North Carolina Humanities is offering a limited-time series of programs that will take place across the state in 2026 in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
About the Partnerships
These partnership programs will highlight the history of North Carolina and how our cultural heritage can draw communities together.
By the People: Conversations Beyond 250 is a series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils across the United States, its territories, and the District of Columbia in collaboration with local partners. Together, these programs explore 250 years of the nation’s cultural life and imagine its shared future. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage as a complement to the 2026 Smithsonian Folklife Festival.
"By the People" Music from the Old North State - Elizabeth City
"By the People" - Music from the Old North State is a series of events exploring NC’s music heritage. NC Humanities along with our partners; Arts of the Albemarle, the Earl Scruggs Center, and the NC Music Hall of Fame are hosting programs to foster dialogue and highlight NC’s music heritage and culture bearers.
"By the People" Music from the Old North State - Shelby
"By the People" - Music from the Old North State is a series of events exploring NC’s music heritage. NC Humanities along with our partners; Arts of the Albemarle, the Earl Scruggs Center, and the NC Music Hall of Fame are hosting programs to foster dialogue and highlight NC’s music heritage and culture bearers.
"By the People" - Music from the Old North State - Kannapolis
"By the People" - Music from the Old North State is a series of events exploring NC’s music heritage. NC Humanities along with our partners; Arts of the Albemarle, the Earl Scruggs Center, and the NC Music Hall of Fame are hosting programs to foster dialogue and highlight NC’s music heritage and culture bearers.
North Carolina's Literary Legacy
In honor of America's 250th birthday, North Carolina Humanities is working in partnership with the Library of Congress and PBS Books to provide content for a digital episode exploring North Carolina's vibrant literary heritage. Each installment in this series features unforgettable authors, books, bookstores, libraries, and the real-life locations that inspired North Carolina's greatest works. Watch other state’s videos in this series on the PBS Books website www.pbsbooks.org/readingroadtrip
You can help shape this program by completing our NC Literary Heritage Survey by May 15, 2026. Click on the logo to participate.