in that moment, who might read their message?
In the early 20th century, educational opportunities for Black children across the rural South were deeply unequal. Across many Southern states, including North Carolina, African American students often attended schools that were underfunded, poorly constructed, and without basic resources. In many cases, children would meet in fields, churches, old homes, and cabins that lacked electricity, heat, or running water, just to have the opportunity to learn.
“When did slavery end in the United States?” is a tough question to answer. Most people point to one of three dates: Emancipation Day on January 1, 1863; the ratification of the 13th Amendment on December 6, 1865; or Juneteenth on June 19, 1865. On January 1, 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation provided a pathway to freedom for enslaved African Americans in Union-occupied areas of Confederate states like Beaufort, Elizabeth City, Plymouth, and New Bern in North Carolina.