ncmuseums

An occasional list of exhibits, programs, and events at North Carolina museums. Sponsored by the North Carolina Museums Council.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

1). The December Make-It-and-Take-It project at Port Discover, Elizabeth City is a free small evergreen tree creation, available during normal operating hours.

2). The Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA), Winston-Salem will hold "Sounds of the Season and Open House" on Saturday, December 1, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a walk-through of the museum's "Winter Pleasures: Yuletide, Festivity and Frivolity in the Early South" and the extra treat of music in the museum, plus appearances by perennially-popular Puddingstone in the MESDA Auditorium -- regular tour ticket or special event tickets available. Also, MESDA's monthly lunchtime Hidden Treasures lecture on Wednesday, December 5 at 12:30 p.m. will be Nancy Thomas on her book, "Moravian Christmas in the South."

3). The Duke Homestead State Historic Site (off Guess Road north of Durham) has set December 7 and 14 for "Christmas by Candlelight" tours from 7 to 9 p.m. each evening.

4). On the first two Thursdays in December, at 10 a.m., the N.C. Maritime Museum, Beaufort is offering a tour of the new shipwreck exhibit at the Gallants Channel annex for its Repository Tours program -- call 252-728-7317 by noon on Wednesday for reservations for the following day ($5 adults, $2 children). Also, the Carolina Maritime Model Society meeting on December 1 is open to the public (2-4 p.m.). An excursion for Waterfowl Watching and Wolf Howling is scheduled for December 8-9 - call for details.

5). The Country Doctor Museum, Bailey will host its third annual Holiday Open House from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 1 - free. Demonstrations will be held during the event.

6). The Asheville Art Museum is offering a Holiday Art Camp for students in first through fourth grades from Wednesday, December 26 through Friday, December 28, in half-day or full-day sessions. Pre-registration is required; call Sharon McRorie at 828-253-3227, ext. 122 for details or registration.

7). The Hickory Museum of Art will open "The Art of Transformation: Bill Brown Sculpture" on Saturday, December 8 with a public reception (5:30-8 p.m.) -- free for HMA members, $5 for non-members. The HMA will also hold a Joint Opening Reception from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, December 14 for "I Got Stripes: Textiles by Lindsay Rogers" and "A Gift of Art: Holiday Show & Sale."

8). The Health Adventure, Asheville plans to kick off a year-long celebration of its 40th birthday with a family-friendly afternoon from 3-5 p.m. on December 31 -- free for members, $10 per family for non-members.

9). The Bellamy Mansion Museum, Wilmington has rescheduled its African-American History Day, originally set for December 6, to January 19, 2008, in order to hold its First Annual Jonkonnu Celebration, on Thursday, December 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jonkonnu celebrated with West African traditions between Christmas and New Year's, reaching its height in the years prior to the Civil War.

10). The N.C. Transportation Museum, Spencer will have the Santa Train on December 1-2, 8-9 and 15-16, plus Cookies & Cocoa with Santa on December 7-8 and 14-15, along with other activities. The Museum will be closed December 23-26, and offer Winter Fever Train Rides from December 27-30.

11). Exhibitry related to the Search for Blackbeard's Flagship is on view now through January 6th at the Museum of the Albemarle, Elizabeth City.

12). Winter Jazz features Jack Krupicka & Julie Rehder on Friday, December 7, 6-8 p.m.; and the Family Science Saturday on December 15 from 10-11:30 a.m. is "All About Astronomy" at the Cape Fear Museum, Wilmington.

13). Bennett Place State Historic Site, Durham will hold its "A Civil War Christmas in the Carolinas" on December 15 and 16 during normal operating hours (free).

14). The Orange County Historical Museum, Hillsborough will hold its Candlelight Tour from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 2 (free).

15). The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh is hosting a new exhibit in the Nature Art Gallery by the N.C. Society of Goldsmiths, from now through December 30; and will hold a Children's Celebration/First Night event from 2-6 p.m. (free) and 6-10 p.m. (small fee) on Monday, December 31st.

16). Reynolda House Museum of American Art, Winston-Salem will host performances of Robin Voiers in Truman Capote's "A Christmas Memory," at 8 p.m. on Friday, December 14, and 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 15 and 16. See website for ticket prices and details.

