News From the NC First In Freedom Festival
Honoring the Spirit of Independence: Eastern North Carolina and America’s 250th Anniversary
Eastern North Carolina played a vital role in the American Revolution.
As our nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, we look back to the days when the call for liberty first echoed across the Carolina coast. Long before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the spirit of freedom was alive and well in eastern North Carolina — in its coastal towns, farming communities, and inland crossroads that helped shape the course of our nation’s story.
Diana Gabaldon, Bestselling Outlander Author, to Visit Pender County During North Carolina First in Freedom Festival and the 250th Anniversary of Moores Creek
Diana Gabaldon is the author of the award-winning, #1 NYT-bestselling OUTLANDER novels, described by Salon magazine as “the smartest historical sci-fi adventure-romance story ever written by a science Ph.D. with a background in scripting ‘Scrooge McDuck’ comics.”
As of January, 2022, Diana’s books are published in thirty-eight languages and sold in one hundred and fourteen countries.
The adventure began in 1991 with the classic OUTLANDER ("historical fiction with a Moebius twist"), and has continued through eight more internationally bestselling novels in the series so far. These books feature the story of Claire Beauchamp Randall Fraser and Jamie Fraser, and include elements of time travel and lots of real Scottish and American history.
A Celebration of Creativity and Patriotism: Regional ArtShow Honors America’s 250th Anniversary
The Pender Arts Council proudly hosted A Celebration of Creativity and Patriotism, the North Carolina First in Freedom Festival Regional Art Show, honoring the upcoming 250th Anniversary of the United States.
The 2025-2026 NC First in Freedom Festival Regional Art Contest
Calling All Artists
The Pender Arts Council is excited to announce the opportunity for artists to participate in the 2025-2026 NC First in Freedom Festival Regional Art Contest, an event celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary.
Moores Creek National Battlefield to Hold 249th Anniversary Event
On Saturday, February 22, and Sunday, February 23, Moores Creek National Battlefield will be commemorating the 249th Anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge. Park staff, park partners, volunteers, and other living historians will be offering a variety of programs and demonstrations throughout the weekend.
A Celebration throughout Southeastern NC
Our Nation’s story and culture viewed through the lens of historical North Carolina events and the arts within the eight counties of Southeastern North Carolina that include Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, New Hanover, Onslow, Pender, and Sampson.
Inaugural North Carolina First in Freedom Festival
The inaugural North Carolina First in Freedom Festival, taking place throughout Southeastern NC during the week of February 21-28, 2026, will celebrate 250+ years of our Nation’s story and culture viewed through the lens of historical North Carolina events and the arts
Moores Creek Battleground Association Receives America 250 NC Grant
Moores Creek Battleground Association has received a grant from the North Carolina’s America 250 NC initiative for a project to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the NC First In Freedom Festival.
What is America 250 NC?
In 2026, America will commemorate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.