EDENTON -- The Town of Edenton and Chowan County are pleased to announce that we have received $40,000 in grant funding from North Carolina’s America 250 NC initiative, for a project to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. America 250 NC is led by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
“We are thrilled to receive this grant and to contribute to the statewide effort to celebrate our nation’s history,” said Edenton Mayor Hackney High. “This funding will enable us to create engaging and educational experiences for our residents and visitors, highlighting Edenton's rich history and its significance during the Revolutionary War period and beyond.”
Chowan County leaders echoed this enthusiasm. “The grant monies we have received will allow us to throw one heck of a tea party! We plan to use the grant funds to educate and celebrate Edenton and Chowan County, as the Cradle of the Colony,” said Chowan County Chairman Bob Kirby.
The grants will fund the multi-day Edenton Tea Party 250th Anniversary Celebration on October 25-26, 2024. Events will include a concert, parade, keynote lecture, living history demonstrations, and more, and will feature the Grammy-nominated, three-time IBMA award-winning all-female bluegrass band, Sister Sadie, as well as the Colonial Williamsburg Fife & Drum Corps and the Tryon Palace Fife & Drum Corps. The weekend will also host the launch of a new children's book, "Within Our Power: The Story of the Edenton Ladies' Tea Party.” All grant-funded events are free and open to the public – visit www.VisitEdenton.com to view the full schedule.
“These America 250 grants will serve as catalysts for local participation in the nationwide commemoration of our nation’s founding,” said DNCR Secretary Reid Wilson. “We look forward to working with communities across the state to build a memorable and meaningful celebration for all North Carolinians.”
This project was produced with assistance from the America 250 North Carolina initiative, administered by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the State of North Carolina.