If you haven't already done so, be sure to check out the program offerings, schedule and registration information for the upcoming NCMC Annual Meeting & Conference, to be held March 4-7 in Fayetteville (visit http://www.blogger.com/www.ncmuseums.org/ncmc/conference/2008/index.html). One workshop has been completely filled, but you can still register for all other sessions, in advance or at the Conference.

Events from around the state:

1). The North Carolina Transportation Museum will open a temporary exhibit that tells a story of segregation and entrepreneurial spirit in North Carolina. Artifacts tracing the history of Safe Bus Company, the only African American-owned city bus company in the nation that ran a fixed route for the general public, will be on exhibit at the museum through February 2009.

2). Reynolda House Museum of American Art will offer its winter/spring session of "Docent Discovery" beginning Monday, February 4 through Wednesday, March 12. Classes will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. The course is open to people of all ages, and there is no special educational or art background required. While the course is an opportunity for personal growth and development, participants are also encouraged to share this learning experience with their classmates. Cost of Docent Discovery is $55, which includes catalogs and all class materials.

3). Asheville Art Museum: As part of their Fourth Annual Selection Dinner, the Asheville Art Museum Collectors' Circle has added eight works to the Museum's permanent collection. The Collectors' Circle is a group of Museum members with a shared interest in art, connoisseurship and collecting who gather several times a year for passionate discussion and vibrant exchange of ideas. The works acquired by the Museum after the Selection Dinner include: Oscar Bailey, "Ed Ruscha, Ten Times with Ten Books, 1971"; Alex Harris, "Karl Marx Theater from the Cuba Series, 1998-2003"; Clemens Kalischer, "Cunningham and Dancers, 1948" and "'The Ruse of Medusa' production photograph, Buckminster Fuller, William Schrauger, Elaine de Kooning and Merce Cunningham, 1948"; Whitfield Lovell, "One of These Days, 2006"; John Sloan, "The Picture Buyer", 1911; Robert C. Turner, "Pitcher", ca. 1960 and William Wegman, "Red Detachment", 2005.

4). Mint Museum of Art: From 1880 to the outbreak of World War I, American brilliant-cut glass was a popular luxury product among the country's elite. Characterized by its elaborate, deeply cut and highly polished patterns that often covered the object's entire surface, brilliant-cut glass was ordered by American presidents and prominent industry leaders alike. More than 100 superb examples of these objects are on view in the new exhibition "The Brilliant Period of American Cut Glass" at the Mint Museum of Art from February 16 to August 17, 2008.

5). Old Salem Museums & Gardens will host Homeschool Days on February 13, 14, and 15, 2008. "Hearts in Tune" will celebrate Moravian Music in Salem. Special Homeschool ticket prices: $8.00 for adults/children. The museum will also host "Celebrating Our Early Presidents" for Girl Scout Day on February 23 from 10am to 4 pm. Special activities throughout the day. For more information or to register, call 1-800-441-5305.

6). The High Point Museum presents Blacksmithing Demonstrations in the Historical Park on February 16-17, March 8-9. