NC Museum of History Presents Awards to Young Historians at State Convention

Share to:

RALEIGH

Apr 20, 2026

Young historians from across the state gathered in Winston-Salem on Friday, April 17, for the 2026 Tar Heel Junior Historian Association (THJHA) Annual Convention, hosted by the North Carolina Museum of History. The museum is a division of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR).

This year's convention moved to Winston-Salem during the museum's renovation. Known as the "City of Arts and Innovation," the city provided a fitting backdrop for this year's focus on arts and creativity in North Carolina, from the Moravians to today. The theme builds on the fall 2025 issue of Tar Heel Junior Historian magazine, Carolina Creates!, which explored the state's creative history.

"Students approached this year's convention with curiosity and creativity," said Colleen MacGilvray, program coordinator for THJHA. "It's exciting to see how they interpret history through what they observe and experience, and how those moments stay with them beyond the day itself."

During the museum's renovation, the THJHA Annual Convention will rotate locations across the state, highlighting places featured in Tar Heel Junior Historian and offering students opportunities to experience North Carolina history firsthand. Junior historians attended with their clubs and families, participating in hands-on activities and exploring the city's rich artistic and cultural landscape.

Authorized by the NC General Assembly in 1953, THJHA is sponsored by the NC Museum of History, part of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The association is a free program open to students in grades 4-12 and supported by a statewide network of clubs. Each club must have at least one adult adviser and may be based in public, private, or home schools, as well as in organizations such as museums, historical societies, 4-H groups, and scouting groups.

Student and Chapter THJHA Award Winners

Awards are given for outstanding student projects, chapters, and advisers. This year's competition included the Artifact Search Contest and the History in Action Contest, highlighting student research, creativity, and engagement with North Carolina history.

Chapter of the Year

The 2026 Chapter of the Year is the Tar Heel Historical Dance Troupe, Historic Burke Foundation, Burke County.

Adviser of the Year

The 2026 Adviser of the Year is Rhonda Beam, primary adviser of Homeschoolers Honoring Ancestors, Trabem Conservatory, Wilson County.

County-by-County List of Winners

Buncombe County

Reynolds Mountain Christian Academy

• The Reynolds Mountain Junior Historians received recognition for their History in Action project, Giving a Helping Hand to Hearts with Hands.

Burke County

Historic Burke Foundation

• The Tar Heel Historical Dance Troupe was named 2026 Chapter of the Year.

Moore County

North Carolina Homeschool Adventures (History Hounds of Central Carolina)

• Madilynn Bowles earned recognition in the Artifact Search Contest for Sears & Roebuck 410 Gauge Shotgun.
• Barnaby Shedor earned recognition in the Artifact Search Contest for Dell Curry Basketball Card.
• Trinity Weaver earned recognition in the Artifact Search Contest for Dale Earnhardt's Car.
• Heidi Young earned recognition in the Artifact Search Contest for 1999 US Open Road Sign.

Nash County

RMA Junior Historians

• Hagen Strickland earned recognition in the Artifact Search Contest for Michael Jordan.

Surry County

Mount Airy Museum of Regional History

• The Jesse Franklin Pioneers received recognition for their History in Action project, Finding the Home of Mount Airy Textiles.

Union County

Union Preparatory Academy of Indian Trail

• The Polar Bear Junior Historians received recognition for their History in Action project, Polar Bears in Action.

Wilson County

Trabem Conservatory (Homeschoolers Honoring Ancestors)

• Eve Beam earned recognition in the Artifact Search Contest for Dale Jarrett 1999 Championship Corn Flakes Cereal Box Cover.
• Joshua Beam earned recognition in the Artifact Search Contest for TV Guide with The Legacy.
• William Beam earned recognition in the Artifact Search Contest for The Gaston Gazette Newspaper's Front Page, February 20, 2001.
• Caiden Johnson earned recognition in the Artifact Search Contest for Stock Car Racing Magazine's Flip of the Year.
• Calina Johnson earned recognition in the Artifact Search Contest for Richard Petty Fan Tour Shirt.

Yadkin County

FMS Junior Historians

• Gabriel Helms earned recognition in the Artifact Search Contest for The Berkley Frittside 7.
• Camden Matthews earned recognition in the Artifact Search Contest for Panthers' First Home Game Ticket.
• Kylee St. John earned recognition in the Artifact Search Contest for Jim "Catfish" Hunter Glove.

About the Smithsonian Affiliations Network
Since 2006, the North Carolina Museum of History has been a Smithsonian Affiliate, part of a select group of museums and cultural, educational, and arts organizations that share Smithsonian resources with the nation. The Smithsonian Affiliations network is a national outreach program that develops long-term collaborative partnerships with museums and other educational and cultural organizations to enrich communities with Smithsonian resources. More information is available at affiliations.si.edu.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina - its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. At more than 100 sites across the state, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency. For more information, please visit dncr.nc.gov.

Related Topics: