NEW BERN — Raise a glass, eat some cake and enjoy several exhibits for free as Tryon Palace hosts a 350th anniversary party for the Carolina Charter. Held Sunday, March 24, the Charter Celebration is free to the public and includes passes to the Regional History Museum, historic gardens and the “Workboats of Core Sound” exhibit.
King Charles II issued the Carolina Charter on March 24, 1663 as the first organic law of what eventually became the state of North Carolina. This charter awarded eight “true and absolute Lords Proprietors” with territory that covered North and South Carolina.
This special anniversary party gets underway at 1:30 p.m. in Mattocks Hall, located inside the North Carolina History Center. A cake shaped like the State of North Carolina, punch, a special toast and the chance to sign birthday cards for the state will all be a part of this special afternoon.
As an added gift from the state’s first colonial capitol, Tryon Palace will provide free passes to the Palace gardens, the Regional History Museum and the Duffy Gallery, home to the “Workboats of Core Sound” exhibit. While visiting the gardens, visitors will also enjoy a special performance by the Tryon Palace Fife and Drum Corps at 2:45 p.m. in the Palace Courtyard.
Cake and punch will only be available while supplies last and free passes will only be good for March 24, 2013. In the event of rain, the Fife and Drum Concert will be cancelled.
For more history about the Carolina Charter or to download a high resolution copy, please visit http://archives.ncdcr.gov/exhibits/treasures/1600_1763.html.
For more information about Tryon Palace’s Charter Celebration, call (252) 639-3500 or visit Tryon Palace online.
Tryon Palace is a unit of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. For more information on North Carolina’s arts, history and culture visit Cultural Resources online.