Commissioners today passed a resolution endorsing the establishment of a nonprofit corporation which was requested by the semiquincentennial commission for the 250th anniversary celebration of the signing of the Halifax Resolves as well as the nation’s 250th.
“This pivotal milestone offers Halifax County a unique opportunity to showcase the rich history of our county and the role of our people of Halifax County in empowering independence and freedom,” the resolution says.
The document says that on April 12, 1776 the Fourth Provincial Congress of North Carolina “took a bold step by adopting the Halifax Resolves, a groundbreaking document advocating complete independence from Great Britain and urging other colonies to the same.”
The resolution notes that preparations are being made for a “monumental celebration to honor our nation and pay homage to the brave souls who took a decisive stand in our historic county.”
Many projects, events and activities are being organized in the county to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Halifax Resolves that will occur between this year and 2026 as well as beyond.
Larry Perkins, events sub-committee chair for the commission, told the board that the upcoming Resolves Day will be a huge milestone for the county with April 12 kicking off a three-year program to celebrate the county. “The best thing about this whole thing is I believe Halifax County is a well-kept secret. We have a story to tell. Halifax County is the birthplace of America’s independence. It is right here in Halifax County that all this began. Had it not been for Halifax County I am not sure that … we would be standing here today.”
Perkins said he believes Halifax County has an opportunity to showcase what he describes as its rich history. “We have a story to tell about what Halifax County did to participate in our American Revolution and our America’s independence.”
He said it is also an opportunity to look at some of the people involved such as John Branch, who was not only a naval secretary, but “the only person who was governor of the state of North Carolina and the territory of Florida at the same time.”
In addition to that, Perkins said, his legacy goes back to Thomas Jefferson, whose great-grandson was married into the Branch family.
The nonprofit, Perkins said, will help the commission do things it couldn’t otherwise do. “Establishing a nonprofit allows us to do a lot of other things. We would be the gatekeepers of this nonprofit. We would be able to seek grants. We would be able to look at sponsorships … and we could work with other nonprofits.”
The nonprofit would also allow the commission to enter contracts and be the custodians of merchandise.
He said he believes America’s 250th for Halifax County serves not only for the next three years, “But I believe it’s a catalyst to push us forward. We have an opportunity to look at expanding our role on tourism and economic development. I believe this is going to serve as well in a lot of different respects. We’ve got an opportunity to bring people to Halifax County. You best believe we want to showcase the entire county and that’s what we’re doing.”
Perkins has been going to the various towns in the county to talk about how they can play a role in the celebration. “It’s not only the town of Halifax, which is important, but it’s the county of Halifax.”
At the end of the three-year celebration, Perkins said, one of the goals is to create a legacy. “The legacy portion of this is to be looking at the legacy of the people who came before us.”
Part of what the commission wants to do at the end, if there are funds left, is to build a freedom park. “A freedom park will not only be here in Halifax but we have talked about making sure that every town within Halifax participates in that freedom park in some way.”
