Our State | UNC-TV
140 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 8 years ago - ★★★★★ - 3 ratingsSee North Carolina as never before! Whether visitor, recently relocated or longtime Tar Heel, UNC-TV brings more of our state home to you - to discover and to love. Inspired by the pages of Our State magazine, UNC-TV’s half-hour monthly series, Our State, 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.
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Episodes
Island Inspirations | Our State - Large format
January 12, 2010 22:24 - 9 minutes - 80.6 MB Video"Old Baldy" is not just a beacon to tourists. It (and the island it watches over) brings inspiration to a special group of artists. Against the spectacular seascape, they gather biannually to engage in the creative process. They also come for another purpose...to sell some of their paintings in order to help disadvantaged artists through a Dutch non-profit called Paint a Future. Meet these talented artists and see why Bald Head Island keeps beckoning their return.
Living with an Island | Our State - Small format
January 12, 2010 22:24 - 9 minutes - 66.3 MB VideoForming North Carolina's most southeastern tip at Cape Fear, Bald Head Island presents a stunningly diverse geography of salt marshes, sand dunes and old growth maritime forest. A little over 25 years ago conservationists and developers worked together striking a balance between what people need to thrive in a subtropical environment and what the islands need. Explore the interplay of people and place in this unique coastal barrier system.
Living with an Island | Our State - Large format
January 12, 2010 22:24 - 9 minutes - 100 MB VideoForming North Carolina's most southeastern tip at Cape Fear, Bald Head Island presents a stunningly diverse geography of salt marshes, sand dunes and old growth maritime forest. A little over 25 years ago conservationists and developers worked together striking a balance between what people need to thrive in a subtropical environment and what the islands need. Explore the interplay of people and place in this unique coastal barrier system.
Window Dressing | Our State - Large format
November 17, 2009 16:46 - 9 minutes - 95.5 MB VideoIn 1985, Al Priest and Brad Brown started a stained glass studio in East Bend and, with their stunning panels for all manner of spaces, it continues thriving. Follow along as their team of craftspeople brings a design from inception to installation. View several panes adorning homes, chapels—even a courthouse—and appreciate the artistry of Salem Stained Glass.
On Pines and Needles | Our State - Large format
November 17, 2009 16:45 - 9 minutes - 82.4 MB VideoPIne straw now numbers among North Carolina's significant agricultural products. To supplement their other crops, farmers started gathering and selling pine needle bales for landscaping projects. Most of these needles come from the Sandhills where the longleaf pine grows needles up to 18-inches long. Meet some of the producers, including the Claridge State Nursery in Goldsboro, to see how this commodity emerged as such an asset to North Carolina's agricultural industry.
Tar Heel Towns: Elizabeth City | Our State - Large format
November 17, 2009 16:45 - 9 minutes - 99 MB VideoBland Simpson comes to the narrows of the Pasquotank River to tour his Elizabeth City hometown, fondly referred to as "The Queen of the Albemarle" and founded as digging began on the Dismal Swamp 15 miles north in 1793. This historic port boasts a rich history and cultural community showcased in its expansive historic district, reemerging downtown arts, the Museum of the Albemarle, avionics and even the great unsolved mystery of Nell Cropsey's murder.
Window Dressing | Our State - Small format
November 17, 2009 16:33 - 9 minutes - 32.6 MB VideoIn 1985, Al Priest and Brad Brown started a stained glass studio in East Bend and, with their stunning panels for all manner of spaces, it continues thriving. Follow along as their team of craftspeople brings a design from inception to installation. View several panes adorning homes, chapels—even a courthouse—and appreciate the artistry of Salem Stained Glass.
On Pines and Needles | Our State - Small format
November 17, 2009 16:33 - 9 minutes - 27.6 MB VideoPIne straw now numbers among North Carolina's significant agricultural products. To supplement their other crops, farmers started gathering and selling pine needle bales for landscaping projects. Most of these needles come from the Sandhills where the longleaf pine grows needles up to 18-inches long. Meet some of the producers, including the Claridge State Nursery in Goldsboro, to see how this commodity emerged as such an asset to North Carolina's agricultural industry.
