North Carolina History Explorer Invites Travelers to Discover the Tar Heel State’s Historic Treasures

(Raleigh, N.C.) — In celebration of North Carolina’s rich history and America’s 250th birthday, a new, interactive heritage tourism kiosk located in the state’s legislative building will transport visitors to the historic sites, events and stories that shaped the state’s early history through maps, photography and other multimedia content meant to cultivate curiosity in travelers to go see those places for themselves.

The first of its kind North Carolina History Explorer was developed by the American Battlefield Trust in collaboration with Interactive Knowledge of Charlotte, N.C. the North Carolina Department of Commerce, and America 250 NC, a program of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

“From Moores Creek to Bentonville, North Carolina played a pivotal role in our nation’s formative conflicts,” said Trust President David Duncan. “This kiosk does an incredible job of capturing the Tar Heel State’s rich history and will surely inspire people to see where this history happened for themselves.”

“We are excited to be bringing North Carolina’s historic legacy to new audiences,” said Eric Veal, owner and president of Interactive Knowledge. “North Carolina residents and out-of-state visitors alike will be able to use cutting edge technology to learn about the state’s historic treasures and parks. North Carolina History Explorer will make the state’s past tangible and accessible.”

The North Carolina History Explorer is organized around three major eras of North Carolina’s early history: “Our Revolutionary Journey” (1771-1783), which focused on the state’s role in the Revolutionary Era, including the Regulator movement and related political and social developments; “From Statehood to Secession” (1784-1861), which covers North Carolina’s early years as a state through the antebellum period, highlighting political, economic and cultural changes that shaped the path toward secession; and “A State Divided” (1861-1865), which examines the state’s Civil War experience, with military events, impact on the homefront, and the human stories that defined the period.

“In America’s semiquincentennial year, there is no better time for people to invest in learning the history of North Carolina, and its contributions to and influence on the country we cherish today,” said Ansley Herring Wegner, director of America 250 NC. “Residents and visitors alike will be enriched by their time with the North Carolina History Explorer."

Within each era, the North Carolina History Explorer will present sites, themes and stories that are rooted in specific places, encouraging visitors to think deeply about the state’s history. It will grow to integrate content and draw connectivity from several site networks, including North Carolina State Historic Sites and Parks and National Park Service units and affiliates, plus the Trust’s Road to Freedom, which interprets African American history, and the Medal of Honor Valor Trail.

While the kiosk will remain in the North Carolina Legislative Building until the end of 2026, North Carolina History Explorers will begin appearing in welcome centers across the state to greet and educate visitors to North Carolina.

About the American Battlefield Trust

The American Battlefield Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 60,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War. Learn more at battlefields.org. 

About Interactive Knowledge

Interactive Knowledge is a strategic and creative partner with some of the most well-known cultural organizations in America. Based in Charlotte, the firm began in 1991 as an educational publisher of cutting-edge technology products. Always keeping pace with technology, Interactive Knowledge has designed and built countless award-winning websites, on-site interactives and mobile apps for clients such as the Smithsonian Institution, PBS, Organic Valley, the Fetzer Institute and many others. In addition to outstanding visual design, Interactive Knowledge offers expertise in building custom, enterprise-level technology products and applications.

About America 250 NC

America 250 NC is North Carolina’s official commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. Led by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, this statewide initiative invites people across the state to reflect on the big ideas that helped shape the United States, including liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness. For more information about America 250 NC, visit america250.nc.gov.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. At more than 100 sites across the state, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.

About the North Carolina Department of Commerce

The North Carolina Department of Commerce works to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for all North Carolinians. To do that, the department works closely with local, regional, national and international organizations to propel economic, community, and workforce development for the state. For more information please visit: www.commerce.nc.gov