17). The N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher has a full slate of activities for December, including special programs such as Breakfast with the Fishes (December 1 and 22), plus new programs Daddy and Me (December 1 and 22), Mommy and Me (December 4 and 18) and Dinner with the Fishes (December 2). A number of regular programs such as Behind the Scenes Tours and Ft. Fisher Hermit's School of Common Sense are also on the calendar. Check the website for schedules, fees (if any) and registration requirements.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

1). "A Coastal Christmas" will be celebrated at the Museum of the Albemarle, Elizabeth City from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 1 -- make your own special coastal ornaments and celebrate the season!

2). Upcoming events at the Cameron Art Museum, Wilmington include a Gallery Talk with glass artist Niki Hildebrand on Sunday, Dec. 2 at 3 p.m., and Film, "Sweet Honey in the Rock: Raise Your Voice" at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 9. The Cam has also announced a new children's art class, "Kid"Cademy, with six weeks of classes on Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28 plus March 6 and 13, 2008. See website or e-mail georgia@cameronartmuseum.com for more info and costs.

3). Reynolda House Museum of American Art, Winston-Salem will host Reynolda After Hours for young professionals from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, December 1 ($8, $6 with Roaring 20s costume); a Family First Workshop for one-of-a-kind holiday cards, tags and gift prints from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, December 2 (336-758-5389 for required reservation and info - $7 per person); the video "Chasing the Clouds: The Story of Smith Reynolds Airport" at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 6 (free); and will be part of the Reynolda Road Holiday Estate Tour, along with SECCA and other sites, from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, December 9 (advance tickets and info -- 336-758-2428; tickets may also be purchased on the 9th).

4). High Point Museum will celebrate its 24th Annual Holiday Open House on Sunday, December 2 from 1-4 p.m. -- free.

5). Port Discover, Elizabeth City will offer a free Second Saturday Science program, "Fossils and Prehistoric Life" on Saturday, December 8. Reservations are required for programs being offered at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., featuring N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences naturalists (call 252-338-6117 for reservations for 1st through 5th grade children).

6). The N.C. Transportation Museum, Spencer has just opened the U.S. Army Hospital Car #89480 exhibit; will close the D.W. Brosnan China and Flatware exhibit the Monday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 26); and will open the At Your Service exhibit on Tuesday, December 11.

7). The Kings Mountain Historical Museum will open the Fifth Annual Trains, Trains, Trains Exhibit on November 27; it will remain through Jan. 5, 2008. Mountaineer Christmas is from 5-9 p.m. on December 7, and Santa Claus will visit the museum on Saturday, December 15 from 1-3 p.m.

8). The Sixth Annual Glencoe Village Christmas Tour is set for Saturday, December 1 from 10-5 and Sunday, December 2 from 1-5 p.m. Visit www.textileheritagemuseum.org or call 336-260-0038 for more information; the site is entered from N.C. 62 North near Burlington. Admission is $10 per person per day, with 12 and under free with adult.

9). Among other programs, the Greensboro Children's Museum will host Daisy's Garden for Pumpkin Pie Murals on November 28 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.; will celebrate Hanukkah all week, December 2-8; and will celebrate Christmas Around the World from December 9-15 and Christmas from December 16-22.

10). Historic Oak View Park, Raleigh, will feature a free "Holidays Around the World" collection of trees and holiday customs from December 4-9 (10-4 Tuesday through Saturday, and 1-4 on Sunday), along with a Candlelight Tour from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on December 8. Oak View also plans to open "Seeing the Light: How Electricity Changed Rural North Carolina" in the Main Farmhouse on February 23, 2008, remaining through June 29.

11). The Ackland Art Museum, Chapel Hill plans Music in the Gardens with Jennifer and Quincy Leach on December 16 (2-4 p.m.); a Special Sunday Creative Writing Performance on Sunday, December 2 (2-4 p.m.); a Lunch with One from 1-2 p.m. on Thursday, December 13 (Carolyn Wood on "St. John Writing the Gospel"); and a Drawing Light program for Kids at 3:30-4:45 p.m. on December 19.

12). The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Festival is scheduled for December 5 from 5-7:30 p.m. at the State Capitol in Raleigh -- and the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences nearby will hold a free "Meet the Animals" holiday program. A Holiday Open House schedule of events through December 9 is planned for the State Capitol. A Civil War Christmas Encampment is also set for December 8 (state.capitol@ncmail.net for more information).

