About this Event
PBS North Carolina and Thalian Hall Present — Homegrown History
An Exclusive Screening & Wilmington Community Conversation
Join PBS North Carolina and Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts for a special screening of Homegrown History, our original documentary series created in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary—and discover a remarkable piece of Wilmington and New Hanover County’s own Revolutionary history.
This episode of Homegrown History features the story of Zachariah Jacobs (Holmes), a free soldier of color born in the Wilmington/New Hanover County area whose contributions to the American Revolution were nearly lost to history.
Event Details:
- Date & Time: Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | 6–8 PM
- Location: Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts | 310 Chestnut Street | Wilimington, NC
Your Evening Includes:
- A special screening of Homegrown History, Episode 2: Forgotten Heroes of the American Revolution
- A discussion and audience Q&A with the filmmaker, local historians, and descendants of Zachariah Jacobs
- An opportunity to connect with fellow history enthusiasts and PBS fans
- Light refreshments
Free and open to the public. Advance registration is required.
Questions about the event or registration? Email Karen Nowak at [email protected].
A Revolutionary Story Close to Home
Homegrown History travels across North Carolina to uncover these complicated and deeply personal stories—digging into local archives and working with communities and descendants to bring forgotten histories to light.
In this Wilmington story, Zachariah Jacobs emerges as one of two remarkable Black North Carolinians whose contributions to the patriot cause were nearly lost to history. Alongside Currituck Jack, an enslaved mariner from Currituck County, Jacobs’ story offers a new perspective on the people who helped shape the American Revolution and the nation that followed.
From PBS North Carolina to Your Community
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Homegrown History is bringing North Carolina’s Revolutionary-era stories to audiences across the state and inviting communities to help tell them.
Following the screening, join PBS North Carolina and local voices for a Wilmington community conversation exploring Zachariah Jacobs’ story, the Revolutionary history of the region, and the importance of uncovering the stories that have been left out of the traditional narrative.
You’ll also learn how you can help PBS North Carolina uncover your community’s history as part of the Homegrown History project.
Have a Revolutionary-era story from your family or community?
Share it with PBS North Carolina at .
The Homegrown History Initiative is sponsored by SECU Foundation, funded by the members of State Employees’ Credit Union. Additional support provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, American Battlefield Trust and Duke Energy Foundation.
Thank you to our event partner, Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts.
This event was made possible with generous grant support from Duke Engergy Foundation.
Event venue & nearby stays
Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 310 Chestnut Street, Wilmington, United States
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