As we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, this newsletter will be your go-to source for all things Dare A250, celebrating Dare County’s unique role in our nation’s story.

In each monthly Dare A250 newsletter, you will find:

Historic Spotlights
Discover the people, places, and moments that shaped Dare County and our nation.

Event Highlights
Get the inside scoop on upcoming A250-themed celebrations and community gatherings.

Exclusive Video Features
Experience local history brought to life through special A250 video content, in partnership with Current TV.

A250 Outreach and Swag
Find out where you can get your hands on limited edition Dare A250 gear and collectibles.

Thank you for subscribing and joining us on this historic journey. Stay tuned for 2026 because the celebrations are just beginning!

Save the Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Location: Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills
Cost: Free

Plans are underway for the Dare County 250th Anniversary Faire: “Life, Liberty, and Liftoff—In the Land of Beginnings,” to be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills. This milestone celebration will honor the history, innovation, and spirit of our county and the Outer Banks through a day of music, food, drink, vendors,  performances, and patriotic community spirit. 

The event will bring together local organizations, artists, and volunteers to commemorate 250 years of culture and history in Dare County. 

Further details about the celebration and participation information will be publicized soon.

In 1584, under the direction of Sir Walter Raleigh, England launched its first expedition to the New World in an effort to establish a foothold for future colonization. Led by Philip Amadas and Arthur Barlowe, the expedition arrived at Roanoke Island where the explorers praised the land’s abundance and formed early connections with the Carolina Algonquian people, including Granganimeo of the Roanoac tribe.

The return voyage to England with two Algonquian men—Manteo and Wanchese—sparked great interest and helped advance plans for England’s first attempted colony in North America.

Read the full article on the National Park Service: Fort Raleigh website. 

Organizations interested in adding their events or programs to the Dare A250 events calendar may submit them through our online form.

If your organization, group, or entity would like to submit an event to be published on the Dare A250 event calendar, this form must be completed. Event calendar submissions will be accepted until December 31, 2026. Please give at least two weeks notice to allow for the Dare A250 Committee to review your submission. If approved, your event will be published on the online event calendar.

As we settle into fall and the holiday season, Dare County looks forward to honoring the Class of 2026, America’s semiquincentennial graduating class! Preparing for our A250 celebrations and activities means we are looking at how our students and young people can be a part of the events and ensuring that we are family friendly. The celebrations will focus on Dare County as the Land of Beginnings and align the activities with the North Carolina themes, where the children and young people are essential to A Gathering of Voices.

The committee’s focus is on recognizing art, music, and scholarship that reflect the vibrant creativity, cultural heritage, and academic excellence of our young people, while fostering opportunities for growth, mentorship, and community engagement throughout the A250 celebration. Information on each of the focus areas, as well as how we can all help to make the memories for tomorrow richer, will soon be available through the schools, community youth groups, and this committee.

If you would like additional information on the activities or would like to assist the Dare A250 Schools and Youth Subcommittee, please contact Brenda Shore at bshorekaiser@hotmail.com.

Learn the proper and respectful way to raise, lower and care for the American flag—a symbol of our nation’s freedom, history and the sacrifices made to preserve it.

Produced by Dare County—in collaboration with Current TV and the Dare County Veterans Advisory Council—this short video walks viewers through the correct steps and key etiquette for handling the American flag, whether it’s being flown at a private residence, a public building or during a special ceremony. By respecting and honoring these long-held traditions, we honor the generations of men and women who built and defended this great nation. For more information about the Dare County Veterans Advisory Council, visit DareNC.gov/Veterans.