NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources

Please check DNCR locations and attractions' social media accounts for updates on operating hours and closures.

Celebrate National Lighthouse Day by exploring the stunning lighthouses of North Carolina! From the iconic Cape Hatteras to the picturesque Bodie Island, each one tells a tale of maritime history and breathtaking coastal views. Whether you're a history buff or a nature enthusiast, these beacons are a must-visit. Plan your adventure today and discover the charm of NC's coastal treasures!

Photograph of Bodie Island Lighthouse and keeper's quarters; courtesy of North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film, and Sports Development.

Alt text: A lighthouse behind a house.

Who’s ready for a field trip? 🚀

Congratulations to the talented student awardees from North Carolina who clinched the top spots in the America's Field Trip contest! This summer, they'll have the opportunity to visit iconic historical and cultural sites all across the nation, from the Statue of Liberty to the USS Constitution. It's going to be an amazing journey of learning and discovery. Check out all of the winners and their submissions at https://america250.org/fieldtrip/awardees/

Alt Text: Photo collage of student contest winners. Text says “America’s Field Trip, America 250.”

America250

Happy ! This week, we're spotlighting North Carolina's Diamondback Terrapins! 🐢💧 This semi-aquatic species are known for their powerful jaws, perfect for devouring periwinkle snails. They also are surprisingly agile swimmers, thanks to their large hind legs and webbed toes. While they are normally found in the coast, the species is currently facing challenges such as pollution and crab pot drownings. Thankfully, Diamondback Terrapins are a part of the North Carolina Wildlife Action plan, which aims to boost conservation efforts for our diverse wildlife.

To learn more about the North Carolina Wildlife Action plan, visit: https://digital.ncdcr.gov/documents/detail/3690138

Photo by Jeff Hall.

Alt text: A young diamondback terrapin.

Thank you to Waypoint Adventure_NC, participants, staff, and volunteers for some fun kayaking programs this summer at Lake Norman and Lake James state parks! We will have additional program dates for this fall – so keep an eye out if you or someone you know wants to participate in adaptive kayaking programs!

Photo credit: Shelby Hampton at Waypoint Adventure, taken at Lake James State Park.

Alt text: A large group of people in kayaks raising their arms up in excitement.

We will be closed Wednesday, August 7 for Hurricane Debby.
Please check back for daily updates!
Plan. Prepare. Stay Informed: https://www.readync.gov

On August 7, 1972, Negro League ballplayer and Rocky Mount native Walter Fenner “Buck” Leonard was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Buck Leonard lost his job during the Great Depression, leading him to focus on professional baseball. He joined the Homestead Grays and gained fame as an exceptional first baseman and hitter, often compared to Lou Gehrig. Alongside Josh Gibson, he helped the Grays win nine consecutive Negro League championships.

Learn more at https://www.dncr.nc.gov/blog/2016/08/07/rocky-mount-man-inducted-baseball-hall-fame.

Image courtesy of the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame and Museum.

Alt text: A baseball player holding a baseball bat.

Today, we honor the courage and sacrifice of those who have been wounded or paid the ultimate price in service to our nation. Purple Heart Day reminds us of the profound bravery displayed by our military members, whose sacrifices often go unseen but whose impact is deeply felt.

Let us take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by these brave individuals and their families. Their service reminds us of the true cost of freedom and inspires us to uphold the values they fought to protect.

To all Purple Heart recipients, past and present, we thank you for your service and sacrifice. Your bravery will never be forgotten.

Image: U.S. Marine Sgt. Carl D. Stancil (left), shaking hands with William John Clarke Agnew, the commanding Officer of the National Naval Medical Center. Agnew had just presented Stancil with the Purple Heart Medal, seen pinned on Stancil’s uniform above his left breast pocket. Courtesy of the State Archives of North Carolina.

Alt text: Two men shaking hands.