Tar Heel Towns: Elizabeth City | Our State - Small format
November 17, 2009 16:32 - 9 minutes - 33.5 MB VideoBland Simpson comes to the narrows of the Pasquotank River to tour his Elizabeth City hometown, fondly referred to as "The Queen of the Albemarle" and founded as digging began on the Dismal Swamp 15 miles north in 1793. This historic port boasts a rich history and cultural community showcased in its expansive historic district, reemerging downtown arts, the Museum of the Albemarle, avionics and even the great unsolved mystery of Nell Cropsey's murder.
Tweetsie Railroad | Our State - Small format
October 21, 2009 21:25 - 9 minutes - 72.6 MB VideoThrough the mountain valleys near Blowing Rock, steam train whistles can still be heard at the Tweetsie Railroad. Two visionary entrepreneurs saved engines 12 and 190 from the scrap pile as centerpieces of the recreated Old West. Come see how they industriously maintain these engines to deliver passengers back to yesteryear aboard one of North Carolina's most beloved attractions. We'll feature fascinating archival footage of Engines 12 and 190 with thanks to Tweetsie engineer, Tim Smith...
Tweetsie Railroad | Our State - Large format
October 21, 2009 21:22 - 10 minutes - 110 MB VideoThrough the mountain valleys near Blowing Rock, steam train whistles can still be heard at the Tweetsie Railroad. Two visionary entrepreneurs saved engines 12 and 190 from the scrap pile as centerpieces of the recreated Old West. Come see how they industriously maintain these engines to deliver passengers back to yesteryear aboard one of North Carolina's most beloved attractions. We'll feature fascinating archival footage of Engines 12 and 190 with thanks to Tweetsie engineer, Tim Smith...
Silver Lining | Our State - Large format
October 21, 2009 21:21 - 7 minutes - 78.9 MB VideoAccording to painting John Silver, the key to painting outside is to paint quickly and deliberately, but not hurriedly. Using this plein air technique, he heads to the beach finding inspiration in relic beach houses or families interacting. When the weather keeps him inside, he pursues a still life or portraits of jazz musicians from memory. Join us to meet this compelling artist.
Silver Lining | Our State - Small format
October 21, 2009 21:16 - 7 minutes - 52.1 MB VideoAccording to painting John Silver, the key to painting outside is to paint quickly and deliberately, but not hurriedly. Using this plein air technique, he heads to the beach finding inspiration in relic beach houses or families interacting. When the weather keeps him inside, he pursues a still life or portraits of jazz musicians from memory. Join us to meet this compelling artist.
Brasstown Dancers | Our State - Small format
October 21, 2009 21:14 - 8 minutes - 60 MB VideoMorris Dancing traces its roots back to 15th Century Moorish dancing in Spain. These dances evolved and migrated to England and eventually America where groups like the Brasstown Dancers can be found performing today. Come watch the vibrant interpretation of historic folk life as groups prepare to perform at the Grove Park Inn in the Best of Our State.
Brasstown Dancers | Our State - Large format
October 21, 2009 19:47 - 8 minutes - 90.8 MB VideoMorris Dancing traces its roots back to 15th Century Moorish dancing in Spain. These dances evolved and migrated to England and eventually America where groups like the Brasstown Dancers can be found performing today. Come watch the vibrant interpretation of historic folk life as groups prepare to perform at the Grove Park Inn in the Best of Our State.
New River Country | Our State - Large format
February 10, 2009 13:26 - 9 minutes - 99.3 MB VideoHow old is the New River exactly? Is it really the second oldest after the Nile? Geologists differ. But it is certain that this waterway is a remnant of the Teaz River prefiguring the Ohio River system. While Colonel Abraham Wood of Virginia was surprised to discover it in 1654, Native Americans, especially the Cherokee, had been fishing and hunting in the area for ten thousand years. Join Bland Simpson for a trip along our country’s only major northward flowing river and the spectacular sur...
