Skip to main content
Homegrown History Presented by PBS North Carolina in white text with a dark blue background.

Our Roots Start With You

Homegrown History is a multiyear public history initiative exploring North Carolina’s rich past. This ambitious project includes new broadcast and digital content exploring local history, community engagement events and resources for students and educators.

In 2026, Homegrown History spotlights North Carolina’s role in the American Revolution to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary. 

Homegrown History show key art.

Homegrown History

Homegrown History is a documentary series in celebration of America's 250th anniversary, built from community submissions across North Carolina, telling the history of the American Revolution and how it shapes who we are today.

Sci NC contributors Evan Howell, Michelle Lotker and  Frank Graff stand in front of a paper map background with the Sci NC logo.

Sci NC

From archaeology to forensics, Sci NC explores the science illuminating North Carolina's Revolutionary and colonial past.

100 Counties, Countless Stories

North Carolina’s history lives in communities spread across all 100 counties. Every corner of the state has defining moments and remarkable people whose stories deserve to be preserved and shared. 

A brown map of North Carolina, sectioned by county with locator pins on Alamance, Brunswick, Chowan, Craven, Cumberland, Forsyth, Guilford, Halifax, Mecklenburg, Moore, New Hanover and Rutherford counties.

Explore Stories by County

This initiative is building a comprehensive library of local history, connecting North Carolinians to the places and people that shaped the state we know today. 

Alamance

Have you heard of the salt famine? | YouTube

Brunswick

This was NC's first act of revolution against the British | YouTube

Chowan

This NC town was full of rebels | YouTube

Cleveland

Kings Mountain Historical Museum | YouTube | PBS

Craven

In the 1700s, women wore “stays,” not corsets. | YouTube
Tryon Palace's surprising origin story | YouTube

Cumberland

In the 1700s, women wore “stays,” not corsets. | YouTube
Tryon Palace's surprising origin story | YouTube

Currituck

The Forgotten Hero Who Tricked The British | YouTube

Forsyth

Digging Up the Secrets of Old Salem in North Carolina | YouTube | PBS
The Battle of Moores Creek | YouTube | PBS

Guilford

Ken Burns on NC’s Role in the American Revolution | YouTube | PBS
The South wasn't easy to subdue during the American Revolution | YouTube

Halifax

Why "First in Freedom" is on NC license plates | YouTube

Lincoln

Ramsour’s Mill | YouTube | PBS

Mecklenburg

The origin story behind the pro-basketball team name "The Hornets." | YouTube

Moore

Reconstructing a Revolutionary War Battle With Modern Forensics | YouTube | PBS

New Hanover

Why Black soldiers fought for the British | YouTube

Pender

Historic Bethabara Park | YouTube | PBS

Rutherford

Was our first civil war really the American Revolution? | YouTube
Why Neighbor Killed Neighbor in the American Revolution | YouTube

Watauga

Hickory Ridge History Museum | YouTube | PBS

Wilkes

Robert Cleveland Log House | YouTube | PBS
A sepia toned image of the NC state flag with the text, "Share your local history with us!" in white, the America 250 logo and the Homegrown History logo overlayed.

Share Your Local History with PBS North Carolina

History belongs to all of us, and PBS North Carolina wants to hear all about your local history, from family lore to stories about the people, places and events that have shaped your community. Your knowledge and insights will help guide us as we develop new content about our state's history.

Our Funders & Partners

The Homegrown History Initiative is sponsored by SECU Foundation, funded by the members of State Employees’ Credit Union.
Additional support provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, American Battlefield Trust and Duke Energy Foundation.
 

State Employees’ Credit Union Foundation
American Battlefield Trust logo.
Duke Energy Foundation

America 250 Events in NC

Explore America 250 NC events hosted by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR). Find programs, community gatherings and expert-led experiences across the state that highlight North Carolina’s history, culture and role in the story of the American Revolution. Explore DNCR's events. >

A image of the 1777 pen-and-ink sketch of the Continental Army’s North Carolina Brigade.

Through November 6

North Carolina Brigade Sketch

On loan from the Museum of the American Revolution, view the rare 1777 pen-and-ink sketch of the Continental Army’s North Carolina Brigade. The sketch will be on display across North Carolina through November.

Historic house, Jordan's Cabin in Madison, NC.

Saturday, 7/11, 1 PM–3 PM

Red, White, and Revolutionary

Celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary at Jordan’s Cabin for an afternoon of history, music and family fun at one of Madison, NC's most treasured landmarks.

More History from PBS

History doesn’t stop at one documentary, and neither does PBS. From a sweeping look at the American Revolution by Ken Burns to the untold story of Wilmington, North Carolina’s 1898 coup, Rogue History’s fresh take on familiar figures and the new America @250 collection, there’s a depth of storytelling here that only public media can offer. 

Be the first to hear about what’s new on PBS NC. Subscribe to the eGuide.

Rogue History: Rebels & Revolutionaries

Rogue History: Rebels & Revolutionaries

It’s been said that history is written by those in power. But what about the outlaws, outcasts and rogues? What if they had their say? Rogue History, a digital series produced by PBS Digital Studios and PBS North Carolina, shakes the dust off the history books to unravel myths, unearth narratives, and discover fresh perspectives.

PBS @ America 250 logo over an image of the American flag.

PBS America @ 250

Join PBS in commemorating the country’s 250th anniversary with more content exploring how the United States came together, showcasing its rich history, treasured artifacts, and performances and art that define America.

STREAM IT ALL
IN THE APP
PBS logo image
DOWNLOAD
THE FREE PBS APP*
* Local PBS station membership required to access some content