A promotional graphic for a local history and culture exhibit featuring vintage photographs of Beaufort County, North Carolina, including a pier in Washington, N.C., historical maps, and a film camera on a tripod with artistic brush strokes.

Discover Our Cultural Landmarks

  • Inside view of an ornate theater with red seats and gold accents.

    Historic Turnage Theatre

    The cultural anchor of Washington, preserving over a century of performing arts history.

    Explore History
  • Book cover titled "Voices of the Southest" with a brown background and white feather design, published by North Carolina Humanities.

    Vaudeville Museum of the Southeast

    A rare collection housed within the Turnage, dedicated to the golden age of touring theater.

  • A smiling woman wearing an orange shirt and jeans sits on a bench in front of a bright orange railcar, which is part of the Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum exhibit. The scene is outdoors on a sunny day, with plants, a blue plastic chair, and a sign that says 'Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum'.

    Underground RR Museum

    Documenting the brave journeys and local history of the Underground Railroad in our region.

    Visit Site
  • Sign for PS Jones Museum of African American Education, mounted on a brick wall, with colorful flowers at the base.

    P.S. Jones African American Museum

    Preserving the legacy of P.S. Jones High School and the heritage of our African American community.

    Learn More
  • Signboard for the historic Bath, first town and first port, with a sailing ship and home illustrations, surrounded by green trees and grass.

    Historic Bath State Site

    North Carolina’s oldest town (est. 1705), offering a window into colonial life and maritime history.

    Visit Bath
  • A historic brick building with a clock tower and flags on top, located at a street corner.

    Belhaven History Museum

    Famous for its eclectic and vast collection of local memorabilia from the "Birthplace of the Intracoastal Waterway"

    Visit Belhaven
  • A two-story building with a beige exterior and white trim, located on a corner with a paved street, trees, and utility poles nearby.

    Washington History Museum at the Depot & Brown Library

    The Brown Library is a cornerstone of local preservation. Currently the site of the historic Brown Library archives,

    The historic Atlantic Coast Line rairoad depot is evolving into the future History of Washington Museum, dedicated to the stories of our 'Original Washington.

    Click Here
Map of North Carolina showing locations of historic theatres, with black and white photographs of each theatre and numbered labels pointing to their geographic locations.

The Turnage Theatre is proud to be part of North Carolina’s rich architectural and cultural map

Stories of the Pamlico

From the silver screen to the printed page, Beaufort County has long served as a backdrop and inspiration for legendary storytellers.

Black and white portrait of a young man with wavy hair, wearing a dark suit and white shirt, looking directly at the camera.

Cecil B. DeMille

A Director’s Childhood

Before he became the legendary director of The Ten Commandments, Cecil B. DeMille spent his formative years in "Little Washington." His father, Henry DeMille, was a playwright and lay reader at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, deeply rooting the family in our local community.

Source: NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
Black and white portrait of a man with dark, neatly combed hair, wearing a suit jacket, shirt, and striped tie, smiling slightly.

Murray Hamilton

Born on the Pamlico

Known to many as the iconic Mayor of Amity in the blockbuster JAWS, actor Murray Hamilton was born and raised in Washington, NC. Throughout a career spanning over four decades in film and television, he remained a proud son of the Pamlico.

Source: IMDb
Book cover for 'Dreamland' featuring a silhouette of a woman in a field of wheat during sunset, holding a hat and a guitar, with birds flying in the sky.

Nicholas Sparks

Little Washington in Fiction

In his novel Dreamland, #1 New York Times bestselling author Nicholas Sparks features the Historic Turnage Theatre. He describes Washington as a peaceful town where "those who like the arts... can watch plays performed by other locals" at the Turnage.

Source: "Dreamland" by Nicholas Sparks

The Archive is Growing

We are currently digitizing local records and collecting narratives to further document the rich creative heritage of our region. Check back often as we uncover more stories of the Pamlico.

Community Impact & Innovation

Youth Public Art

Empowering Washington’s youth to transform our urban landscape through public art. Our 2025 Mural Camp brought color and creativity to downtown while teaching collaboration and technical skill.

Arts & Wellness Garden

A brick wall with decorative plants in hanging baskets, potted plants, and a colorful mosaic bench with a tiled seat. There is also a mosaic art piece hanging on the wall.

Hispanic Heritage: Voices of Our Community

Hispanic heritage is woven into the life of our community—from the food we share to the classrooms where young people learn and grow. Meet local business owners, educators, and community leaders whose experiences and contributions help shape Beaufort County.

Culture & Cuisine

Angi’s Mexican Kitchen

Check them Out

A collaborative sanctuary in the heart of downtown Washington. In partnership with the Pamlico Rose Institute and AmeriCorps, we are transforming our exterior space into a wellness garden for outdoor learning and interactive art

Leadership & Education:

Raul Olivares Jr.

Learn more

Teaching & Community:

Williams Figueroa