On this , we’re getting ready to explore another North Carolina’s State Trail! Our Hometown Strong initiative is working with communities across the state to feature our beautiful state trails system. These events provide organized opportunities to explore the trails with guides and instruction. The next event is August 17, 2024 on the Haw River State Trail. This trail event includes both hiking and paddling excursions. We hope to see you there! https://www.dncr.nc.gov/celebrate-north-carolina-state-trails

Photo Credit: NC Dept. of Natural & Cultural Resources

Image description: A shaded hiking trail in Haw River State Park.

Due to Tropical Storm Debby, the North Carolina Maritime Museums will be closed to the public on Thursday, Aug. 8. Please consult their website, https://ncmaritimemuseums.com/, or the individual museums' social media accounts.

CLOSURE UPDATE: As of 2:00pm, August 6th, the NC Maritime Museum at Southport is without power, and therefore closed to the public. Due to worsening weather conditions, we will remain closed until the storm passes. Stay safe everyone!

Due to severe weather the Museum is closed through Friday, August 9.

The HBCU/MIHE Summer Internship program has ended, and we want to express our gratitude to our interns for their hard work and commitment. We are impressed by their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Their achievements were celebrated with a gathering and presentations. Below are some photos from the celebration. The participants of the HBCU/MIHE Summer Internship program came together to celebrate and share their summer experiences with fellow interns, supervisors, DNCR staff, and Administration. The event marked the culmination of their internships. Check out some of the celebration photographs.

Images: Photographs of the closing ceremony of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources HBCU/MIHE Summer Internship Program, July 30, 2024.

Alt text:

Image 1: A group of interns standing in front of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources building.

Image 2: A speaker at a podium.

Image 3: A speaker (Secretary Reid Wilson) speaking at a podium.

Image 4: A man speaking in front of a graphic of an athlete.

Image 5: A speaker at a podium.

Image 6: Three people standing side by side. The person in the middle is holding a printed Certificate of Achievement award.

Image 7: Two people sitting down holding microphones.

Image 8: Two people standing side by side. The person on the left is holding a printed Certificate of Achievement award.

Image 9: Two people smiling and shaking hands.

Image 10: A group of interns standing in front of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources building.

Out of an abundance of caution for visitors, volunteers and staff, the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher will close Wednesday, Aug. 7. Governor Cooper declared a state of emergency as the incoming predictions for Tropical Storm Debby indicate high winds, heavy rainfall and flooding. More information:
ncaquariums.com/newsroom-fort-fisher/posts/severe-weather-closure-wednesday-aug-7-2024

Please check DNCR locations and attractions' social media accounts for updates on operating hours and closures.

NCEM Weather Update 8 5 24

Let’s meet some of our summer interns!

Meet Aiden Finnerty, a rising sophomore at NC State University studying Zoology! This summer, he’s interning with the In-House Education team at the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores!

Growing up in a military family, Aiden’s youth lacked consistency, but he always found a constant in wildlife—whether at aquariums, zoos, or on hikes.

As an avid aquarium goer, Aiden loves teaching guests about animals and fostering an appreciation for them. This internship has helped him understand what it’s like to work in an accredited AZA aquarium and gain insight into what it means to work with animals. He is most excited about the different career paths he can pursue with his major!

Stay tuned as we continue to highlight our summer interns!

Alt text: A graphic with the text "Intern Spotlight" and a photo of a person smiling next to the text.

The NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources is proud to sponsor the upcoming NC Women's Conference held on August 28. This free conference will explore policies and solutions addressing issues affecting women across North Carolina. Register today for in-person or virtual attendance: https://events.lifelonglearning.ncsu.edu/nc-conference-for-women/

North Carolina is stronger when there’s equality and justice for all — join us at the free upcoming 2024 Women’s Conference to explore emerging solutions for the problems affecting our state.

Register today for in-person or virtual attendance: https://bit.ly/3yvjhnb

Let’s meet some of our summer interns!

