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.
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.
NC Weekend
Join host Deborah Holt Noel as she visits and shares historical locations across the state in new episodes of NC Weekend.
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.
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.
Rutherford
| Was our first civil war really the American Revolution? | YouTube |
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 American Battlefield Trust.
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. >
Saturday, 7/4, 10 AM–4 PM
Capitol 250: North Carolina Freedom Fest
Celebrate America's 250th anniversary in downtown Raleigh with a free, all-day celebration of North Carolina's arts, history, nature and culture. Enjoy live musical performances from Tift Merritt, Rissi Palmer and more, plus family-friendly fun including trolley tours, living history exhibits, 50+ vendors and food trucks, a Hurricanes KidZone, fireworks and more.
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.
Friday, 6/19, 10 AM–11:30 AM
Freedom Seeking and Dismal Swamp
Join Dr. Latif Tarik, an Associate Professor of History at ECU for a presentation on the use of the Dismal Swamp as a refuge for freedom seekers at the Dismal Swamp State Park.
Friday, 6/19, 9 AM–2:30 PM
Juneteenth Tours at Stagville
Join Historic Stagville for free tours on Juneteenth and discover the history of emancipation on one of North Carolina’s largest plantations.
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.
Showcase
The American Revolution is a six-part, 12-hour documentary directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt that examines how America’s founding turned the world upside-down.
Watch Now
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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.
Showcase
Discover the story of the deadly 1898 race massacre and coup d’état in Wilmington, North Carolina, when white supremacists overthrew the multi-racial government of the state’s largest city through a campaign of violence and intimidation.
Learn More
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.
