Traveling Exhibits

Developed for the state’s America 250 NC “When Are We US?” initiative, the traveling exhibit is part of North Carolina’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary. This exhibit tells the stories of seven everyday North Carolinians and extraordinary leaders — Gertrude Weil, Henry Owl, Joe Lewis, Abraham Galloway, Ronald Mace, James Hunter, and Willa Player — who petitioned, protested, and organized to expand democracy. The exhibit explores change, freedom, civic responsibility, and overcoming challenges by telling the story of a few North Carolinians who have raised their voices to call out injustice and fully participate in our democratic society. The exhibit consists of 10 one-sided pop-up banner stands. The panels are 32 inches wide by 80 inches tall. The exhibit must be reserved for a minimum of 6 weeks and maximum of 10. Exhibit pick-up is required in order to host. If you have questions, please reach out to Chelsea Kiefer at Chelsea.Kiefer@dncr.nc.gov.

• Preview Making Our Voices Heard: North Carolinians Fighting for Civil Rights
• Learn more about When Are We US? programming
• Request to Host the Exhibit

The When Are We US? exhibit is a thought-provoking approach to commemorating the US 250th anniversary that delves into the history of immigration, integration, fundamental rights, emancipation, and voting in North Carolina. The When Are We US? exhibit has eight panels available to borrow for exhibition. This exhibit, funded by the National Historical Publications & Records Commission, features North Carolina stories through select documents, images, and recordings found in repositories across the state and beyond. Content warning: the primary sources on display reflect the perspectives of their creators and some contain antiquated and offensive terms. Exhibit sizes: Standing Banners 33"x 78.5" If you have questions, please reach out to Chelsea Kiefer at Chelsea.Kiefer@dncr.nc.gov.

• Preview When Are We Us?
• Learn more about When Are We Us? programming
• Request to Host the Exhibit

Explore the diverse stories of those who called North Carolina home during the American Revolution in this compelling traveling exhibit. People of Colonial North Carolina highlights the complex and often conflicting paths different communities took in the fight for freedom and survival. Through maps, rare documents, and illustrations, the exhibit offers a look at how the American Revolution impacted everyday lives. Perfect for libraries, schools, and community centers, this exhibit invites viewers to reflect on our shared and layered past. Exhibit size: The exhibit consists of seven standing banners at approximately 33"x 78.5" each. If you have questions, please reach out to Chelsea Kiefer at Chelsea.Kiefer@dncr.nc.gov.

• Preview People of Colonial North Carolina
• Request to Host the Exhibit

Explore how North Carolina helped forge a new nation during one of the most transformative periods in history. Through maps, historical documents, and everyday objects, this exhibit reveals the state’s role in the struggle for independence, from early protests against British rule and the battles fought on Carolina soil to the drafting of the Constitution. Forging a Nation invites visitors to witness how ordinary people, conflict, and conviction shaped North Carolina's history during the American Revolution. Exhibit size: The exhibit consists of nine standing banners at approximately 33"x 78.5" each. If you have questions about reserving the exhibit, please reach out to Chelsea Kiefer at Chelsea.Kiefer@dncr.nc.gov.

• Preview Forging A Nation: The American Revolution and the Path to Independence
• Request to Host the Exhibit

One Day Wonder Exhibits

One-Day Wonders are topic-based pop-up exhibitions of original materials from the State Archives of North Carolina collection. They are designed to visit your site for one day only. Archivists from the State Archives accompany the materials to set up the documents in protective cases and interact with visitors during the event. The display includes panels to provide context for the documents. The current program features materials that commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding, bringing original records of national and state importance directly to the people of North Carolina in local communities. The exhibit features the 1776 State Constitution and Declaration of Rights, the State Constitution of 1868 and a draft of John Adams’ “Thoughts on Government”. There is no fee to host a One-Day Wonder. However, hosts must lead with publicity and programming around the event. These special exhibitions are most beneficial when they amplify an existing event or program, such as a local festival or commemoration. Since One Day Wonders feature original materials from the State Archives’ collections, there are limitations on the amount of light exposure and environmental fluctuations that the materials are subjected to. Therefore, the exhibit will only travel once per month. Applications are approved on a first-come, first-serve basis. To host a One-Day Wonder, complete the application form below. Questions can be directed to becky.mcgee-lankford@dncr.nc.gov. Prior to approval all sites must meet preservation criteria, and a site visit will be required.

• Apply to host a One Day Wonder Exhibit