Hillsborough’s Rich History Honored with NC A250 Grant Funding

As America approaches the 250th anniversary of independence, Hillsborough’s nonprofits are finding meaningful ways to honor and reflect on the town’s pivotal role in early American history. We are thrilled to congratulate The Alliance for Historic Hillsborough and The Orange County Historical Museum on receiving grant funding from the North Carolina America 250 (NC A250) initiative to support their upcoming events. This funding will help bring Hillsborough’s Revolutionary War history to life through engaging programs, interactive experiences, and thoughtful storytelling.

The Third Provincial Congress Comes to Life

The Orange County Historical Museum (OCHM) will use its NC A250 grant to support the upcoming Third Provincial Congress event on September 6, 2025. This historic reenactment will transport visitors back to 1775, when North Carolina patriots gathered in Hillsborough to lay the groundwork for independence.

The day’s events will include a dramatization of key moments from the Congress at the courthouse, giving attendees a front-row seat to the debates and decisions that shaped North Carolina’s role in the Revolutionary movement. On the courthouse lawn, a colonial market will feature local vendors and historical interpreters, offering a taste of 18th-century life.

In addition to the reenactments, OCHM will partner with the Orange County Public Library to host a series of scholarly talks exploring the broader historical context of the Congress. Experts will discuss the experiences of marginalized communities during this period and examine the lasting impact of the Congress on North Carolina and beyond.

“The Orange County Historical Museum is thrilled to have been awarded an NC A250 grant to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Third Provincial Congress held in Hillsborough,” said Catie Atkinson, site manager for OCHM. “This event was vital to the Revolutionary movement in North Carolina; it was when North Carolina patriots began turning their visions of freedom into reality, and we are excited to bring it to life.”

In the week leading up to the event, The Alliance for Historic Hillsborough will visit local schools to introduce students to the history of the Third Provincial Congress through hands-on learning activities. This outreach will help connect Hillsborough’s younger generation with their town’s revolutionary legacy.

Expanding Revolutionary War Living History Days

The Alliance for Historic Hillsborough also received NC A250 funding to expand its popular Revolutionary War Living History Day, set for April 5, 2025. This annual event has become a staple in Hillsborough, offering visitors the chance to experience Revolutionary-era life through interactive programs and reenactments.

“This event has been a staple for our community and our organization for years, and we are fortunate to be able to expand on our local history in collaboration with the state’s A250 initiatives,” explained Amanda Boyd, executive director of the Alliance.

New offerings for 2025 will include presentations from prominent historians and scholars such as Dr. Freddie Parker, author Carmen Cauthen, and Occaneechi scholar Lawrence Dunmore III. Visitors can also experience new interpretive programs, including a live demonstration by Battlefield Surgeon reenactor Mike Williams. Kelly Arnold, the Alliance’s programs coordinator, expressed her enthusiasm for the day’s events, “We’re excited to expand our offerings and give attendees a chance to understand the impact of 250 years of American history in a meaningful way.”

A Legacy of Storytelling and Celebration

This isn’t the first time NC A250 grants have supported Hillsborough’s efforts to share its rich history. In 2024, funding helped support the Friday Night Ceilidh as part of the Outlandish Hillsborough Festival. “Community members joined together to learn more about the Scottish roots of Hillsborough, enjoying Scottish dance, music, food, and more!” said Arnold.

Boyd highlighted the broader significance of NC A250 funding for Hillsborough’s historic institutions. “The state’s A250 funding opportunities have given organizations like The Alliance and Museum the ability to uniquely highlight our town’s history and legacy,” Boyd explained. “Not only do we want to acknowledge our town’s role in the founding days, but also pay tribute to other events, people, and issues that have shaped Hillsborough over the past 250 years.”

Boyd also noted that most of Hillsborough’s local organizations have met regularly for the past two years to develop a comprehensive and inclusive approach to celebrating the 250th. Conversations are ongoing about collaborative plans for 2026, ensuring that Hillsborough’s history is not only remembered—but celebrated.

Stay tuned for more details as these events draw closer.