New River Country | Our State - Large format
February 10, 2009 13:26 - 9 minutes - 99.3 MB VideoHow old is the New River exactly? Is it really the second oldest after the Nile? Geologists differ. But it is certain that this waterway is a remnant of the Teaz River prefiguring the Ohio River system. While Colonel Abraham Wood of Virginia was surprised to discover it in 1654, Native Americans, especially the Cherokee, had been fishing and hunting in the area for ten thousand years. Join Bland Simpson for a trip along our country’s only major northward flowing river and the spectacular sur...
Topsail Towers | Our State - Large format
February 10, 2009 13:26 - 9 minutes - 77.8 MB VideoIn 1946 on Topsail Island, the U.S. Navy embarked on a top-secret missile development program. Foreseeing the role of missiles in future combat, the Navy constructed a research station including eight towers used to photograph rockets that whizzed by at speeds up to 1500 mph! Eventually the program outgrew its barrier island site and was transferred to California. But the remnants of the program remain…two of the original towers still stand among the dunes and the original explosion proof as...
Carolina Chocolate Drops | Our State - Large format
February 10, 2009 13:25 - 9 minutes - 99.4 MB VideoIn the Piedmont, traditional black stringmusic ensembles featured the banjo as lead instrument with a fiddle or guitar as accompaniment if one was available. There’s a new force in stringband music that’s reviving the Piedmont’s musical heritage. Using a variety of traditional old-time instruments, Rhiannon Giddens, Justin Robinson and Dom Flemons form the Carolina Chocolate Drops. Their tutelage under Joe Thompson, said to be the last black traditional string music player, along with their d...
New River Country | Our State - Small format
February 10, 2009 13:17 - 9 minutes - 65.8 MB VideoHow old is the New River exactly? Is it really the second oldest after the Nile? Geologists differ. But it is certain that this waterway is a remnant of the Teaz River prefiguring the Ohio River system. While Colonel Abraham Wood of Virginia was surprised to discover it in 1654, Native Americans, especially the Cherokee, had been fishing and hunting in the area for ten thousand years. Join Bland Simpson for a trip along our country’s only major northward flowing river and the spectacular sur...
Topsail Towers | Our State - Small format
February 10, 2009 13:17 - 9 minutes - 51.5 MB VideoIn 1946 on Topsail Island, the U.S. Navy embarked on a top-secret missile development program. Foreseeing the role of missiles in future combat, the Navy constructed a research station including eight towers used to photograph rockets that whizzed by at speeds up to 1500 mph! Eventually the program outgrew its barrier island site and was transferred to California. But the remnants of the program remain…two of the original towers still stand among the dunes and the original explosion proof as...
Carolina Chocolate Drops | Our State - Small format
February 10, 2009 13:17 - 9 minutes - 65.8 MB VideoIn the Piedmont, traditional black stringmusic ensembles featured the banjo as lead instrument with a fiddle or guitar as accompaniment if one was available. There’s a new force in stringband music that’s reviving the Piedmont’s musical heritage. Using a variety of traditional old-time instruments, Rhiannon Giddens, Justin Robinson and Dom Flemons form the Carolina Chocolate Drops. Their tutelage under Joe Thompson, said to be the last black traditional string music player, along with their d...
An Artist's Reflections | Our State - Small format
January 28, 2009 20:02 - 9 minutes - 66.6 MB VideoNext we travel to Boone to meet painter, writer and teacher, Noyes Capehart. From an abandoned house that inspired one of his paintings, to his studio, we see how this provocative artist has fused image making and storytelling to produce a remarkable body of work.
An Artist's Reflections | Our State - Large format
January 28, 2009 20:00 - 9 minutes - 100 MB VideoNext we travel to Boone to meet painter, writer and teacher, Noyes Capehart. From an abandoned house that inspired one of his paintings, to his studio, we see how this provocative artist has fused image making and storytelling to produce a remarkable body of work.
