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On July 4, 2026, America will celebrate the 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

In preparation for the momentous day, the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources is leading a statewide initiative called America 250 NC. Through this multi-year initiative, the department will host educational events at schools, for families, provide online resources, traveling exhibits and more. The events will continue through 2033 to honor the state’s Revolutionary War history. Festivities officially kicked off on April 12, 2024 in Halifax with commemoration of the 1776 Halifax Resolves. 

On a local level, counties form committees whose membership is composed of citizens interested in planning and organizing events, projects and initiatives that reflect the area’s Revolutionary War and/or colonial history. 

Randy Walker is the chairman for the Beaufort County America NC Committee. He, a self-professed local history aficionado, said while many people are familiar with Washington’s Civil War history, few know the county’s Revolutionary War history. This initiative, he added, can help people have a better understanding of Beaufort County’s colonial history. 

“There’s a lot of people that know a lot about the Civil War, but this goes back even further. I love history so this gives me a chance to look into that aspect of it. We do have a really good history in colonial times and as the fight for our freedom came about 250 years ago,” Walker said. 

Beaufort County’s America 250 NC Committee is seeking resident input on how best to celebrate and educate the public on local Revolutionary War history. 

They are considering the following options: a George Washington statue on a bench at the waterfront in Washington, a commemorative freedom fountain or reflecting pool in front of courthouse or Veteran’s Park, a Revolutionary War Days parade with downtown 250th festival or celebration, commission new public artwork like a 1776 theme mosaic or mural made by local artists or sponsor events through the year suitable for all ages like living history exhibits and tours of historic homes and cemeteries. 

Once a selection has been made, the committee will fill out a grant application to receive $10,000 from the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources to fund that option. 

But the money does not stop there. Municipalities and local organizations can apply for a separate grant should they want to plan their own commemorative festivities. Municipalities can apply for up to $30,000 through the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. To learn more, visit https://www.america250.nc.gov/grants. 

Grants should be submitted to the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources by November 1. 

Beaufort County Communications Director, Brandon Tester shared in an email to the Daily News, 

“The America 250 NC Beaufort County Committee members have prioritized community input as the group moves forward with coordinating observances of the semi-quincentennial. County residents are encouraged to visit https://www.america250.nc.gov to learn more about the 250th, and email randy.walker@beaufortcountync.gov if you have questions or ideas. If you are part of a group that is planning or wants to plan 250th-related activities, the committee would love to hear from you as well. The committee’s next monthly meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Nov.14 at 5:30 pm at the Board of Commissioners meeting room.”