Our State | UNC-TV

Explore Thalian Hall, a center for both art and politics in the city of Wilmington. The building houses not only government functions, but a stunning theater, where historic figures such as Oscar Wilde and Frederick Douglass have graced its stage.

Salvage divers Tim Ferris and Bob Weihe were used to uncovering secrets in the water, but when they founded Blue Ridge Distilling Company, they also discovered a revolutionary process for making whiskey. Now, their signature spirit--appropriately named "Defiant"--has earned its place at the forefront of North Carolina's distilling resurgence.

Meet Jack and Estelle Wilson of Roanoke Island, caretakers of the "Mother Vine," one of the oldest scuppernong grape vines in existence.

Meet Jack and Estelle Wilson of Roanoke Island, caretakers of the "Mother Vine," one of the oldest scuppernong grape vines in existence. Then, learn how salvage divers Tim Ferris and Bob Weihe discovered a revolutionary process for making whiskey. Finally, explore Thalian Hall in Wilmington, where Oscar Wilde, Frederick Douglass, and other historic figures have graced its stunning theater.

Inspired by his wife's North Carolina mountain childhood, J. Larry Keith wrote The Story of Virginia Johnson, an original song which he performs with the Lonesome Road Band.

Serah Haley and Erinn Diaz bring their passions for singing and dance--and honoring our nation's veterans--to Letters from Home, a living tribute to the music and patriotic spirit of the 1940s.

Asheboro illustrator Rich Powell, known for his work in Mad Magazine and his comic strips, Wide Open and Dixie Drive, draws new life out of Andy Griffith's classic monologue about a country deacon's first football game

Asheboro illustrator Rich Powell draws new life out of Andy Griffith's classic monologue about a country deacon's first football game. Then, the singing duo Letters from Home honors our nation's veterans with patriotic performances. Lastly, J. Larry Keith and the Lonesome Road Band perform The Story of Virginia Johnson, Keith's original song inspired by his wife's North Carolinian childhood.

Explore the 264-acre Henderson County home of one of the 20th century's most significant Americans. Discover the world's largest sanctuary for endangered prosimian primates, in Durham's Duke Forest. Meet the sixth generation of Goodwin family weavers, who still work using on 19th century looms.

Cameras descend into Bat Cave for the first time as scientists study this unique ecosystem. Each year Wilmington citizens throw a huge party to honor their blazing azaleas. For over a century the many lush plants of these gardens by the sea have delighted visitors.

Travel to Hart Square, an oasis of nineteenth-century life in modern Catawba County, where Dr. Robert Hart explains his dedication to not only preserving the largest collection of historical log structures in the United States, but bringing that history to life.

Experience poet Amy Bagwell’s vision of immersing the public in poetry through murals and news racks in Uptown Charlotte.

Learn about the uncertain fate of the famous Corolla horses and the people trying to save them.

Learn about the uncertain fate of the famous Corolla horses and the people trying to save them.

Explore the history of our Star Spangled Banner with John Andringa, also known as the "Flag Man," and his collection of over 130 flags.

Follow the journey of this architectural wonder, from a simple concept drawing to a world-renowned icon of the NC State Fair and practical design innovation.

Learn about the uncertain fate of the famous Corolla horses and the people trying to save them. Follow the journey of Dorton Arena, from a simple concept drawing to a world-renowned icon of the NC State Fair and practical design innovation. Explore the history of our Star Spangled Banner with John Andringa, also known as the “Flag Man,” and his collection of over 130 flags.

Meet the Krüger Brothers, German immigrants who followed the sound of the music they loved all the way to North Carolina.

With a playful love of fireworks and a meticulous process, pyrotechnician Jeff Hale creates magic in the sky with his dazzling displays.

Meet the Krüger Brothers, German immigrants who followed the sound of the music they loved all the way to North Carolina. Then, with a playful love of fireworks and a meticulous process, pyrotechnician Jeff Hale creates magic in the sky with his dazzling displays.

Join Bland Simpson on a literary journey down the Lumber River.