Oak Island Lighthouse | Our State - Large format
January 16, 2009 13:39 - 9 minutes - 94.3 MB VideoThe Oak Island Lighthouse is one of seven that line our coast. Still among the brightest lighthouses in world, this powerful beacon can be seen 24 nautical miles out to sea. It possesses several unique features including an interior switchback ladder configuration, a motor-powered hoist to haul supplies to the top as well as coloring agents mixed in the concrete fixing the paint permanently. We’ll meet one of the people who constructed the lighthouse, learn about the innovative techniques t...
Oak Island Lighthouse | Our State - Small format
January 16, 2009 13:39 - 9 minutes - 62.6 MB VideoThe Oak Island Lighthouse is one of seven that line our coast. Still among the brightest lighthouses in world, this powerful beacon can be seen 24 nautical miles out to sea. It possesses several unique features including an interior switchback ladder configuration, a motor-powered hoist to haul supplies to the top as well as coloring agents mixed in the concrete fixing the paint permanently. We’ll meet one of the people who constructed the lighthouse, learn about the innovative techniques t...
Hanging Rock State Park | Our State - Large format
January 16, 2009 13:39 - 7 minutes - 75.1 MB VideoNorth of Winston-Salem, the quartzite outcroppings, waterfalls and winding trails of Hanging Rock State Park draw visitors from all over the state. Originally envisioned as a resort area during the 1920s, the park fell victim to the Depression and was eventually sold to the state for State Park designation. Some of the highest peaks in the Sauratown Mountains can be found here including Moore’s Knob, the tallest point in Stokes County, where you can enjoy the 360° view from the observation ...
Hanging Rock State Park | Our State - Small format
January 16, 2009 13:39 - 7 minutes - 2.16 MB VideoNorth of Winston-Salem, the quartzite outcroppings, waterfalls and winding trails of Hanging Rock State Park draw visitors from all over the state. Originally envisioned as a resort area during the 1920s, the park fell victim to the Depression and was eventually sold to the state for State Park designation. Some of the highest peaks in the Sauratown Mountains can be found here including Moore’s Knob, the tallest point in Stokes County, where you can enjoy the 360° view from the observation ...
Heavy Metal | Our State - Large format
January 16, 2009 13:39 - 8 minutes - 87.5 MB VideoStephen Zawistowski stayed in his front yard with his first welder until he taught himself to weld. Drawing inspiration from nature, his beautiful wrought steel sculptures have been coming forth ever since. We’ll meet this innovative Jacksonville artist who works in law enforcement by day,and find out how his creative work has changed his life.
Heavy Metal | Our State - Small format
January 16, 2009 13:39 - 8 minutes - 58.2 MB VideoStephen Zawistowski stayed in his front yard with his first welder until he taught himself to weld. Drawing inspiration from nature, his beautiful wrought steel sculptures have been coming forth ever since. We’ll meet this innovative Jacksonville artist who works in law enforcement by day,and find out how his creative work has changed his life.
Energy Xchange | Our State - Small format
December 01, 2008 21:09 - 8 minutes - 66.8 MB VideoAt the foot of the Black Mountain Range in Burnsville, a landfill gas-to-energy project is fueling the creative work of artists and horticulturists at the Energy Xchange. Wells situated over the landfill pull methane to a central collection station sending it to boilers and craft studios. The gas also heats the greenhouses where native ornamental shrubbery is raised and sold wholesale locally. The two-fold aim of this enterprising organization is promoting responsible energy use as well as ex...
Energy Xchange | Our State - Large format
December 01, 2008 21:07 - 8 minutes - 96.8 MB VideoAt the foot of the Black Mountain Range in Burnsville, a landfill gas-to-energy project is fueling the creative work of artists and horticulturists at the Energy Xchange. Wells situated over the landfill pull methane to a central collection station sending it to boilers and craft studios. The gas also heats the greenhouses where native ornamental shrubbery is raised and sold wholesale locally. The two-fold aim of this enterprising organization is promoting responsible energy use as well as ex...
