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Dare County has announced the formation of its A250 Committee, an initiative that brings together representatives from a variety of local organizations to coordinate the county’s celebrations of America’s 250th birthday. The committee’s work will culminate in a variety of events and activities running through July 2026 and beyond, marking this historic milestone in our nation’s history.

The A250 Committee was officially established following a resolution passed by the Dare County Board of Commissioners in November 2024. The committee is now recognized as part of North Carolina’s statewide America 250 commemoration efforts. As its first major step, the committee recently submitted a grant application to the state titled, “Land of Beginnings: Celebrating America’s 250th and Beyond in Dare County.” If awarded, the grant will fund the development and implementation of a comprehensive program for the 2025-26 school year, allowing students to explore and share Dare County’s rich history through creative visual art installations throughout the county.

In addition to the educational program, Dare County’s Geographical Information System (GIS) department will create a trail map highlighting significant locations across the county, emphasizing Dare County’s role as the “Land of Beginnings” where many American and other firsts occurred. This trail map will offer residents and visitors a unique way to explore and appreciate the county’s historical landmarks.

To ensure the community stays informed and engaged, a dedicated website is under development. This online hub will feature a calendar of events and activities planned for Dare County’s A250 initiative, making it easy for individuals and families to participate in the celebration. Local businesses and organizations are encouraged to join the effort by planning events and activities that align with the local “Land of Beginnings” theme or the themes established by the state: “Visions of Freedom,” “Gathering of Voices” and “Common Ground.”

“We are thrilled to be part of this significant moment in our nation’s history,” said Dorothy Hester, Dare County public information director and A250 Committee chair. “Dare County has a unique story to tell, and we look forward to showcasing our community’s rich heritage and contributions to America’s beginnings.”

Committee members are: Brian Edwards (College of The Albemarle – Dare), Katelin Kight (Dare County Public Relations), James Cofield (Town of Duck), Brenda Shore (Virginia Dare Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution [DAR]), Austin Paul (Jockey’s Ridge State Park), Sue Wasalaski (DAR), Rachel Tackett (Town of Kill Devil Hills), Lauren Garrett (Town of Kitty Hawk), Joan Collins (Pea Island Preservation Society, Inc.), Dorothy Hester (Dare County Public Relations), Cole Fagersten (DAR), Kim Sawyer (Roanoke Island Festival Park), Patty O’Sullivan (Dare County Veterans Services), Kristen Stilsen (Dare County Geographical Information Systems), Anna Davis (Roanoke Island Festival Park), Steve Basnight (Dare County Schools), Danny Couch (former Dare County Commissioner and local historian), Gray Parsons (Secotan Alliance), Erica Lewis (Secotan Alliance), Jessica Sands (Dare Arts), Ladd Bayliss (Outer Banks Conservationists), Jamie Whitley (Town of Manteo), Kay Nickens (Town of Duck), Roberta Thuman (Town of Nags Head), Mike Anderson (Fort Raleigh National Historic Site), Tammy Woodward (Outer Banks History Center & State Archives), Meaghan Beasley (Dare County Library), Jeff Schwartzenberg (Outer Banks Visitors Bureau), Karen Brown (Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce) and Michelle Lewis (faith community).

For more information about the A250 initiative, including the commemorative themes and statewide plans, go to America250.NC.gov. Additional details about Dare County’s celebrations will be announced as plans are finalized.

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