CURRIE — The Moores Creek Battleground Association, in conjunction with the First in Freedom Festival, is pleased to present the Roadmap to Freedom Passport.
The First in Freedom Passport booklet features more than 40 destinations, including the Wilmington Railroad Museum, Missiles and More Museum, N.C. Maritime Museum, Duplin County Veterans Museum and Flying Machine Brewing Co., across eight counties in southeastern North Carolina: Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, New Hanover, Onslow, Pender and Sampson.
“The passport, which is valid through Dec. 31, offers day-trip adventures to the region’s hidden gems,” said Jim Buell, president of the Moores Creek Battleground Association. “Each destination highlights a piece of America’s 250th anniversary.”
The passport functions like a traditional travel passport, Buell said. At each location, visitors receive a stamp and signature verifying their visit. After visiting most or all sites, participants may return their passport to Moores Creek National Battlefield to become eligible for prizes at the end of the year. Prizes include America 250 commemorative items based on the number of sites visited.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate the first participant to complete the First in Freedom Festival Passport Program,” said Jason Collins, chief of interpretation, education and volunteers at Moores Creek National Battlefield. “This couple traveled to more than 40 sites in southeastern North Carolina and explored more than 250 years of American history represented at these locations.”
The Roadmap to Freedom Passport is available at participating destinations, Moores Creek National Battlefield, the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, and members of the Wilmington Area Hospitality Association.
“The passport program launched during the First in Freedom Festival kickoff in February,” Buell said. “I have a First in Freedom Passport, and it has been an enjoyable experience to be a tourist in our own backyard.”
For more information, visit ncfirstinfreedomfestival.com/passport.
About the Moores Creek Battlefield Association: The mission of the Moores Creek Battleground Association is to commemorate and preserve the significance of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge through public awareness, educational programs and events, promotion of patriotism, and partnership with the National Park Service. Chartered in 1899, the association is the longest-serving support organization for the National Park Service, with roots dating to an earlier memorial association formed in 1857.
