North Carolina Historic Sites

10/13/2026

We hope that you will join us on Saturday, Oct. 31 for Death and Mourning in the Mountains, a new specialty tour at Vance Birthplace! Explore how the culture and climate of Western North Carolina and technological advances shaped funerary practices throughout the 1800s.

This tour will last approximately 90 minutes including a short, optional hike to the old Vance Cemetery. Spots are limited, so we recommend reserving a ticket in advance. Tours are offered at 10am and 1pm and tickets cost $10.70 per person via Zeffy. If you have any questions or need help reserving your ticket, reach out to us via email at [email protected] or give us a call at (828) 645-6706!

10/11/2026

Something spooky this way comes! Our Frightful Folk Tales event featuring professional storyteller Dr. Delanna Reed returns on Friday, Oct. 16. Bring a chair and/or a blanket and join us around the campfire at 7pm to hear Dr. Reed bring stories from Appalachia and beyond to life through the spoken word.

This event is free, but donations are encouraged. We recommend this event for audiences aged 12 and up. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to [email protected] or give us a call at (828) 645-6706!

10/11/2026

See you there!

The North Carolina State Fair will be here before you know it! Come see us each day of the fair (Oct. 15-25) in Dorton Arena!

This year will be extra special, as we will have more NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources teams with us on special days:

North Carolina State Parks and Recreation
North Carolina Highway Historical Markers
North Carolina Research and Publications
North Carolina Historic Sites
North Carolina Museum of History (and regional museums!)
North Carolina Zoo
State Archives of North Carolina
North Carolina Office of State Archaeology


Learn more about what we have planned and see the schedule: https://www.america250.nc.gov/2026-north-carolina-state-fair

10/10/2026

Looking for something to do on November 21st? From 10am-3pm we are hosting a FREE Revolutionary Mustering the Militia event. Costumed reenactors bring to life the Dobbs County Militia and camp followers for the day. There will also be a wreath laying ceremony at the Caswell family cemetery to honor Governor Richard Caswell and his son, Brig. Gen. William Caswell, sponsored by the Moseley-Bright DAR Chapter and the Gen. George Washington Chapter, NSSAR at 11am.

Here is the site map and a tentative schedule.

10:00 am - Camp opens to Public

10:30am - Roll Call of Militia Members

11:00am - Issue of Rations to Soldiers or Cooks

11:30am - Alarms and Call to Arms Skirmish

11:45- 1:00 - Cooking and dining in camp

1:00pm - Musket and artillery demonstration

1:15-2:00pm - Camp activities, cleaning of cookware, sewing, knitting, drawing, an apothecary, maintenance of weapons and equipment, playing cards, games, music etc.

2:00pm - Alarm and Call to Arms Skirmish

3:00pm- Artillery and Musket demonstration and event concludes

Any questions please contact Dave at [email protected] or Randi at [email protected] or call the museum at 252-526-9600. We look forward to seeing you for a Revolutionary good time! Moseley-Bright Chapter, NSDAR North Carolina Historic Sites

10/10/2026

Due to the inclement weather from Hurricane Isaias, Vance Birthplace will close at 12pm noon today, Oct. 10th. We will reopen to the public on Tuesday, Oct. 13th at 9am. Stay safe, everyone!

10/10/2026

Due to inclement weather and an increasing risk of flash flooding, the Thomas Wolfe Memorial will be closing at 12pm today, October 10th for the safety of staff and patrons.

We plan to resume normal business hours on Tuesday, October 13th.

Check our website and socials for any other weather-related announcements.

Stay safe and dry out there!

10/09/2026

Due to the incoming inclement weather from Hurricane Isaias, we have made the difficult decision to cancel our Autumn Storytime. Vance Birthplace will remain open from 9am to 5pm and, as always, our Kid's Corner will have several picture books for families to read during their visit. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to [email protected] or give us a call at (828) 645-6706!

10/09/2026

Site Update:

The Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum will only be offering self-guided tours of the grounds Friday, October 9th. Grab a pamphlet from the Visitors Center and enjoy your time on campus!

10/09/2026

North Carolina teachers! Our colleagues at the North Carolina American Indian Heritage Commission are offering a free, virtual discussion to help educators deepen your understanding of American Indian history and culture. Details and registration link below!

Join us for an engaging evening of learning. Our free, virtual discussion will deepen your understanding of American Indian history and culture to be able to celebrate beyond November.

Sign up today!
https://aihc.nc.gov/news/events/teacher-discussion-unpacking-american-indian-heritage-month

NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources

10/09/2026

📣Unfortunately, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this Saturday evening’s "Thomas Wolfe's Buried Lives: A Special Evening Tour of Riverside Cemetery."

While the exact timing and amount of rain this weekend remains uncertain, the weather front moving in from Hurricane Isaias in the Gulf presents a risk we feel we simply cannot take. Even if the hardest rain arrives later than expected, forecasted showers that day will lead to wet conditions that leave the cemetery grounds muddy, slippery, and unsafe for walking. We want everyone to be able to enjoy the program safely (and dryly).

All ticket holders have been notified and will receive a full refund.

Don't forget to check our website and social media for the other fun upcoming (and INDOORS!) events we have scheduled this Fall and Holiday Season! Thanks so much for your support and understanding!