| |
| | | | |
The Road to America 250 NC Starts with DNCR… As North Carolina prepares to join the nation in commemorating the America 250 milestone on July 4, 2026, we are reminded that understanding our shared history begins with those who teach it. While the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) continues to offer programs and resources that help our state reflect on the past 250 years, this moment is also an opportunity to honor the educators who bring our state’s history, science, arts, and more to life for students year after year.
Teachers are the storytellers who make complex moments in our state and nation’s history accessible, the guides who help students find personal meaning across North Carolina’s sites and museums, and the champions who ensure every child sees themselves in the curriculum and in the broader American story.
As many of you settle into a well deserved summer break, DNCR’s Office of K–12 Education and Outreach remains hard at work creating resources, programs, and experiences that will support you when you return to your classrooms in the fall. As July 4 approaches and the America 250 NC commemoration continues throughout the year, we invite you to explore upcoming events and opportunities happening this summer, from Capitol 250: North Carolina Freedom Fest on July 4 in Raleigh to First in Freedom: Using Primary Sources & Paideia to Engage Students in NC History on July 10 in New Bern.
And know that this month, as always, DNCR celebrates the educators who make learning happen here, in every county of our state.
Happy Summer!
#NCLearningHappensHere |
|
| | The Office of K-12 Education & Outreach at the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) and our Learning Happens Here initiative connect K–12 educators with programs and resources from DNCR’s 100+ sites across the state. To explore this month’s educational resources, programs, and opportunities, use the links below to jump to a section of interest or browse the full newsletter. |
|
| | | | | Capitol 250: North Carolina Freedom Fest |
|
|
|
Saturday, July 4th | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.State Capitol | Raleigh, NCExperience the best of North Carolina at Capitol 250: NC Freedom Fest! This free, all-day festival is a celebration of the arts, history, nature, and culture that define North Carolina’s role in the nation’s story. The day includes: Musical Performances including headliners Tift Merritt & Rissi Palmer Living history and special exhibits, including many DNCR divisions and sites Hurricanes KidZone sponsored by the Carolina Hurricanes Trolley tours of historic downtown Raleigh provided by the City of Raleigh More than 50 vendors and food trucks Independence Day ceremony
This downtown Raleigh celebration will complement a morning parade organized by the N.C. Department of Labor and the General Assembly and evening fireworks at Dix Park organized by the City of Raleigh. “Capitol 250: NC Freedom Fest” is free and open to the public. |
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| First in Freedom: Using Primary Sources & Paideia to Engage Students in NC History |
|
|
|
Friday, July 10th | 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
North Carolina’s America 250 commemoration brings an exciting opportunity for middle and high school teachers: a one‑day workshop at Tryon Palace hosted by DNCR and the National Paideia Center. Explore themes of freedom, democracy, and dissent through powerful North Carolina primary sources, and learn how to spark thoughtful, student‑led dialogue using the Paideia method. Participants will dive into DNCR’s America 250 NC “DocsBox,” featuring the state’s constitutions, landmark amendments, and dramatic Revolutionary‑era stories—paired with ready‑to‑use lessons and activities. The day includes a $100 stipend, .6 CEUs, lunch, classroom resources, and the chance to collaborate with teachers from across the state. An optional private tour of Tryon Palace at 3:30 pm connects documents to place.
|
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Glorious 4th: An America 250 NC Event |
|
|
|
Friday, July 10th | 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary at Tryon Palace this Fourth of July! Enjoy a performance by the Tryon Palace Fife and Drum Corps and an interpretive reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Palace gates. Gardens are open free to the public until noon, after which the Corps leads the New Bern Independence Day Parade. Visitors can also explore the special Caswell’s Capital tour at 3:30 p.m. and visit the A250 NC exhibit, Freedom and Identity: Symbols of a New Nation, at the North Carolina History Center. Palace tours require a One Day Pass; Caswell’s Capital tour is ticketed separately.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| America’s Field Trip Contest |
|
|
|
This year, thousands of students from across all 50 states, U.S. territories, and Washington, D.C., entered the America’s Field Trip contest, reflecting on the question: What Does America Mean to You? We would like to congratulate North Carolina’s \ 2026 America’s Field Trip awardees whose writing and artwork captured the creativity, curiosity, and civic spirit that will help shape our nation’s next 250 years: Rebekah Y., Premier Christian Academy Homeschool Coral K., Davis Drive Elementary School Ahalya J., Hanes Magnet School Andrew G., Davis Drive Middle School Annika P., Hanes Magnet School Scarlett D., Marvin Elementary School Crystal C., Xiao Su School of Art Linus H., Hartland Academy
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Visit www.america250.nc.gov for additional America 250 NC events happening across North Carolina this summer and throughout the year, as well as well as educational resources, digital exhibits & collections, & more! |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | | NCMA Online Course: Art and Literacy |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Clarence Heyward, Everything is Everything |
|
|
| How can art be used to develop student growth in literacy skills? This self-paced online course from the NC Museum of Art explores methods for integrating art and literacy strategies to support North Carolina’s Literacy Instruction Standards across classrooms. Participants gain an understanding of how literacy is defined through a variety of lenses and apply their learning by developing a lesson plan. Course runs from June 16 through August 11 and teachers can join at any point in the course period. 2.0 CEUs. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | North Carolina Symphony
Summer Teacher Workshops |
|
|
|
Join the North Carolina Symphony for their annual free Teacher Workshop designed especially for elementary music educators! Discover fresh, ready-to-use lessons and interactive activities that will prepare your students for an inspiring 2026–27 North Carolina Symphony Education Concert experience. Come learn, connect, and spark excitement for music in your classroom!