13). The Weatherspoon Art Museum, Greensboro will host a concert by the Triad Chamber Music Society at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 9 (free, but reservations required -- 336-324-2268 or e-mail info@triadchambermusic.org). Also, on Tuesday, December 11 at noon, a Public Tour for Noon at the Spoon -- Visitors Choice.

14). CinemaSECCA, at SECCA, Winston-Salem will feature "Great World of Sound" on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. (fee charged).

15). "White Light: Glass Compositions by Daniel Clayman" is set to open on December 15 and remain through May 25, 2008 at the Mint Museum of Craft + Design, Charlotte. A lecture, "Daniel Clayman on Daniel Clayman," will be given at 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 6, 2008.

16). The James K. Polk State Historic Site will host a Christmas Celebration living history event from 11 am to 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 8, at the site just south of Pineville.

17). The Historical Foundation of Hillsborough and Orange County will present a fundraiser with music based on the Lee Smith novella, "The Christmas Letters," at 8 p.m. on November 24 at the Big Barn Convention Center, Daniel Boone Village, Hillsborough. Details available at www.orangecountymuseum.org.

18). The final stop of the tour of North Carolina's original copy of the Bill of Rights will be at the Greensboro Historical Museum, November 30 through December 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A free lecture, "Our Second Amendment Right to Keep and Bear Arms: Changing Interpretations Through the Years," will be at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2 at the Greensboro Public Library's Central Location - reservations requested, 336-373-2043.

Monday, November 12, 2007

1). The Hickory Museum of Art and Catawba Science Center will kick off the shopping season with a Holiday Open House in their shops, on Saturday, November 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering visitors a 10% discount on all non-consigned merchandise, and an additional 10% discount for members. Also, John Coffey will give a Gallery Talk at HMA on Sunday, Nov. 18th at 2:30 p.m. in the Shuford Gallery.

2). At the Cameron Art Museum, Wilmington: a Gallery Talk with Mark Flood, Friday, November 16 at 7 p.m.; a Lecture, "Collectors on Collecting: Illuminated Manuscripts," on Sunday, November 18 at 3 p.m.; and Film, "Paintings from Miniature to Large Scale," at 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 25.

3). The "11-Month Affiliate Artists Exhibition" opens November 16 at the McColl Center for Visual Art, Charlotte, and remains through January 19, 2008, featuring the work of three artists.

4). The Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum, Sedalia, celebrated its 20th anniversary with special events on November 7.

5). The Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, Wilmington will offer its Learning Center program on Saturdays, December 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, on the subject of "The Science of Toys," open 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. each day. Free with museum admission; parental participation required. Also, Sunday, December 2 is a Residents Free Day for New Hanover County residents (1-5 p.m.).

6). The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh will hold a special presentation by Dale Russell, "Parenthood and Life's Hazards for Dinosaurs," at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 7, in conjunction with First Friday, when the museum will be open until 9 p.m. Live music and a movie are also on tap for First Friday.

7). The N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher is supporting the 88th Annual Children's Book Week (Nov. 12-18) with public readings for children at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, in support of childhood literacy.

8). The Asheville Art Museum's Holiday Market will be held Tuesday, November 13 through Sunday, November 18 during regular museum hours.

9). The State Archives Search Room, Raleigh, has reopened after its renovation and is open for business on its normal operating schedule: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but closed noon to 1 p.m.

10). J. Myrick Howard of Preservation North Carolina will speak on his recently released book, "Buying Time for Heritage: How to Save an Endangered Historic Property" at the New Hanover County Main Library, Wilmington, at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 13, sponsored by the Friends of New Hanover Library, the Historic Wilmington Foundation and the Bellamy Mansion Museum.

11). "Wordplay: Text and Modern Art" is the new special exhibition opening at Reynolda House Museum of American Art, Winston-Salem on Tuesday, November 13, and remaining through May 4, 2008. The exhibit will be in the house's West Bedroom Gallery.

Saturday, November 03, 2007

1). Children ages 6 and up are invited to bring their favorite doll to the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh on Saturday, November 10 at 1:15 p.m., at the Windows on the World Theater, as part of a reunion of Japanese Friendship Doll ("Miss Kagawa") and her sister friendship dolls via live video conference. For more details, contact M.T. Fore at (919) 733-7450, ext. 621.

2). Aquarium admissions are free on Sunday, November 11th (Veterans Day) -- visit www.ncaquariums.com for all the details (the other free admission day each year is Martin Luther King Jr. Day).

