Our Mission

North Carolina has a long legacy of public history. Our state's historical program, founded in 1903, has evolved into what is now our Office of Archives and History (OAH).

The agencies of the North Carolina Office of Archives and History celebrate history from pre-colonial times to the present. They collectively safeguard documentary and material evidence of earlier generations and provide leadership and assistance to government agencies, individuals, businesses and organizations to further the stewardship of the state's historic resources.

Our Mission

OAH's mission is to collect, preserve, and utilize the state's historic resources so that present and future residents may better understand their history.

We safeguard the documentary and material evidence of past generations for the education of all citizens and the protection of their democratic rights by:

Collecting, preserving and managing archival materials, state and local records and public information

Researching, writing and distributing popular and scholarly works on North Carolina history

Identifying, protecting and enhancing historic properties and archaeological sites

Preserving, interpreting and maintaining important state historic sites and landmarks

Operating programs of technical, professional and financial assistance for private and public history projects, and

Collecting, preserving and displaying artifacts to educate the public about the state's past.

We look to the future as it endeavors to save what is important from the past and present for the education and fulfillment of all North Carolinians. The character, cultural identity and direction of North Carolina emerge from its historic heritage.