As the birthplace of American independence, Historic Halifax stands as a powerful symbol of freedom, resilience, and revolution, the Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau says.

On April 11 and 12  the town celebrates Halifax Resolves Days: Prelude to Revolution, a weekend of living history, immersive education, and community celebration.

This year's event marks the final full-scale dress rehearsal leading into the 250th anniversary of the Halifax Resolves in 2026 — when, on April 12, 1776, North Carolina became the first colony to call for independence from Great Britain.  

Visitors will experience colonial life's sights, sounds, and stories through character portrayals, reenactments, demonstrations, and special exhibits throughout the Historic Halifax State Historic Site.

Visitors are invited to walk the same footpaths and enter spaces where revolutionary ideas once took root.  

The celebration will include educational programming for all ages.

At Historic Halifax, both days will feature living history demonstrations, a Revolutionary soldier encampment, historic vignettes, building tours, and speakers.  

The events kick off at 9 a.m. on Friday, April 11, with a Native American Patriot's Presentation at the Commissioners Meeting Room in the Historic Courthouse, followed by a Haliwa-Saponi Tribe Ceremony at Magazine Springs.  

At noon the Quill Pen Monument, honoring the 250th Anniversary of the Halifax Resolves in front of the Historic Courthouse, will be unveiled.

Bradford-Denton House

A Colonial Living History Hub is at the heart of the weekend. The Bradford-Denton House will serve as a learning space that transports visitors into everyday life in 1776 Halifax. 

Confirmed activities include:

Greeters and house interpreters sharing the story of Rev. Henry Bradford and the home's role in early Halifax.

Lady of the House offers insights into daily domestic life during the Revolutionary era.

Live reenactment vignette of the 4th Provincial Congress delegates meeting to compose the Halifax Resolves.

Hearth cooking demonstrations in the fully restored colonial kitchen featuring authentic 18th-century recipes.

Smokehouse tours and food preservation demonstrations.

Blacksmithing and tool-making demonstrations by artisans using 18th-century techniques.

Log hewing and timber framing in action, showing how early structures were built.

Sheep shearing and wool processing, from fleece to thread.

Racehorse exhibit featuring a portrayal of Austin Curtis, an enslaved jockey and horseman for Halifax leader Willie Jones.

The 30-foot Periauger boat exhibit from the Perquimans County Restoration Association shows how inland cargo moved by sail along North Carolina's waterways.

Naval Stores demonstration, showing how tar, pitch, and turpentine were made and why North Carolina is known as the Tarheel State.

"We're learning more each year about connecting students and visitors with the legacy of the Halifax Resolves," said Jeff Dickens, Bradford-Denton House.  "This year is our final dress rehearsal for the big anniversary.  What we're building now will elevate the entire experience in 2026.  Don't miss this powerful journey through America's revolutionary beginnings."

Other events

Churches will be open, and food vendors will be in the town of Halifax.  

Restaurants and shops in the business district are open throughout both days.  

The Hen & The Hog Market, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. will feature craft vendors, authors and more.  On April 12 at 6 p.m. there will be a free concert with the Chatham Rabbits in front of Historic Courthouse on King Street that concludes with a patriotic laser light show.