Free Screening of PBS NC Film 'The Courthouse'

PBS North Carolina, in partnership with Haw River Films, will host a special screening of The Courthouse on Saturday, March 22, 7:30 PM, at the Chatham County Courthouse in Pittsboro. This Emmy-nominated half-hour documentary chronicles the destruction and reconstruction of the historic courthouse as well as its rich cultural history. The event will be held in the very courthouse that was devastated by fire on March 25, 2010, and later rebuilt, offering a poignant setting to reflect on the resilience of the Pittsboro community.

Produced and directed by award-winning local filmmaker Michael C. O’Connell, The Courthouse is a PBS North Carolina original production and a coproduction with Haw River Films. Originally released in 2018, the film delves into the courthouse’s reconstruction and explores its complex past, including the tragic 1921 lynching of Chatham County resident Eugene Daniel, who was forcibly taken from the courthouse and murdered. Featuring stunning cinematography, archival photographs by Dorothea Lange and personal interviews with community members, the documentary offers a compelling narrative of Pittsboro’s evolution and enduring spirit.

Following the screening, a panel discussion will feature key contributors to the documentary, including, playwright and theater director Ellen Bland and the film’s producer and director, Michael C. O’Connell.

This event is a heartfelt tribute to the Pittsboro community. Whether you’re a new or longtime resident, you’ll enjoy a unique opportunity to connect with local history, reflect on the courthouse as a symbol of renewal and engage with the individuals who brought this story to life.

Admission is free. Donations benefit the Chatham County Historical Association.