Meet Emerson Brown, an NC State University student studying Geology and Environmental Sciences. This summer, she's working as a Geology Research and Collections intern at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

Her internship included a research-based geology project focused on finding NC diamonds and their indicator minerals. This project took her to Western Carolina to conduct fieldwork searching for the mineral lamproite.

Emerson went over hundreds of data points using a tool called GEOLocate to assign specific coordinates to the locality of the minerals that had been recently donated. Her work will allow the museum to see the breadth of its collection and to prepare for potential new exhibits.

During this internship, she was able to gain experience doing fieldwork, conducting research, and taking care of a geology museum collection. Emerson is inspired by the community's positivity, reinforcing her choice to study geology and environmental sciences. Though unsure about her career path, this internship has provided valuable resources. She's excited for the future!

Stay tuned as we continue to highlight our summer interns!

Alt text: A graphic with the text "Intern Spotlight" and a photo of a person smiling next to the text.

Important Update!

Tropical Storm Debby Closures as of Monday, Aug. 5

All CAMPSITES at the following parks will be closed beginning Wednesday, Aug. 7 through at least Friday, Aug. 9:
- Carolina Beach State Park
- Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
- Goose Creek State Park
- Jones Lake State Park
- Lumber River State Park
- Merchants Millpond State Park
- Pettigrew State Park

Campers with affected reservations will be issued a full refund automatically.

In addition, the preview event for the new Hammocks Beach State Park campground scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 10 has been postponed.

We anticipate additional closures throughout the week. Please check ncparks.gov prior to your visit for the latest information. For your safety and the safety of park staff, do not access any areas that have been closed.

Calling Exhibitors! ⚛️
It's important for young girls to see someone like themselves in STEM fields. 🔬 Femme in STEM Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Aquarium does that — it's a celebration of women who work in science, technology, engineering and math. 👩🏼‍🚀 Find out more and join us as an exhibitor:
https://www.ncaquariums.com/femme-stem-

Let’s meet some of our summer interns!

Meet Noah Goetsch, a senior environmental science and biology student, and athlete at William Peace University. This summer, he’s interning for the education department at Jennette's Pier in Nags Head.

Noah Goetsch teaches summer campers about the marine environment at Jennette’s Pier while imparting to them a waterman’s knowledge of how-to fish, surf and keep safe in the ocean. Hailing from Nags Head, he has a unique bond with the waters that surround his hometown, and he can rip the surf!

“I grew up with love for the ocean and sound,” Goetsch said. “That’s my home, the ocean.”

Goetsch explained that his dad, Michael, works as a commercial fisherman, so he was exposed to the waterman’s lifestyle early on. His knowledge of the ever-changing ocean conditions has been a big plus for the camp counselors who balance safety and fun in the water.

Noah also assists campers with seine net pulls in the wave swash on the beach where they find small crabs, pipefish, Atlantic silversides and other larval species.

He’s looking forward to his senior year. “I’ve only got one more year!”

Stay tuned as we highlight more of our summer interns!

Let’s meet some of our summer interns!

Meet Will Atkinson, a second-year Museum Studies MA student at UNC Greensboro. This summer, he is serving as a visitor services and historic interpretation intern at the Vance Birthplace State Historic Site in Weaverville, NC.

Will chose to spend his summer at Vance Birthplace because he is an Asheville native and his research interests revolve around the history of slavery in Appalachia. In the past, he has interned at the Asheville Art Museum as well as for the special collections at UNCG's Jackson Library.

Will has led several guided tours of Vance Birthplace and by the end of the summer, he will produce a timeline of slavery's evolution in downtown Asheville while paying particular attention to Jim, an enslaved blacksmith. He is interested in pursuing a career in museums and historic sites and has gotten crucial hands-on experience in his internship.

Stay tuned as we continue to highlight our summer interns!

Alt text: A graphic with the text "Intern Spotlight" and a photo of a person smiling next to the text.

