UNC-TV’s high-definition showcase series Our State visits three memorable sites on an all-new, sizzling summer episode premiering Thursday, July 5, at 8 PM. Tour Somerset Place, an antebellum plantation offering a look back at a turbulent time in our state's history; a thriving Arts Incubator in Siler City; and an interesting archaeology project at Fort Bragg in Army Digs.

Somerset Place—This month, step back to the 19th century at Somerset Place near the shores of Lake Phelps in Washington County. Active from 1785-1865, this plantation became one the upper South’s most prosperous cultivators of rice, corn and wheat. Today it’s a state historic site that offers a rare, comprehensive view of an antebellum community through seven original buildings and 31 lakeside acres. With the abolishment of slavery at the Civil War’s end, a lack of unpaid labor meant an end for the plantation’s 88 years and it was sold. Discover this local look at life on the plantation. Click here for an image of Somerset Plantation.

Arts Incubator—Then visit the Arts Incubator, an innovative Siler City organization created in 2002 to offer inexpensive studio space to artists, as well as marketing classes to develop business skills. In this three-building facility, more than 20 artists work on pottery, jewelry, paintings, blown and stained glass art and hooked rugs. Meet some of the artists and see their inspiring work.

Army Digs—Next, archaeologists and historians of the Fort Bragg Cultural Resources Program unearth historic Sandhills’ secrets. The CRP team not only identifies cultural assets on base, but also oversees their management by the Army. Join these researchers in the field and lab to discover intact structures of 18th century Highland Scot communities as well as evidence of Sandhills’ inhabitants dating back more than 10,000 years.

Throughout the month, Thursday nights at 8, enjoy other storied sites from our state’s heritage. On the 12th, Our State visits the Flat Rock Playhouse, Tar Heel Towns: Davidson, The Can Joe Man and a talented photographer on Shutterbugs: Denise Clay. Explore the French Broad River, Upstairs at Biltmore House and the Pine Knolls Shores Aquarium on the 19th. Closing out the month, on the 26th, explore NC Lighthouses, Tar Heel Wineries and redeeming qualities of a wily vine on All About Kudzu.

Based on the stories of Our State magazine, UNC-TV's half-hour Our State series takes you down-home in North Carolina for an in-depth look at the people and places that make our state great! Compelling stories, stunning digital videography and thoughtful narration take you beneath the surface, providing answers to the hows and whys of all things Our State. Thursday nights, at 8, you’ll find more great things about our state to discover and to love on UNC-TV’s on-air magazine Our State.

In addition to UNC-TV, see Our State throughout the month on UNC-NC, UNC-TV’s digital channel featuring programming about North Carolina, and UNC-HD, UNC-TV’s high definition channel. For more information about Our State, visit Our State online at www.unctv.org/ourstate. Check UNC-TV’s monthly program guide CenterPiece and local television listings for other airdates and times.

UNC-TV produces Our State in partnership with Our State magazine and the generous support of BB&T. For more information about this show and other UNC-TV programming, visit UNC-TV online at www.unctv.org. UNC-TV’s 11 stations comprise North Carolina’s only statewide television network, made possible through a unique partnership of public investment and private support. UNC-TV is committed to producing and broadcasting programs for and about North Carolina, making it the state’s most important source of information about North Carolina.

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