North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

Independent informational overview of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, including its statewide role in education, stewardship, history, arts, libraries, archives, parks, museums, natural heritage, and cultural resources.

Overview

Short Name
DNCR
Entry Type
Government Agency
Entity Level
State Department
Status
active
Verification
needs_review
State
North Carolina
Cities
Raleigh
Counties
Wake County
Parent Agency
North Carolina Executive Branch
Jurisdiction Level
statewide
Branch of Government
Executive branch
Government Type
state government
Service Area
State of North Carolina
Official Website
Official About Page
Public Information

Divisions / Sub Units

North Carolina Division of Historical Resources
Division of Historical Resources
State Division
Independent informational overview of the North Carolina Division of Historical Resources, the DNCR division connected to statewide historic preservation, archives, archaeology, historic sites, historical publications, markers, and public history programs across North Carolina.
North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation
Division of Parks and Recreation
State Division
Independent informational overview of the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, the DNCR division responsible for North Carolina state parks, state recreation areas, state natural areas, state trails, natural and scenic rivers, recreation grants, conservation, education, and public outdoor recreation support.

Agency Summary

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources is a statewide executive department responsible for helping preserve, protect, interpret, and share North Carolina’s natural and cultural resources.

DNCR’s work spans museums, historic sites, archives, libraries, arts, parks, natural heritage, conservation, education, and public-facing cultural programs. Its divisions and sites help residents and visitors access North Carolina history, science, art, land, records, and heritage.

The department supports public learning and stewardship through state-managed sites, statewide programs, grants, records services, cultural initiatives, historic preservation, natural resource programs, and educational experiences across North Carolina.

Core Duties

Natural and Cultural Stewardship
Preserves, protects, and promotes North Carolina’s natural, historical, artistic, and cultural resources through statewide programs, public sites, and educational services.
Museums, Historic Sites, and Public Education
Supports museums, historic sites, interpretive programs, exhibits, and learning experiences that connect the public with North Carolina history, science, culture, and heritage.
Archives, Records, and Library Services
Provides access to state records, archives, government information, library resources, reference services, and preservation support through state archival and library programs.
Parks, Natural Heritage, and Conservation Programs
Supports natural resource stewardship through programs connected to state parks, natural heritage, conservation funding, land and water protection, and public access to natural spaces.
Arts, Cultural Programs, and Community Support
Supports arts, cultural development, heritage commissions, grants, community programming, public engagement, and statewide cultural initiatives.

Public Information Tools

DNCR Division and Site Directory
Directory of DNCR divisions, offices, programs, museums, historic sites, and related contact information.
DNCR Contact Page
Official contact page for reaching DNCR offices, staff, divisions, programs, and locations.
DNCR News
Official DNCR news and public updates.

Quick Info

Agency Type
Cabinet-level executive department within North Carolina state government
Primary Role
Statewide stewardship, preservation, education, and public access for North Carolina natural, historic, artistic, library, archival, museum, and cultural resources
Statewide Reach
Operates and supports cultural, natural, historical, educational, archival, museum, park, and heritage programs across North Carolina
Leadership Model
Led by the Secretary of Natural and Cultural Resources
Sub Units Count
2

Governance

Agency Status
Cabinet-level state department
Lead Official Title
Secretary of Natural and Cultural Resources
Current Lead Official
Pamela Brewington Cashwell
Appointment Method
Appointed by the Governor as a cabinet secretary

Contact

Main Phone
919-814-6800
Physical Address
109 E. Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
Mailing Address
4601 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-4600
Cultural Resources Main Line
info.marketingservices@dncr.nc.gov
919-814-6800
Marketing and Communications Office
info.marketingservices@dncr.nc.gov
919-814-6650
North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office
919-814-6570
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program
natural.heritage@dncr.nc.gov
919-707-9382

Quick Stats

100+
DNCR sites and experiences referenced across public-facing materials
21 million
Visitors welcomed across North Carolina sites in DNCR’s 2025 impact summary
$140 million
Grants awarded in DNCR’s 2025 impact summary
15,000
Students served through the field trip fund in DNCR’s 2025 impact summary

Independent Informational Hosting Notice

This site is an independent informational hosting page. It is provided for general reference, public browsing, and organizational understanding. It is not an official North Carolina government website and should not be used as a substitute for official agency guidance.

Visitors should confirm important details with the relevant official source before relying on information for legal, financial, employment, benefit, payroll, compliance, or time-sensitive decisions. This page is intended to align with Montero Nava independent informational hosting principles under Policy Code 6150 and Policy Code 6151.