N.C. Department of Cultural Resources

Caroline (Cal) Shepard has returned to the State Library of North Carolina, advancing to the position of State Librarian after the retirement of long-time State Librarian Mary Boone.

Public attendance numbers continue an overall increase at Cultural Resources program sites statewide, including 2011 visitation at special events and regular programming at most of the state historic sites, history museums and art museums.

Local, state and federal representatives will discuss how the storm was forecast and why it was so destructive. They will share ideas that individuals, businesses and museums can use to protect themselves and their belongings in a similar disaster.

Archaeologists, historians and other professionals will hold an open meeting in Southport to discuss Civil War archaelogical findings and artifacts at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson state historic site.

Larry Neal brings more than 20 years experience in historical interpretation and management to his new position as Reed Gold Mine site manager, including prior service at the N.C. Transportation Museum and Fort Fisher State Historic Site.

The N.C. Department of Cultural Resources will display 24 historical and contemporary Civil War images from the State Archives, N.C. Museum of History and State Historic Sites on simultaneous eastern and western routes.

At this year’s Christmas Candlelight celebrations, history comes alive in 1772 colonial New Bern with fascinating characters, elegant dancers, merry musicians and holiday decorations at Tryon Palace and the North Carolina History Center.

Scott Mason, author and WRAL-TV's “Tar Heel Traveler,” will give a free presentation sharing the stories behind his television travel stories, part of the “Road Scholars” project funded by the North Carolina Humanities Council.

The annual awards presented at the joint meeting of the N.C. Literary and Historical Association and the Federation of Historical Societies honor the best adult and student N.C. writers, and one recognizes achievement in dramatic arts.

The State Capitol's annual holiday tradition continues with Gov. Bev Perdue and First Gentleman Bob Eaves lighting the Christmas tree Thursday evening, Dec. 8. The free public celebration starts at 5 p.m. with music and the lighting of luminaries.