Workshop in New BernTuesday, August 11th | 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. NC History Center at Tryon Palace Register here by August 7th
Workshop in RaleighTuesday, August 13th | 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Register here by August 7th (or by June 19th to get parking validation)
|
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Lessons learned: How A+ Schools inform improvements in arts integration |
|
|
|
In 1995, a group of visionary leaders recognized the powerful impact of the arts in the classroom. Students were more engaged, teachers were energized, and learning felt deeper and more joyful. Seeing the need for wholeschool transformation, these leaders joined to create the A+ Schools of North Carolina model, which quickly proved its effectiveness. Today, more than 60 schools across the state are part of this network, each committed to weaving the arts seamlessly into standards-based instruction. |
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| In case you missed it: Shaped By Sound on PBS |
|
|
|
All episodes of Shaped by Sound (Season Two) are now available to watch on PBS. Shaped by Sound spotlights North Carolina’s thriving music scene, featuring artists from a broad range of genres, including indie rock, hip-hop, R&B, alt-country, jazz, bluegrass, and folk. Each episode weaves a visually stunning live studio performance by an NC artist or band with an intimate conversation about their creative journey. Shaped by Sound is made possible through support from Come Hear NC, a program of the NC Arts Council within the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. |
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | | Teacher Workshop
From Aycock to Integration: Tracing the Roots of Public Education in North Carolina |
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 15th | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Governor Charles B. Aycock Birthplace State Historic Site, Fremont, NC
Middle and high school teachers are invited to a full‑day professional development workshop exploring the complex educational legacy of Governor Charles B. Aycock through place‑based learning and primary sources. Participants will engage with new activities, tour the historic site, and examine how early 20th‑century decisions shaped public education in North Carolina. Participants receive:
Open to 6-12 grade educators. Join colleagues from across the region for a day of learning, reflection, and collaboration. |
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Celebrate Juneteenth in North Carolina |
|
|
|
Juneteenth (June 19) honors the emancipation of enslaved people and offers a meaningful opportunity to explore African American history . The North Carolina African American Heritage Commission provides an easy-to-use toolkit with historical background, key terms, and NC-specific stories to support community and classroom learning. The site also features a statewide events calendar, making it simple to find local celebrations and community activities to share with families or attend yourself. |
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| North Carolina History Day |
|
|
|
July - November 2026
Webinar Series
Attention educators! NC History Day invites you to apply for National History Day®’s newest professional development series, Historical Argumentation: Using Library of Congress Resources to Build a Historical Argument, Exploring Innovation: Impact, Influence, Change in History. Sponsored by the Library of Congress, this free online program runs from late July to November 2026 and offers participants the opportunity to earn 90 professional development hours or three graduate extension credits at no cost. Throughout the series, educators will explore strategies for teaching historical argumentation, engage with online Library of Congress primary sources, complete guided assignments, and join monthly webinars. Upon completion, participants will be equipped to help students research, support, and present strong historical arguments using rich primary source materials. Apply by June 12th!
|
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | | Opportunities for Educators from NC Museum of Natural Sciences |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
SciREN Triangle and Educator Open HouseThursday, September 24, 2026 | 6:00pm - 8:30pm NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh
Mark your calendar for our annual Educator Open House and Scientific Research and Education Network (SciREN) event this fall. Local scientists, Museum educators and partners will showcase FREE lesson plans and resources in a relaxed, fun environment. Enjoy free pizza and beverages while mingling with a fantastic community of peers. Register now. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Friday, Oct. 23–Sunday, Oct. 25
Search for majestic elk in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park while learning about their biology and vital role in the ecosystem. Collect data on snails and lichens for community science on this Educator Trek. Discover how you can bring the excitement of field research into your classroom. Register now. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Saturday, Oct. 24 | 9:00 a.m. - noon
Prepare, pin and mount a variety of spectacular tropical butterflies during this Educator Trek. Learn the various techniques used to catch, preserve and mount these and other fascinating arthropods. Explore the possibilities of insect collecting in your backyard. Register now. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | Want to Get a Head Start on Next School Year? |
|
| | Let DNCR’s Capital Area Visitors Services Book Your Memorable Fieldtrip to Downtown Raleigh! |
|
|
|
Thinking about bringing your students to visit DNCR’s downtown Raleigh sites next school year? If you have a group of ten or more, DNCR’s Capital Area Visitors Services (CAVS), part of the Office of K-12 Education & Outreach, is here to help plan your itinerary and schedule your visits to multiple DNCR sites including:
CAVS begins accepting group visit requests each year on August 1 for the upcoming Fall and Spring seasons. This free service can help visiting groups make the most of their trip. Visit dncr.k12.nc.gov/cavs for more information, or contact us at capitalarea.visitorservices@dncr.nc.gov or 919-814-6950.
