Dare County is pleased to announce that it will mark a significant milestone in January 2026 with the launch of the Dare A250 Passport Program—an initiative designed to engage residents and visitors in commemorating America’s 250th anniversary by exploring the many places that have changed the course of history and define Dare County as the “Land of Beginnings.” 

From the arrival of early coastal explorers who landed on Roanoke Island in the 16th century to the daring rescues performed by U.S. Life-Saving Service crews and the first powered flight achieved by the Wright Brothers in 1903, Dare County is home to an array of unique historic locations that illuminate some of our nation’s earliest chapters. The Dare County A250 Passport Program—which officially launches today, January 5, 2026—offers the community an opportunity to experience these sites firsthand and better understand the people, places and events that have shaped our region for centuries.

The program features 13 historic stops located throughout Dare County—from the northern beaches to Hatteras Island, Roanoke Island and the Dare County mainland—each offering a meaningful introduction to local history through museums, cultural sites and natural landmarks.

Dare County’s A250 Passport Program Locations:

• Flat Tops of Southern Shores (Southern Shores)
• Icarus Monument to a Century of Flight (Kitty Hawk)
• Wright Brothers National Memorial (Kill Devil Hills)
• Jennette’s Pier (Nags Head)
• Jockey’s Ridge State Park (Nags Head)
• Bodie Island Lighthouse (Nags Head)
• Fort Raleigh Historic Site (Manteo)
• Island Farm (Manteo)
• Bethany Church (Wanchese)
• Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station (Rodanthe)
• Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum (Hatteras)
• Pea Island Cookhouse (Manteo)
• Buffalo City at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge (East Lake)

At each historic site, visitors can scan a QR code to collect a virtual stamp and submit their name and email through the digital form. As participants build their collection, they will become eligible to receive a certificate recognizing their engagement with Dare County’s historic landscape during the A250 celebration. The program is open from January 1, 2026 through November 18, 2026, allowing ample time for both residents and visitors to complete their journeys at their own pace. 

The Passport Program serves as a key component of Dare County’s A250 commemoration, offering an informative and engaging way to connect with the region’s heritage throughout 2026. Whether you are discovering a historic site for the first time or revisiting a familiar landmark with a new perspective, the initiative encourages exploration, reflection and a deeper appreciation for the narratives that define Dare County. To begin your journey, visit DareA250.org/Passport.

Vendor applications and sponsorship opportunities are now available for the A250 Faire, themed “Liberty, Legacy and Liftoff in the Land of Beginnings.” The celebration will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills and is co-sponsored by the National Park Service Outer Banks Group.

As Dare County’s signature event commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary, the A250 Faire will feature live music, food and beverage vendors, local artisans, historical demonstrations, educational programming, community exhibits and patriotic festivities that highlight Dare County’s enduring spirit of innovation and discovery. The A250 Committee invites artists, nonprofits, retailers, and food and beverage vendors to apply for participation in this highly anticipated event.

Vendor Categories and Application Links:

Regional Arts & Crafts Vendors
Handmade, original artwork and craft items

Local Nonprofit Vendors
Outreach and engagement booths

Local Retail Business Vendors
Local businesses offering merchandise

Local Food Vendors
Food trucks and food service providers

Local Brewery or Winery Vendors
Approved beverage vendors meeting all legal requirements

Deadline for Vendor Applications:
The deadline to submit vendor applications is February 15, 2026 for all vendors except Arts and Crafts vendors, whose deadline is February 1, 2026. Please note that vendor space will not be reserved until all required forms, payments and materials have been received and approved.

This Month's Historic Highlight: 
The Carolina Charter of 1663

In 1663, North Carolina was chartered by King Charles II of England as part of the Carolina Charter which marked the beginning of representative government in this region. Many of the Charter’s provisions were later incorporated into North Carolina's governing documents. Following the beheading of King Charles I and the brief reign of the Cromwells as a result of the English Civil War (1642-1651), Charles II ascended to the British throne in 1660.

King Charles II owed an enormous debt to his friends who helped restore the monarchy, so he rewarded eight of them with a grant of land that included what is now North and South Carolina. One of those eight friends was Sir John Colleton, knight and baronet. In 1664, Charles II granted land to Colleton described as, “an island theretofore called Carlyle now Colleton Island, Lyeing near the mouth of the Chowane now Albemarle River,” where he established a plantation that later became Colington Island. It was the first proprietary settlement in Carolina under the direction of Peter Carteret to plant vineyards, cornfields, and tobacco, and to raise chickens and hogs. It was later abandoned due to severe storms.

We know this island today as Colington Island, a close-knit community with a rich history in commercial fishing and crabbing. It is home to one of the largest year-round populations in Dare County.  

If you remember the Bicentennial as part of your school experience, what stands out? If you’re younger, what do you hope to highlight or celebrate as we approach America’s 250th anniversary?

Memories shape who we are, and for our youth, America 250 will be a lasting part of theirs. The Schools and Youth Subcommittee continues to work to develop meaningful opportunities for Dare County students to celebrate this milestone year. Information will be released later this month on how students can participate through art, music, and scholarship opportunities.

To submit ideas or get involved with the Schools and Youth Subcommittee, contact Brenda Shore at bshorekaiser@hotmail.com

Produced in partnership with Current TV, this month’s featured video introduces viewers to the DareA250 Passport Program, a countywide initiative that invites residents and visitors to explore some of the numerous places that have shaped both Dare County and the nation’s earliest history—reinforcing our identity as the “Land of Beginnings.” From early coastal exploration and lifesaving heritage to aviation milestones, the Passport Program offers an engaging way to connect with the stories that define our community.

As highlighted in the video, the program includes 13 historic stops located throughout Dare County, from the northern beaches to Hatteras Island, Roanoke Island, and the mainland. These stops feature a mix of museums, cultural sites, and natural landmarks, including well-known locations such as the Wright Brothers National Memorial, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station. At each site, participants can scan a QR code to collect a virtual stamp, gradually building a digital passport that reflects their journey through Dare County’s rich historical landscape.

The Dare A250 Passport Program is designed to be completed at your own pace throughout 2026 and offers a fun, educational way to experience both familiar landmarks and hidden gems. For a closer look at how the Passport Program works, what types of sites are included, and how you can participate, be sure to watch the featured video and discover how you can be part of Dare County’s A250 celebration. For more information, visit DareA250.org/Passport.