The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ America 250 NC initiative has dispersed nearly $1.2 million in a second round of grant funds across 58 counties in the state. The America 250 NC Grants are designed to spark programs and activities on a local level to create a memorable and meaningful commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities is the first recipient in Moore County of the America 250 NC grants, receiving nearly $30,000 in support of its June 13-15, 2025 celebration of the 100th anniversary of James Boyd’s historical fiction Drums, a novel about the journey of a young Revolutionary War soldier from Edenton, N.C.
The celebration,“Drums of Liberty” will include a ticketed exhibit opening and two days of free activities on the grounds of Weymouth Center and at the Boyd House, a property on the National Historic Register, June 13-15, 2025.
June 13: Ticketed exhibit opening of Interpreting Drums, featuring the revealing of three original paintings by American artist NC Wyeth that served as illustrations for the commemorative edition of Drums and have been in storage for the past decade. Tickets are $75 and include hors d’oeuvres, open bar, and remarks on the historic unveiling of the art and history exhibit. Interpreting Drums will be on display from June 13, 2025 – Dec. 31, 2026.
Drums of Liberty: Revolutionary War Weekend at Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities. June 14-15 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day
Step back in time as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of James Boyd’s revolutionary war historical fiction Drums, the 250th anniversary of the beginnings of the American Revolution, and the 250th anniversary of the United States Army. The weekend program is free and open to the public. Monetary donations are appreciated!
● Interact with the 2nd and 6th North Carolina Regiments at an encampment
● Watch cooking and musket demonstrations
● Explore the Interpreting Drums exhibit with original NC Wyeth paintings
● Learn about diverse and various perspectives of the war
● Hear from historians and community members
● Tour the Boyd House and meet James Boyd
● Listen to 18th Century Music and a Fife and Drums Corps
● Shop local vendors and create themed children’s crafts
“These America 250 NC grants will help local N.C. communities to more fully participate in the nationwide commemoration of our nation’s founding,” said DNCR Secretary Pamela Brewington Cashwell. “We look forward to working with communities across the state to build a memorable and meaningful celebration for all North Carolinians.”
In June 2024, DNCR issued nearly $900,000 across 34 counties in the first round of America 250 NC grants. Between the two rounds, $2.1 million in grant funds has been awarded in 74 of the state’s 100 counties.
In 2026, America will commemorate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the development of a new nation dedicated to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
In the years since, our country has undergone many changes and faced many challenges. This commemoration offers a unique opportunity to reflect upon our country’s founding ideals. Explore the pivotal events, places, and voices, both historical and modern, that have shaped our state and country from the Halifax Resolves to the civil rights movement, and beyond.
America 250 NC is North Carolina’s commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary and is led by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Partners include the America 250 NC, Daughters of the American Revolution – Temperance Smith Alston Chapter and Alfred Moore Chapter, Mill Prong Preservation, Moore County Historical Association, Museum of the Southeast American Indian, Pinehurst-Southern Pines-Aberdeen Convention & Visitors Bureau, Sandhills Community College, Scottish Heritage USA, Southern Pines Land and Housing Trust, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Sponsorship Opportunities
$5,000 Sponsor:
● Exclusive sponsorship of the Revolutionary War encampment
● Named sponsorship of the Interpreting Drums Exhibit Opening event
● Prominent signage at weekend events
● Online media presence and recognition
● Logo in digital invitations for the event
● Two VIP parking spaces for the entire weekend
● Eight tickets to the Exhibit Opening with a reserved private table near the podium
$2,500 Sponsor:
● Sponsorship of the Drums of Liberty temporary exhibit featuring NC Wyeth’s paintings
● Shared sponsorship of the Exhibit Opening event
● Event signage and online media recognition
● Shared logo in digital invitations for the event
● One VIP parking space for the entire weekend Four tickets to the Exhibit Opening with a reserved private table near the podium
$1,000 Sponsor:
● One VIP parking space for the weekend
● Sponsorship of one lecture session
● Shared sponsorship of the Exhibit Opening
● Event signage and online media recognition
● Shared logo in digital invitations for the event
● Two tickets to the Exhibit Opening
$500 VIP Package:
● One VIP parking space for the weekend
● Two tickets to the Exhibit Opening Cocktail Party
● Listing on event signage
$250 Supporter:
● Your company/family name listed in the event printed and online program
● Two tickets to the Exhibit Opening
To purchase tickets, please click here.
Contributed article and photos.