|
|
| | | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Bringing stories to life: How the arts deepen student learning |
|
|
|
Literacy, storytelling, and art are intertwined disciplines that communicate our deepest emotions and help us find common ground. In education, arts integration takes many forms—visual art, music, drama, or literary arts, such as creative writing. Teaching artist Melissa Rooney exemplifies this approach in her writing workshops with schools, where she uses storytelling to spark imagination, strengthen literacy, and help students build confidence in their creative identities. |
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | | | Civic Health Summit 2026June 29, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Elon University, Moseley Center Learn, explore, and discuss ways to strengthen civic life in North Carolina. The day will include creativity, conversations, connection, and civic joy as North Carolinians continue to co-create and develop the Civic Health NC initiative. Registration is free and open until we reach capacity, which is 200 individuals. Register to attend. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | NC SUN Meals ProgramMore than 850,000 North Carolina students rely on the nutritious meals and snacks served during the school year through the School Breakfast, School Lunch and Afterschool Snack Programs. When school is out, North Carolina SUN Programs provide nutritious meals at no cost for youth ages 18 and under at school and community sites. Find nearby summer meals at no-cost for kids and teens. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Project EXPLORE: Teacher mini-grant program The North Carolina Arboretum is currently accepting applications for the 2026-2027 year for Project EXPLORE! This program is open to ALL North Carolina K-12 teachers who are interested in getting their students outside doing hands-on scientific data collection and reporting. They offer a mini-grant, materials, support from a local environmental educator, and curriculum-based programming correlated to the NC state standards. Applications for this coming school year are due by August 30th.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Smithsonian National Education SummitJuly 14 - 16th | Online and In-person Join Smithsonian educators and partners for the 6th annual Smithsonian National Education Summit. This year’s theme, Together We Thrive: Towards a More Perfect Union, is a collaborative call to action to build a future where every student has the tools, the voice, and the community support they need to truly thrive. The Summit’s hybrid three-day program, from July 14-16, 2026, features inspiring presentations and engaging sessions with actionable takeaways for all learning environments. Register now.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Bright Ideas Education GrantsFor more than 30 years, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have helped light up learning in K-12 classrooms statewide through the Bright Ideas education grant program. N.C. teachers with innovative ideas for creative learning projects can submit an online application April through September of each year. Apply for a Bright Ideas Education Grant here. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | | | 6/18, Free Patriotic Pops Celebrating America 250 with North Carolina Symphony, Southern Village Green, Chapel Hill 6/19, Flytrap Hike, Carolina Beach State Park 6/19, Forest Bathing, Hammocks Beach State Park 6/19, Juneteenth Tours at Stagville, Historic Stagville 6/19, West Marion Inc's 5th Annual Juneteenth Festival, Lake James State Park 6/19, Father's Day Hike and Dad Olympics, Pilot Mountain State Park 6/20, Discover Tryon Palace: Outlander, Tryon Palace 6/26, Summerfest: Classics Under the Starts with North Carolina Symphony, Koka Booth Amphitheatre 6/27, NCMA Community Day, North Carolina Museum of Art 7/4, Independence Day, 1767 Historic Chowan County Courthouse 7/4, Independence Day Celebration, Historic Halifax
|
|
| | If you are a teacher interested in receiving CEUs for attending a public DNCR program, reach out to us at educationoutreach@dncr.nc.gov for information on how to do so. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | | Learning Happens Here connects K–12 educators with programs and resources from DNCR’s 100+ sites around the state. It is an initiative of DNCR’s Office of K-12 Education & Outreach. Visit our website to learn more. If you have a question about a program or resource in this newsletter or how DNCR can support your critical work in the classroom, reach out! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | Stay Up-to-Date with DNCR Happenings Across 100+ Sites & Programs |
|
| Many DNCR locations have individual newsletters highlighting even more events and resources for the general public. Subscribe to individual DNCR newsletters below. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
|
|
|
|