Celebrate National Play Outside Day in our stunning state parks! Whether you're scaling the peaks of Grandfather Mountain State Park or exploring the serene trails of Umstead State Park near Raleigh, there's an adventure waiting for everyone. Lace up your hiking boots, pack a picnic, and immerse yourself in the beauty of NC's state parks this National Play Outside Day!

Alt text: A park ranger leading a group of kids through the woods.

Join the North Carolina Museum of History on August 10th for the first in a special series of concerts celebrating North Carolina’s unique story of moonshine and motorsports. This concert will feature NC legend of Americana, Jim Lauderdale, the iconic bluegrass trio, the Kruger Brothers, and Special Guests: Sheila Kay Adams, Donna Ray Norton, Melanie Penland, and William Ritter. The first of a three-part series, this concert will be held in the Daniels Auditorium of the museum.

For more information, including ticket registration, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/moonshine-and-motorsports-music-daniels-auditorium-tickets-943737924537.

Alt text: A graphic featuring an image of Jim Lauderdale and the Kruger Brothers. The graphic also provides text about the Moonshine and Motorsports concert being held at the North Carolina Museum of History.

Come Hear North Carolina

Celebrate National Friendship Day by exploring the natural wonders of North Carolina's state parks with your best pals! Whether you love hiking, picnicking, or simply soaking in scenic views, there's something for everyone to enjoy together. Tag your adventure buddies and plan a day filled with laughter, exploration, and unforgettable moments in the great outdoors. Let's make memories that will last a lifetime!

Alt text: Three men walking through a park together (King’s Mountain).

Guess what? Today all US National Parks are offering free entry! Whether you're drawn to the misty mountains of the Great Smokies or the serene beaches of Cape Hatteras, this is your chance to explore these natural treasures without paying an entrance fee. Grab your hiking boots, pack a picnic, and discover the beauty that's right in our backyard. Let's celebrate our love for nature and make the most of this special day together!

For the full list of national parks located in North Carolina, visit https://www.nps.gov/state/nc/index.htm.

Alt text: A postcard from the Great Smoky Mountains.

Happy Sandcastle Day! Throwback to this past May when the talented Sandy Feat team crafted this stunning sand sculpture for the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. It took three days of hard work, passion, and incredible attention to detail to bring this sandy marvel to life!

Image from the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knolls Shores.

Alt text: A sand sculpture of turtles relaxing at the beach.

Did you know that August is National Black Business Month? Read about the Lightner Arcade and Hotel, the Center of Raleigh's "Black Main Street." The early 1930s was the time of the Great Depression, segregation, big bands, and swing. During that decade, Raleigh's East Hargett Street was the economic and social hub for the African American community, and the Lightner Arcade and Hotel were at the center. The arcade and hotel were located at 122 East Hargett Street. The building provided a home for medical offices, lawyers, a pharmacy, music and dancing, The Carolinian newspaper, and a hotel for Black visitors and travelers. Want to learn more about the Lightner Arcade and Hotel?

Check out the article in the NCpedia: https://www.ncpedia.org/lightner-arcade-and-hotel-raleigh .

Image credit: Lightner Arcade and Hotel on Hargett Street in Raleigh, N.C., circa the 1920s to 1930s. From the General Negatives Collection, State Archives of North Carolina .

Alt text: façade of brick building ca. 1920s-1930s. People are standing in front, and cars are parked.

Sun’s out, tongue’s out! This week’s , Jellybean, is having a fantastic time exploring the trails of William B. Umstead State Park.

Summer Tip: Make sure you bring enough water for your dog during your hike!

Thanks to Instagram user for sharing!

Want your pup to be featured? Tag us in your outdoor adventure photos and learn more about the B.A.R.K. Ranger program: https://www.dncr.nc.gov/about/featured-programs/path/be-path-pet-ambassador

Image description: An adorable black dog poses while on trail in the park with green trees and vegetation in the background.