Central North Carolina, home to our fertile fields, rich Southern heritage and thriving metropolises. Join Carolina Preserves on a journey to our heartland to meet some of the state's most dedicated preservationists and influential artists.

Lee Smith, a renowned author and lecturer, talks about what it means to be Southern. From our culture to our speech, Southern life is unique.

Judge Henry Frye, the first African-American chief justice in North Carolina, reminisces about growing up on a tobacco farm at harvest time.

Vernon Owens became a Jugtown potter at the age of 18. He has been working as a potter ever since, preserving the traditional techniques used since the 19th century.

Shirley Caesar has sung before presidents and led prayer for the United States Senate. She now works as a minister in her own church as she carries on the mantle of the first lady of gospel.