3). The Health Adventure, Asheville will have a special, free traveling science stage show from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday, November 12th. The show, "The Wonders of Physics Traveling Show," starts at 10:30 a.m., after which guests can explore the facility until 12:30 p.m. Space is limited, so call ahead to (828) 254-6373, ext. 329 to make a reservation.

4). The Joel Lane Museum House, Raleigh (e-mail joellane@bellsouth.net) will hold its "Holly and Ivy Christmas Open House" on Saturday and Sunday, December 1 and 2 from 1-4 p.m. The decorated house will also be open for tours through Dec. 15 on its regular Wednesday-Friday (10, 11, noon and 1) and Saturday (1, 2 and 3 p.m.) schedule.

5). The Pastimes in the Park event for the High Point Museum on Saturday, Nov. 17 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) is Open Hearth Cooking.

6). A solemn, commemorative Veterans Day ceremony is set for Saturday, November 10 at the State Capitol. A parade begins at 9 a.m. at Davie & Fayetteville streets and ends at the Capitol, followed by 11 a.m. commemorative ceremonies on the Capitol grounds. For more information on the parade, visit www.ncveteransparade.com.

7). The Orange County Historical Museum Golden Anniversary Celebration is set for November 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free event includes a temporary "Golden Anniversary" exhibit (on site through January 2008).

8). At 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 11, the Greensboro Historical Museum will host Dr. Stephen F. Schneck, who will speak on the powers historically vested in the president of the United States during wartime. On Sunday, November 18, also at 2:30 p.m., a panel will discuss the present political situation and Presidential powers. Call (336) 373-2043 for more information.

9). The National Art Honor Society Statewide Traveling Exhibition will be at SECCA, Winston-Salem from November 14th through 25th. Saturday, November 17 is also a free Community Day at SECCA, from 1 to 4 p.m.

10). The Ackland Art Museum, Chapel Hill will have a Gallery Talk at 6:45 p.m. on Friday, November 9 on "The Healing Arts."

11). The Weatherspoon Art Museum, Greensboro, will open "Close to Home: Edward Loewenstein + Modernism in Greensboro" at 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 8. On Thursday, November 15, the "Annual Will Read for Food (+ Art)" will be held from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Call (336) 334-5770 for details; free but donation requested for the Greensboro Food Bank. The film on Thursday, November 29 is "Everything's Cool" at 6:30 p.m., and on Thursday, December 6, "Gypsy Caravan" at 7 p.m.

Thursday, November 01, 2007

1). A new website has just been created for the upcoming 150th Commemoration of the Civil War in North Carolina. Visit http://www.nccivilwar150.com/ for details on events prior to the "official" beginning of the commemoration in 2011, as well as throughout the four years through 2015.

2). Speaking of the Civil War, on Nov. 23-24, visitors to Tryon Palace, New Bern, will encounter Union-occupied New Bern with a variety of events on Friday and Saturday -- admission with regular Tryon Palace tickets.

3). On November 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Charlotte Nature Museum visitors can meet a wild turkey and learn why Benjamin Franklin thought this animal should be our national symbol. For more information, call (704) 372-6262, ext. 605.

4). On November 10th at 2 p.m., a free lecture by zoologist Sky Alibhai and veterinarian Zoe Jewell will discuss the RhinoWatch program, now called WildTrack. The lecture is at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh.

5). Saturday, November 10 is also a free Community Day at SciWorks, Winston-Salem, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the website for all the details -- sponsored by the Derrick L. Davis Forsyth Regional Cancer Center.

6). With multiple Busy Bees events, Pajama Palooza, two Build-a-Bank workshops and numerous other activities, November is a busy month at the Greensboro Children's Museum -- check the website for all the dates and details.

7). From 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 4, the Museum of the Albemarle, Elizabeth City, will hold the grand opening of the Museum's new Discovery Room.

8). Winston-Salem Delta Fine Arts will open a new exhibit on November 11, with an opening reception that day at 3 p.m. The exhibit, "From This Earth: Ceramics by Winnie Owens-Hart and Her Followers," will remain on display through January 19, 2008.

9). The Cameron Art Museum, Wilmington, will open three new exhibitions on November 16: BIG (LARGE works by artist across the U.S.), remaining through April 6, 2008; Measure of All Things: The Human Scale (also through April 6); and Little (miniature-scale items), through March 6.