FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

PBS North Carolina Announces New Original Series ‘Homegrown History’ 

Premiering July 16, season one explores North Carolina stories about the American Revolution. 

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RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 6/24/2026 — PBS North Carolina announces Homegrown History, a new original series that examines how our past shapes North Carolina today. In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, season one of Homegrown History uncovers forgotten stories of the American Revolution. The series is part of an ambitious multiyear public history initiative exploring the state’s deep roots. 

Homegrown History premieres Thursday, July 16, 8 PM, on PBS NC as well as online and on the free PBS app and YouTube. 

“For Homegrown History, we first listened to the public, calling for story submissions and traveling to rural communities to learn more,” said Greg Jeske, executive producer of the series. “Working closely with local residents and historians, we found forgotten records and sites. We also tapped North Carolina talent like series director Sandra Davidson, a multimedia artist who grew up in Harnett County and deeply understands our state and its people. Together, we discovered Revolutionary War stories unlike any we have ever heard. We hope viewers gain new insights about North Carolina’s role in the fight for American independence and are inspired to explore their own local history.” 

Homegrown History is sponsored in part by SECU Foundation, funded by the members of State Employees’ Credit Union. PBS North Carolina appreciates their generous support of this project. 

“SECU Foundation is proud to support PBS North Carolina’s Homegrown History initiative and its commitment to preserving and sharing the stories that have shaped North Carolina communities,” said Jama Campbell, Executive Director of SECU Foundation. “By making these stories accessible statewide, the series helps deepen understanding of our shared history and strengthens connections across generations.” 

In addition to the series Homegrown History, PBS North Carolina is spotlighting 13 Revolutionary War sites on its popular travel series NC Weekend. Additional history content includes the series Rogue History (produced by PBS North Carolina for PBS Digital Studios) and a series of 60-second shorts on YouTube. More history programs and films from PBS North Carolina are available to stream online. 

“North Carolinians are writing the next chapter of our history every day,” added Jeske. “That’s why PBS North Carolina is strongly committed to finding new ways to spark curiosity about our past and how it shapes who we are.” 

To learn more about Homegrown History initiative, including how to submit a story suggestion, visit pbsnc.org/homegrown-history. 

Broadcast Schedule 

Episode 1: Our First Civil War 
Premieres Thursday, July 16, 8 PM 
The American Revolution was North Carolina’s first civil war, with families making difficult decisions on whether to support the patriots or the British crown. Through primary-source evidence, heart-wrenching journal entries and fieldwork with descendants of ancestors who fought on opposite sides, we discover the human cost behind one of history’s most celebrated victories. 

Episode 2: Forgotten Heroes of the American Revolution 
Premieres Thursday, July 23, 8 PM 
Two heroes of the American Revolution—enslaved mariner Currituck Jack and free soldier of color Zachariah Jacobs (Holmes)—helped build a nation, but their stories were nearly lost. Join us as we work with community members and descendants to uncover their courageous contributions to the patriot cause. 

Episode 3: How Pine & Coal Powered the Revolution 
Premieres Thursday, July 30, 8 PM 
North Carolina’s natural resources fueled the American Revolution and helped define the new nation. Join us as we explore how a prehistoric pine forest built the British Empire, how a forgotten coalfield powered our fight for independence and how communities are writing the next chapter of our natural history. 

Episode 4: A Freedom-Loving People 
Premieres Thursday, August 6, 8 PM 
Working with members of the Lumbee and Sappony Tribes, we uncover two extraordinary stories: the recently discovered account of a chief, Captain Sweat, and his horsemen; and a warrior who survived Valley Forge, helped free a nation and helped build an enduring Native American community in North Carolina. 

About SECU and SECU Foundation 

As a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members and federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), SECU has been providing employees of the state of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for 88 years. SECU is the second largest credit union in the United States with $57 billion in assets. It serves more than 2.9 million members through 275 branch offices, 1,100 ATMs, Member Services Support via phone, www.ncsecu.org and the SECU Mobile App. The SECU Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization funded by the contributions of SECU members, promotes local community development in North Carolina primarily through high-impact projects in the areas of housing, education, healthcare and human services. Since 2004, SECU Foundation has made a collective financial commitment of over $340 million for initiatives to benefit North Carolinians statewide. Learn more at ncsecufoundation.org. 

About PBS North Carolina 

As North Carolina’s statewide PBS network serving the country’s third largest public media market, PBS North Carolina educates, informs, entertains and inspires its audience on air, online and in person. Through its unique partnership of public investment and private support, the network includes in-person engagement, digital-first social and online content delivery and four over-the-air channels: PBS NC, Rootle PBS KIDS, the Explorer Channel and the North Carolina Channel. Its transformational events and content spark curiosity and wonder for all North Carolinians. Additionally, PBS North Carolina serves as the backbone for North Carolina’s state emergency services. To learn more about PBS North Carolina, visit pbsnc.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

-PBS NC- 

Media Contact 
For press info and resources, email press@pbsnc.org.