A state with a myriad of achievements, such as producing the largest number of Nobel laureates in the U.S., being the place where the Wright brothers tested their first flight, and being the 12th state to join the Union, deserves recognition. Hence, in the early 20th century, a proposal was made in the public schools of North Carolina to earmark a day that could “awaken a proper pride in the history of the state.”
The idea behind the recommendation was also to reduce illiteracy in North Carolina by popularizing the system of free public education. Illiteracy became common due to a lack of interest in levying taxes to improve education after the Civil War. Additionally, state officials also formed a Literary and Historical Association in North Carolina to promote cultural interests among the disassociated population.
Every year, schools focus on a different aspect of North Carolina’s history and distribute booklets to students about it. The day starts with the singing of the ‘My Country, ‘Tis of Thee’ anthem and then recitations covering topics such as DeGraffenried’s colony at New Bern, the Cary Rebellion, the death of John Lawson, early education in the region, and fishing in eastern North Carolina. The program concludes with a rendition of the song, ‘The Old North State.’
Under The Harvest Moon 