In North Carolina, the American Revolution looked more like a civil war—with neighbors fighting neighbors and families torn apart. This history is rarely in the textbooks. Homegrown History visits rural counties throughout the state, goes deep into local archives and listens to communities who share their stories for the first time. Join us as we uncover Revolutionary War stories unlike any we’ve ever heard.
Watch Homegrown History, Thursdays, 8 PM on PBS NC, the PBS app and online. Find additional airtimes across PBS NC & the North Carolina Channel on our TV Schedules page. Stories from Homegrown History will also be available on YouTube.
Working with members of the Lumbee and Sappony Tribes, we uncover two extraordinary stories: the mysterious 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.
Much of the information and inspiration for the stories included in Homegrown History came directly from viewers like you through our Share Your Story submission page and community submissions at various events across the state. We’re always looking for the next great North Carolina story, and we invite you to help us find it. Explore the stories we’ve told with your help and submit more stories below.
Currituck Jack was an enslaved ship captain turned Revolutionary War hero and eventually a free man of color who owned his own ship. Working with local historians and a retired police officer, we piece together the life of a nearly forgotten patriot from the coastal waters of 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.
Homegrown History is also a multiyear public history initiative exploring the state’s rich past. This ambitious project will include community engagement events throughout North Carolina, new broadcast and digital content exploring local history and resources for students and educators.