Sand and Wood | Our State - Large format
November 24, 2008 16:57 - 9 minutes - 96.3 MB VideoJockey's Ridge State Park near Nags Head has the tallest sand dune in the eastern US. But it doesn’t sit still…seasonal winds constantly move this live dune between Roanoke Sound and the Atlantic. The Park might not be here at all if some dedicated Nags Head residents hadn’t worked together to save the dunes from being bulldozed completely for development. And while the tallest dune stands impressively at 90 feet, development and vegetation have still significantly shortened it over the last...
Sand and Wood | Our State - Small format
November 24, 2008 16:53 - 9 minutes - 63.8 MB VideoJockey's Ridge State Park near Nags Head has the tallest sand dune in the eastern US. But it doesn’t sit still…seasonal winds constantly move this live dune between Roanoke Sound and the Atlantic. The Park might not be here at all if some dedicated Nags Head residents hadn’t worked together to save the dunes from being bulldozed completely for development. And while the tallest dune stands impressively at 90 feet, development and vegetation have still significantly shortened it over the last...
Puppet Masters | Our State - Small format
November 24, 2008 16:51 - 9 minutes - 63.6 MB VideoThe Paperhand Puppet Intervention combines the artistry of co-founders, Donovan Zimmerman and Jan Burger and as a cast of volunteers. Their vivifying puppet shows synthesize many forms including sculpture, painting, music, dance, improvisation, theatre and costume design aiming to inspire and promote social change. We’ll meet these fascinating artists and watch the challenging process of bringing one of their multi-scaled performances to life
Puppet Masters | Our State - Large format
November 24, 2008 16:36 - 9 minutes - 96.2 MB VideoThe Paperhand Puppet Intervention combines the artistry of co-founders, Donovan Zimmerman and Jan Burger and as a cast of volunteers. Their vivifying puppet shows synthesize many forms including sculpture, painting, music, dance, improvisation, theatre and costume design aiming to inspire and promote social change. We’ll meet these fascinating artists and watch the challenging process of bringing one of their multi-scaled performances to life
Harper House | Our State - Small format
November 24, 2008 16:34 - 7 minutes - 49.7 MB VideoA lavish 19th Century home sits just outside of Hickory possessing what the North Carolina Department of Archives and History has deemed "the finest Queen Anne interior styling in the entire state”. Daniel Webster Shuler built Harper House in 1887 showcasing 20 rooms filled to the ceilings in extensive Victorian luxury. In 1921, Finley Gwyn Harper, Sr. and his family lived there for three generations until it was deeded to the Catawba County Historical Association for preservation and renova...
Harper House | Our State - Large format
November 24, 2008 16:31 - 7 minutes - 75.4 MB VideoA lavish 19th Century home sits just outside of Hickory possessing what the North Carolina Department of Archives and History has deemed "the finest Queen Anne interior styling in the entire state”. Daniel Webster Shuler built Harper House in 1887 showcasing 20 rooms filled to the ceilings in extensive Victorian luxury. In 1921, Finley Gwyn Harper, Sr. and his family lived there for three generations until it was deeded to the Catawba County Historical Association for preservation and renova...
Tryon Palace | Our State - small
November 24, 2008 16:27 - 8 minutes - 56.7 MB VideoAs our state’s first seat of government, William Tryon, North Carolina’s first Colonial Governor and architect John Hawks designed an exquisite Georgian mansion and capitol building. When the main building burned in 1798, the grounds fell into ruin as New Bern development encroached over the site. But after WWII, the Tryon Palace Commission and a garden committee formed to research the possibility of reconstructing the site. Join us to discover how they uncovered history’s fascinating footpri...
Tryon Palace | Our State - Large format
November 17, 2008 21:24 - 8 minutes - 85.6 MB VideoAs our state’s first seat of government, William Tryon, North Carolina’s first Colonial Governor and architect John Hawks designed an exquisite Georgian mansion and capitol building. When the main building burned in 1798, the grounds fell into ruin as New Bern development encroached over the site. But after WWII, the Tryon Palace Commission and a garden committee formed to research the possibility of reconstructing the site. Join us to discover how they uncovered history’s fascinating footpri...