1). Fort Fisher State Historic Site will commemorate the 143th anniversary of the second Civil War battle of Fort Fisher with special events on Saturday, January 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guided tours focused on this battle will be offered at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.; muskets and field artillery will be fired at scheduled times, as will the 32-pound cannon; and other events will be presented, along with a temporary exhibit.

2). Coming up at the Asheville Art Museum: Scholastic Art Drop Off for Teachers, from 3-5 p.m. on January 8, 9 and 10; film screening of "Inspirations," at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, January 12 and 13 (free with museum admission or membership); a tour -- "Art Adventurers: Collections & Obsessions," from 1-6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 13 ($60 for members, $70 for non-members) -- reserve early with Nancy Sokolove at (828) 253-3227 ext. 120, or e-mail nsokolove@ashevilleart.org; and the final day of "Lasting Gifts IV: Recent Acquisitions to the Permanent Collection" is also on the 13th, open 1-5 p.m.

3). The Museum of the Waxhaws, Waxhaw will offer "History Alive! -- Anne Jackson, wife of Stonewall Jackson," performed by Nora Brooks (call 704-843-1832 for reservations and prices) on January 12, and local fiber artist Deborah Neuhs is presenting a "Sheep to Shawl" workshop on January 19 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ($45, class size 20 - call number above for details, or check website).

4). The Green Hill Center for North Carolina Art, Greensboro, with printmaker Bill Fick, have curated a comprehensive exhibition of N.C. print and book artists. "PRINTED: Contemporary Prints & Books by North Carolina Artists" will open to the public with a free reception at 6 p.m. on Friday, January 18; the exhibit remains through February 29, 2008. Lunch lectures related to the exhibit will be held on January 23, February 6 and 20 at 12:30 p.m. - check the website for details. Drive-by-Press will also hold a printing workshop during Family Night from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 27.

5). The Cameron Art Museum, Wilmington has several events upcoming, including a Literary Lecture: Women at War, by Kirsten Holmstedt, at 7 p.m. on Friday, January 4; a Gallery Talk with Susan Kranyik at 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 6; Music by Painted Man from 7-8 p.m. on Friday, January 11; and music by the Music School of Wilmington Faculty at 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 13 -- admission to each event is by donation.

6). The High Point Museum's park will be closed Jan. 5-6 for a staff retreat, but will offer "Afternoon at the Palladium" at 4 p.m. on the 6th -- for $20 per ticket, movie admission, a goodie bag and other items are included in the fun. Candle Dipping is the activity in the Historical Park on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 19-20; Blacksmithing on Jan. 26-27; and a Revolutionary War reenactment group will also be on site on the 26th and 27th.

7). The Joel Lane Museum House, Raleigh, will be closed to walk-in visitors through February 29, 2008. E-mail joellane@bellsouth.net for details.

8). The Craven Arts Council's Bank of the Arts in New Bern will open "Discover Craft NC" on January 8th, remaining through February 16th. The exhibit features 23 North Carolina craftspeople.

9). The current exhibit at The Museum of the Albemarle, Elizabeth City is "Quilts: Patches of Time," on display through February 29, 2008.

10). Reynolda House Museum of American Art, Winston-Salem is offering a special behind-the-scenes "Hearthside Tour" of the house, from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, January 13 and Sunday, January 27. Special admission fee is $15, or $10 for members and students.

11). Upcoming at the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher: Behind the Scenes Tours on January 3 (11:30 a.m.), January 6 (1 p.m.), January 10 (11:30 a.m.), January 17 (11:30 a.m.), January 20 (1 p.m.), January 24 (11:30 a.m.) and January 31 (11:30 a.m.). Early January also includes Children's Discovery Time events at 10 a.m. -- on January 3, "Sharks"; on January 8, "Octopus and Friends"; and on January 10, "Reptiles."

12). At the North Carolina Maritime Museum, Beaufort: Repository Tours on Thursdays ($5/$2, call 252-728-7317 for reservations by noon on Wednesdays); January 3, 2 p.m., documentaries with theme "Victory at Sea" (additional documentaries at 2 p.m. on January 10, 17, 24 and 31); and a video and guided tour of the N.C. State Port at Morehead City, 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, January 8th ($5; reservations required).

13). The Evening Lecture at the Museum of Coastal Carolina, Ocean Isle Beach on January 8 is Andy Wood on "Living with Wildlife."

14). A Viewing and Symposium on the documentary "This Side of the River" will be held on January 12 in the auditorium of the N.C Museum of History, organized by the North Carolina State Capitol, Raleigh, followed by the opening of the Capitol's exhibit, "With All Our Rights: North Carolina's First African American Legislators." The exhibit remains through February 29, 2008. E-mail state.capitol@ncmail.net for details.