Kenly Area Historical Society

07/03/2026

We are set up at the America 250 event at KPARC. Stop by and see us!

07/03/2026

When Kenly celebrated the bicentennial as Kenly gets ready to celebrate AM250 this weekend.

06/30/2026

Come celebrate America’s 250 years of history with us at KPARC Friday night!

🇺🇸 AMERICA 250 CELEBRATION 🇺🇸

We are only a little over a week away!!!

Kenly Parks and Recreation is honored to partner with the Kenly Police Department as we host a celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States as well as honoring all current members and veterans of our United States military!

📅 Friday, July 3, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 KAPARC - 410 S College Avenue Kenly, NC

This FREE community event will feature:
🌭 Free hot dogs, hamburgers, drinks, and snacks
🎵 Live DJ entertainment
🎈 Inflatables and games for kids
🇺🇸 Patriotic activities and displays
🤝 Participation from local civic organizations and community groups

Bring your family, friends, lawn chairs, and patriotic spirit as we come together to celebrate America’s 250-year history, recognize the sacrifices of our veterans, and enjoy an afternoon of community fun!

❤️🤍💙 We look forward to celebrating with you!

06/23/2026

Tickets remain for all three performances of the Broadway musical “1776,” part of Johnston County’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. June 26-27 and 3 p.m. June 28 in the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium at Johnston Community College, 269 College Road, Smithfield. Tickets are $6-11, they’re available here: https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/1781/the-paul-ajohnston-auditorium

“1776” is a Tony Award-winning musical about the debates and political maneuvering that led to the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

The musical follows John Adams as he pushes the Second Continental Congress to vote for independence from Great Britain. He faces resistance from delegates who fear war, economic disruption or political consequences.

With music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and a book by Peter Stones, “1776” premiered on Broadway in 1969. Clayton Theatricals is staging the Johnston County production.

Johnston County Heritage Center

06/23/2026

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at the America 250 Fair, a free community event filled with history, art, entertainment, and family-friendly activities!

Join us from 10am to 4pm at Johnston Community College for a day of history, art, and family fun! Experience Camp Flintlock's living history encampment, parade, and cannon firing; explore exhibits from the Johnston County Arts Council and Heritage Center; enjoy a puppet show, carriage rides, food vendors, local crafts, and more. Make sure you don't miss out on 1776, the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical that brings the story of the Declaration of Independence to life as we celebrate America's 250th anniversary.

For more information and to view the fair map visit: https://johnstonnc.gov/America250/index.cfm

06/13/2026

We are set up at Cars on Main! Stop by and see us! We have lots of Kenly Ford history to share!

06/10/2026

Come find us at Cars on Main this Saturday downtown Kenly! We will be in front of 3 Dancing Sisters at 108 W 2nd Street. We look forward to sharing some of Kenly’s car history with you !

05/23/2026

Johnston County Heritage Center’s America 250 guided bus tours was in the Kenly area for the second straight weekend. The tour of African American sites in the county started the day at the Boyette Plank House. Vann Stancil, who researches and preserves the history and structure of the dwelling and whose family has owned the land for generations, met the group. Paula Montague joined the group and was able to see the home of her great- grandmother Amy, an enslaved person who lived at the house.

04/06/2026

The Historical Society is open today , Monday, April 6, 9:00-4:00. Our volunteers look forward to seeing you.