Neuse Regional Libraries announces America 250 speaker series, crafts and summer reading theme
Neuse Regional Libraries is rolling out a slate of programs tied to America 250, the nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
The three-county library system will host speakers on American Revolution topics, offer themed crafts and center its Adult Summer Reading Program around America 250, according to Emily Nethercutt, technical and information services supervisor for Neuse Regional Libraries. The programming is designed to pair national history with local context, and to connect residents with library resources for research and lifelong learning.
“Neuse Regional Libraries aims to provide the community with access to local historical information that shaped our region’s identity, support research and learning, and offer resources dedicated to the America 250 celebration,” Nethercutt said.
While the Declaration of Independence is a national touchstone, Nethercutt said the commemoration is also an invitation to explore Revolutionary-era stories closer to home, including the people, places and conflicts that shaped Eastern North Carolina.
“America 250 encourages the community to explore and share Revolutionary and early American stories,” Nethercutt said. “Our region is rich in history: Lenoir and Greene counties were named after Revolutionary figures, North Carolina’s first governor, Richard Caswell, was a Kinstonian, and the Southern Campaign included Patriot and British engagements at Jumping Run (Jones County) and Webber’s Bridge (on the edge of Jones and Craven counties).”
A calendar that starts in March
The public schedule begins in March with two evening programs at the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library, 510 N. Queen St., and continues through the summer with film showings, a bookmark contest tied to local schools and a summer reading program across all branches.
Among the early events:
Continental Navy and the American raid on the Bahamas — Tuesday, March 19, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library.
The Edenton Tea Party — Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library.
In April, the library plans a bookmark contest celebration and a performance that aims to bring Revolutionary-era music to life.
Bookmark contest (America 250 theme) — Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library.
Tryon Palace Fife and Drum Corps — Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 3 p.m., Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library.
The library’s Ken Burns documentary nights begin in May:
Ken Burns’ “The American Revolution” screenings — 5:30 p.m. on May 7, May 14, May 21, June 4, June 11 and June 18, Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library.
PBS describes the Burns documentary as a multi-episode look at how the colonies united in rebellion, fought an eight-year war and formed a new government.
Two other America 250-themed events are scheduled in June at branch libraries:
Flags of the American Revolution — Monday, June 8, 2026, at 4:30 p.m., La Grange Public Library.
250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence: The Battle of Yorktown — Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Pink Hill Library.
A focus on all ages, with schools in the mix
Nethercutt said the programming is intended for a broad audience, including children, families, history enthusiasts and anyone who wants to learn more about the era.
“America 250 is for everyone,” she said.
A major youth-centered piece is the bookmark contest, which the library is running in partnership with Lenoir County schools. The contest is open to elementary school students in grades 1 through 5, with entries expected to reflect the America 250 theme. Winners will be recognized at an April ceremony, where the library plans to showcase and celebrate winning entries from each school and grade.
The library is also planning themed crafts and other youth programming throughout the summer, along with storytimes and additional events that will be announced later.
For adults, the summer reading program is part of the strategy to keep the history theme active across all branches and throughout the season.
Adult Summer Reading Program (America 250 theme) — June 15 through Aug. 15, 2026, at all branches.
Exhibit and online resources
Along with in-person programs, Nethercutt said the library will point patrons to an interactive American Revolution timeline on its website, including links to books and other resources.
The library also plans to host the traveling display “People of Colonial North Carolina,” which is described as an exhibit using maps, rare documents and illustrations to show how the Revolution affected everyday life and how different communities navigated competing pressures of freedom and survival.
The exhibit is associated with America 250 NC programming listed through the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Bringing the sound of the era to Kinston
The April 25 performance by the Tryon Palace Fife and Drum Corps is expected to be one of the largest draws, Nethercutt said, because it offers a family-friendly way to experience Revolutionary-era music in a live setting.
Tryon Palace describes its fife-and-drum programming as interpreting music tied to the mid- to late-18th century, including tunes associated with the Revolutionary period.
How to keep up with updates
Neuse Regional Libraries is expected to add more events as America 250 planning continues. Residents can follow the library system on social media, call their local branch or check the library’s event calendar online for updates.
For now, Nethercutt said the goal is to make the commemoration accessible, locally grounded and useful for anyone who wants to learn more.
“We are committed to educating the community about and preserving local history to celebrate our community’s identity and support research and lifelong learning,” she said.
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