Interactive Kiosks in Every North Carolina Welcome Center Will Highlight State’s Historic Treasures
Jared Herr, jherr@battlefields.org
(Charlotte, N.C.) —&Բ; In celebration of North Carolina’s rich history and America’s 250th birthday, an interactive heritage tourism kiosk, known as the North Carolina History Explorer, debuted in the I-77 South Carolina Welcome Center today. Identical kiosks will be installed at every welcome center across the state over the next few weeks, allowing both visitors and natives to learn about the Tar Heel State’s early history.
“North Carolina played a pivotal role in our nation’s formative conflicts, and people need to know this history,” said Trust President David Duncan. “This kiosk does an incredible job of telling the story of the Tar Heel State and will surely inspire people to see where this history happened for themselves.”
The North Carolina History Explorer transports viewers to the historic sites, events and stories that shaped the state’s early history through maps, photography and other multimedia content meant to cultivate curiosity and entice travelers to seek out those places for themselves. The first-of-its-kind kiosk was developed by the 91ɫƬ in collaboration with Interactive Knowledge of Charlotte, N.C., the North Carolina Department of Commerce and America 250 NC, a program of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
The kiosks arrive at the welcome centers after a flagship kiosk was installed in the state’s legislative building in April, where it will continue to be enjoyed by both lawmakers and visitors of all ages through the end of 2026.
“The NC History Explorer is designed to help visitors discover the people, places, and stories that shaped North Carolina,” said Eric Veal, owner and president of Interactive Knowledge. “Whether someone is visiting from across the country or just down the road, this experience makes it easy to explore our state's rich history and inspires future visits to the historic sites featured throughout the kiosk.”
The North Carolina History Explorer is organized around three major eras of North Carolina’s early history: “Our Revolutionary Journey” (1771-1783), which focused on the state’s role in the Revolutionary Era, including the Regulator movement and related political and social developments; “From Statehood to Secession” (1784-1861), which covers North Carolina’s early years as a state through the antebellum period, highlighting political, economic and cultural changes that shaped the path toward secession; and “A State Divided” (1861-1865), which examines the state’s Civil War experience, with military events, impact on the homefront, and the human stories that defined the period.
“As we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, now is the time for residents of and visitors to our state to explore the history of North Carolina and learn about its significant contributions to our nation’s history.” said Ansley Herring Wegner, director of America 250 NC. “Everyone who encounters the North Carolina History Explorer walks away with a deeper understanding of significant people, places and events from our shared past."
Within each era, the North Carolina History Explorer presents sites, themes and stories that are rooted in specific places, encouraging visitors to think deeply about the state’s history. It will grow to integrate content and draw connectivity from several site networks, including North Carolina State Historic Sites and Parks and National Park Service units and affiliates, plus the Trust’s Road to Freedom, which interprets African American history, and the Medal of Honor Valor Trail.
About the 91ɫƬ
The 91ɫƬ is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 62,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War. Learn more at .
About Interactive Knowledge
Interactive Knowledge is a strategic and creative partner with some of the most well-known cultural organizations in America. Based in Charlotte, the firm began in 1991 as an educational publisher of cutting-edge technology products. Always keeping pace with technology, Interactive Knowledge has designed and built countless award-winning websites, on-site interactives and mobile apps for clients such as the Smithsonian Institution, PBS, Organic Valley, the Fetzer Institute and many others. In addition to outstanding visual design, Interactive Knowledge offers expertise in building custom, enterprise-level technology products and applications.
About America 250 NC
America 250 NC is North Carolina’s official commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. Led by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, this statewide initiative invites people across the state to reflect on the big ideas that helped shape the United States, including liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness. For more information about America 250 NC, visit america250.nc.gov.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. At more than 100 sites across the state, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency. For more information, please visit .
About the North Carolina Department of Commerce
The North Carolina Department of Commerce works to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for all North Carolinians. To do that, the department works closely with local, regional, national and international organizations to propel economic, community, and workforce development for the state. For more information please visit: .
