WASHINGTON, N.C. –– In 2026, America will commemorate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. North Carolina is preparing to celebrate this historical marker.

America 250 NC is North Carolina’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of our state in the development of the United States. The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources is the statewide entity charged by Gov. Roy Cooper with the leadership of the commemoration for North Carolina.

North Carolina will commemorate the 250th with wide-ranging activities across a multi-year commemoration that begins April 12, 2024, with a focus on 2026. Additional events will continue through 2033 to reflect our state’s Revolutionary history. DNCR activities will include educational outreach for schools and families, online resources, traveling exhibits, and a variety of events.

The heart of the America 250 commemoration programming lies within local county committees. These committees should consist of individuals who are dedicated to planning and organizing events, projects, and initiatives at the grassroots level. Beaufort County has one official America 250 NC Committee.

County committees contain membership spanning diverse perspectives and skills. The inclusion of members from a variety of sectors, including government, cultural heritage institutions, regional American Indian tribes, non-profits, tourism agencies, civic organizations, and community groups ensures that local America 250 NC events will reach the widest variety of audiences.

Beaufort County is seeking members for its official America 250 NC Committee, which was officially established by the Board of Commissioners earlier this month. The committee will hold its first meeting on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at 136 W. Second St. Washington, N.C. 27889. If you are a Beaufort County resident and are interested in becoming a voting member of

this committee, you are encouraged to attend. During the first meeting, the group will discuss dates and times for future meetings.

The chair of the committee is Beaufort County Commissioner Randy Walker. Beaufort County Communications Director Brandon Tester is serving as the liaison between the committee, County government and DNCR. Email brandon.tester@beaufortcountync.gov or call 252-946- 0079 if you have questions about the committee or want to know how to get involved.

For more information about NC250 visit america250.nc.gov.