NC leaders advance plans for America’s 250th

The North Carolina Semiquincentennial Committee, a joint committee of the General Assembly, convened on Thursday to accelerate preparations for the 250th anniversary of American independence. The hearing outlined educational initiatives, projects, and partnerships aimed at engaging North Carolinians.

The meeting opened with a reflection on history by state Sen. Ted Alexander, R-Cleveland, who is co-chair of the committee.

“On this day in 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state in the nation. And on this date in 1858, the Lincoln Douglas Debates began. And more specifically to our reason for being here today, on this day in 1775 — 250 years ago — the third provincial Congress resolved that North Carolina should begin raising provincial troops, and a new concept known as minuteman,” Alexander said.

North Carolina Brigade Project

Central to the hearing was discussion of the North Carolina Brigade Project, an effort to honor the state’s Revolutionary War regiments with a traveling exhibit. David McCracken, a member of the Raleigh Chapter of the North Carolina Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), presented the project.

McCracken explained that the project would be timed with the National Congress of the organization in Greensboro in July 2026, adding that once finished, the exhibit would be available for communities across the state.

As part of his presentation, McCracken also highlighted a unique historical artifact tied to the brigade.

“When the troops marched north in 1777, they were inoculated against smallpox at the direction of General George Washington before reaching Philadelphia. There, Swiss artist Pierre Eugène Du Simitière produced a sketch of their uniforms and bearing,” said McCracken.

That sketch shows soldiers and camp followers of the Continental Army’s North Carolina Brigade marching through Philadelphia on Aug. 25, 1777, on their way to join the rest of General George Washington’s army stationed south of Philadelphia.

That original drawing, preserved today at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia through a gift from the North Carolina Society of the Cincinnati, remains one of the few authentic visual records of North Carolina’s Revolutionary soldiers.

Questions arose about transportation, durability, and whether live reenacts might one day be incorporated.

McCracken replied candidly.

“I’m fairly confident to say we don’t have a plan to do anything live,” he said.

Instead, the exhibit is expected to travel by trailer and serve as an educational centerpiece for festivals and parades.

Funding, however, remains a hurdle. McCracken asked for donations during his presentation, acknowledging that while grants have been requested, cost remains “the great unknown.”

Still, there was optimism that the project would eventually find a permanent home in a museum, giving citizens an enduring reminder of North Carolina’s Revolutionary heritage.

Highway Markers and Local History

Beyond exhibits, the committee considered how best to commemorate history through roadside markers. Anne Evangelista of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNR) noted that applications for new highway markers are due Oct. 1, and no changes to the official list will be made until at least December.

“Any individual or entity organization can apply for a marker,” she said.

Additionally, an upcoming dedication of the Battle at Earl’s Ford in Polk County was highlighted as an example of local engagement. That event will take place on Oct. 25, and will be held at the site of the Revolutionary War battle between British/Tory forces and Patriot Militia on July 15, 1780.

Commendations, promotional opportunities

Committee members also turned their attention to formal recognition of groups supporting the semiquincentennial. A statement of commendation was unanimously approved for Foundation Forward, which works to install replicas of America’s founding documents in communities.

Additionally, they discussed broader promotional efforts. Plans include collaboration with the North Carolina Symphony, outreach to the Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution, and media engagement.

Alexander emphasized the importance of the partnership between the NCGA and Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution.

“We’re not only looking statewide to see what we can do to celebrate America’s 250th, but we are also looking in-house to see what we in the General Assembly can do,” he said.

DNCR updates and looking ahead

Finally, Evangelista reported that 84 counties have now organized committees for NC 250. She also previewed major events, such as the First in Freedom Festival in February 2026. She also encouraged members to contribute to a special edition of the North Carolina Historical Review, with submissions due Jan. 2.

Locke’s “Freedom’s Vanguard” Initiative

The John Locke Foundation is marking NC 250 through its “Freedom’s Vanguard” initiative. As part of this program, scholars, historians, and students are invited to submit papers exploring the state’s role in America’s founding. Top winners will receive awards of $5,000, $3,000, and $2,000.

The foundation is also expanding its storytelling efforts. Building on the success of its documentary A Letter to the King, which chronicled the Edenton Tea Party, it is producing a second film focused on the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge. This project aligns with the recent addition of nearly 2,000 acres to the Moore’s Creek National Battlefield, creating more opportunities for education and reenactments.

Bob Rosser, NC250 Coordinator for the John Locke Foundation, praised the committees efforts to shed light on this moment in our state’s history.

“I am so encouraged by the efforts by the NC Semiquincentennial Committee to educate and make aware the citizens of North Carolina about this critically important part of our state’s history,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of learning North Carolina’s history.

“In this era when so much history is ignored or disavowed, we can’t do enough to make our citizens, especially our children, aware of what our forefathers did to live in freedom and seek opportunity in this great state.”

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