Amid rising calls for freedom from Great Britain, the Roanoke River town of Halifax made history with the first official action by an entire colony calling for independence. Meeting on April 12, 1776, North Carolina’s Fourth Provincial Congress unanimously adopted the Halifax Resolves, which ordered the colony’s delegation to the second Continental Congress to seek independence. To commemorate the event, the Halifax State Historic Site kicks off the America 250 NC observance with “Prelude to Revolution,” featuring Halifax Resolves Day and a two-day living history weekend with music, tours, exhibits, ceremonies and other activities with an expansive view that takes in African American and Indigenous perspectives. From April in Halifax, America 250 NC will continue through 2033 at sites across the state.

2024 marks the centennial of banjo master Earl Scruggs’s birth and the 10-year anniversary of the regional history museum that channels his star power. Born in the nearby Flint Hill community to a musical family, Scruggs mastered the three-fingered banjo-picking style at the heart of bluegrass and went on to become the world’s most influential and imitated banjo player. The fingers-on-frets Earl Scruggs Center presents his story while adding dimensions that explore time, place, cultural traditions, social structures and a range of musical styles — and even invites visitors to strike up a pickin’ party. To commemorate Scruggs’ 100th birthday, the center has unveiled “Born of the Broad River,” an exhibit of never-seen photos, early writings and treasures donated by his family. The exhibit will remain on view through Dec. 31.