NC’s America 250 legislative committee meets

The North Carolina General Assembly’s America 250 Committee convened in Raleigh on Aug. 21 to discuss preparations for the nation’s semiquincentennial in 2026.

Presided over by Sen. Ted Alexander (R-Cleveland), the meeting opened with historical facts, tying the date to Hawaii’s statehood in 1959 and the start of the Lincoln-Douglas debates in 1858. Also recognized was the 1775 resolution by North Carolina’s third provincial congress to raise minutemen, which took place exactly 250 years ago on the date the committee met.

David McCracken of the Raleigh Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) delivered a presentation on the North Carolina Brigade project, a life-size exhibit recreating a 1777 sketch by Swiss artist Pierre Eugene du Simitière depicting N.C. Continental troops arriving in Philadelphia.

McCraken’s presentation outlined the Continental Congress directing North Carolina to raise 10 regiments for the Continental Army in 1776 and the brigade’s march from Halifax through Virginia.

The display includes mannequins of soldiers, a barefoot militiaman, a Wagoneer (likely black), camp followers and provisions, sourced from historical records. Already possessing a wagon from the Dakotas and horse mannequins, the group is aiming for project completion by July 2026 to showcase at the SAR National Congress in Greensboro.

The brigade project display will also travel to America 250 activities statewide, potentially on a trailer for parades or stationary setups. McCracken said donations are needed to cover costs, noting grants might enable free loans to communities. The group is seeking donations via check, which can be sent to Robert Sigmon at 1104 Carrington Drive, Raleigh, NC 27615, or through PayPal at RaleighChapterSAR@gmail.com.

Annie Evangelista from the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) provided a marker update, confirming no changes have been made to Revolutionary War-era highway markers since July.

Evangelista outlined processes for traditional markers such as Revolutionary Routes and separate civil rights markers. The committee explored prioritizing marker replacements with the Historic Marker Commission’s next meeting being held in December with applications due Oct. 1.

Evangelista also shared DNCR’s efforts in gaining America 250 (A250) participation, citing 84 counties now have 250 committees.

Announcements included submissions for a special A250 edition of the North Carolina Historical Review are due by Jan. 2, 2026, and new traveling exhibits, such as “People of Colonial North Carolina” (booked through fall). Additionally, discussion included online mosaics on the Quakers and A250 banners at the Museum of History.

The committee approved a statement of commendation for “Foundation Forward,” while praising their educational charades and events.

A250 promotional events were discussed, including a July Fourth performance collaboration with Talent of Cary, the North Carolina Symphony and UNC-TV; logo placements on programs; partnerships with the national American Legion; and letters to DAR/SAR chapters for event sharing.

Additional initiatives included printing 500 copies of the U.S. and North Carolina constitutions with the committee’s logo for distribution, as well as the Celebrate America Foundation’s fundraising role that board members like Alexander and Sen. Amy Galey (R-Alamance) are a part of.

Another initiative taken up was a draft of a bell-ringing event to encourage faith communities to toll bells at 4 p.m. on Constitution Day, which falls on Sept.17 next year, and again on July 4.

During public comment, Tom Kakadelis of the North Carolina Family Policy Council emphasized religious liberty’s founding role, proposing church education events, youth essay contests, creative timelines and commemorative trips to state sites.

A list of upcoming A250 events in North Carolina can be found at america250.nc.gov/events.

Nationally, the A250 official store has new apparel available for purchase at store.america250.org/collections/new-arrivals.