America 250 passport showcases 40-plus southeast NC sites

Part of an ongoing series on North Carolina’s observance of America’s 250th.

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More than 40 stops in eight southeastern North Carolina counties are being highlighted as part of the 250th commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The program, “The Roadmap to Freedom: Your NC First in Freedom Celebrations Guide,” is a passport booklet featuring historical, cultural and natural destinations, including the Wilmington Railroad Museum, Missiles and More Museum, N.C. Maritime Museum in Southport, Duplin County Veterans Museum and Flying Machine Brewing Co.

Moores Creek Battleground Association and the First in Freedom Festival have coordinated the program launched during the inaugural North Carolina First in Freedom Festival held the last week in February, which culminated with a commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge at Moores Creek National Battlefield in Pender County.

“The passport, which is valid through Dec. 31, offers day-trip adventures to the region’s hidden gems,” said Jim Buell, president of the Moores Creek Battleground Association in a statement. “Each destination highlights a piece of America’s 250th anniversary.”

Moores Creek Battleground Association formed in 1857 and was chartered in 1899 to preserve the significance of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge. The battle in the early hours of Feb. 27, 1776, was the first decisive victory by patriots in the American Revolution.

“The passport program launched during the First in Freedom Festival kickoff in February,” Buell said. “I have a First in Freedom Passport, and it has been an enjoyable experience to be a tourist in our own backyard.”

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The passport functions like a traditional travel passport, Buell explained.

At each location, visitors receive a stamp and signature verifying their visit. After visiting most or all sites, participants may return their passport to the battlefield to become eligible for prizes at the end of the year, which include America 250 items based on the number of sites visited, from a commemorative pin to a T-shirt.

Jason Collins, chief of interpretation, education and volunteers at Moores Creek National Battlefield, said they’ve had their first participants to complete passport program.

“This couple traveled to more than 40 sites in southeastern North Carolina and explored more than 250 years of American history represented at these locations,” he said.

The Roadmap to Freedom Passport is available at participating destinations, Moores Creek National Battlefield, the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, and members of the Wilmington Area Hospitality Association.

For more information, visit the webpage at ncfirstinfreedomfestival.com/passport. The effort is supported by America 250 NC, the state’s official commemoration of the United States’ 250th anniversary under the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Sites by County

Bladen

• Harmony Hall
• Lu Mil Vineyard
• Jones Lake State Park
• Singletary Lake
• Turnbull Creek
• Cape Fear Winery and Distillery
• Goldston’s Beach and Pier
• Bladenboro Historical Museum

Brunswick

• Bald Head Lighthouse
• Brunswicktown/Fort Anderson State Historic Site
• NC Maritime Museum at Southport
• Museum of Coastal Carolina
• Ingram Planetarium

Columbus

• NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Whiteville
• Lake Waccamaw State Park

Duplin

• Cowan Museum
• Liberty Hall
• Duplin County Veterans Museum

New Hanover

• Bellamy Mansion
• Battleship North Carolina
• Wilmington Railroad Museum
• Fort Fisher State Historic Site
• Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens
• Cameron Art Museum
• Latimer House
• Airlie Gardens
• Children’s Museum of Wilmington
• Flying Machine Brewery

Onslow

• Hammocks Beach State Park
• Onslow County Museum
• Onslow County Parks and Recreation
• Swansboro Historical Association
• Sturgeon City Environmental Education Center
• Jacksonville City Hall

Pender

• Missiles and More Museum
• Moores Creek National Battlefield
• Sara Beasley Turtle Center
• Pender County History Museum
• Poplar Grove Plantation

Sampson

• Sampson County History Museum
• Coharie Tribal Center