Passionate artist Alex Matisse reveals the thoughts and emotions behind his work as he creates pottery with an aesthetic that fuses pre-industrial traditions.

Passionate artist Alex Matisse reveals the thoughts and emotions behind his work as he creates pottery with an aesthetic that fuses pre-industrial traditions. Then, join Bland Simpson on a literary journey down the Lumber River.

Meet Pulitzer Prize winner Matthew Lewis, who watched the defining era of the 60s and 70s through his camera lens and became a portrait of the American spirit.

Enslaved person Elizabeth Keckly was forced to re-locate to Hillsborough, NC as a teenager. Learn how these circumstances led her to buy her freedom and settle in Washington, DC, as dressmaker and confidante to Mary Todd Lincoln.

Enslaved person Elizabeth Keckly was forced to re-locate to Hillsborough, NC as a teenager. Learn how these circumstances led her to buy her freedom and settle in Washington, DC, as dressmaker and confidante to Mary Todd Lincoln. Then, meet Pulitzer Prize winner Matthew Lewis, who watched the defining era of the 60s and 70s through his camera lens and became a portrait of the American spirit.

Travel to Clemmons, and meet the remarkable family behind Mrs. Hanes' Moravian Cookies.

In the flatlands just south of Elizabeth City looms a monolithic monument to a mostly forgotten chapter of World War II. We will visit the giant Weeksville hangar that harbored Lighter than Air control craft and learn how they helped turn the tide in the Atlantic.

Take in the restoration of the Bodie Island Lighthouse, a beacon to mariners since 1872.

Meet Bernie Harberts, a North Carolinian who has sailed the world and now travels the state - and wherever Polly the mule takes him - in his hand-built mobile home. Along the way, strangers turn into friends as Bernie and Polly bring out the best in our state on Mule Rider.

Learn how the beautiful but finicky orchid finds an ideal environment at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont.

Follow artist Chris Wilson as he travels Highway 64 with grand ambitions.

Spend an emotional summer with the gorillas at the North Carolina Zoo.

Learn how the beautiful but finicky orchid finds an ideal environment at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont. Next, follow artist Chris Wilson as he travels Highway 64 with grand ambitions. Then, spend an emotional summer with the gorillas at the North Carolina Zoo.

In the flatlands just south of Elizabeth City looms a monolithic monument to a mostly forgotten chapter of World War II. We will visit the giant Weeksville hangar that harbored Lighter than Air control craft and learn how they helped turn the tide in the Atlantic. Then, travel to Clemmons, and meet the remarkable family behind Mrs. Hanes' Moravian Cookies.

Meet Bernie Harberts, a North Carolinian who has sailed the world and now travels the state - and wherever Polly the mule takes him - in his hand-built mobile home. Along the way, strangers turn into friends as Bernie and Polly bring out the best in our state on Mule Rider. Then take in the restoration of the Bodie Island Lighthouse, a beacon to mariners since 1872.

Head to the woods with naturalist, herbalist and storyteller Doug Elliott for a glimpse at his southern Appalachian lifestyle and his passion to connect with nature.

Meet acclaimed Broadway costume designer William Ivey Long, who got his start working backstage at The Lost Colony outdoor drama. He returned to Manteo years later to put his expertise to work redesigning every costume after a disastrous fire threatened this North Carolina treasure.

Meet Broadway costume designer William Ivey Long, who got his start backstage at The Lost Colony outdoor drama. He returned years later to put his expertise to work redesigning every costume after a fire threatened this state treasure. Then, head to the woods with naturalist, herbalist and storyteller Doug Elliott for a glimpse at his Appalachian lifestyle and passion to connect with nature.

Discover a garden full of botanical curiosities and more at Calvary Episcopal Church in Tarboro.

Meet Roger Dinger, who deconstructs old barns and transforms the weathered wood into fascinating works of art.

Learn how Hillsborough novelist and Hollywood soap opera scribe Michael Malone finds his story-telling voice in the South.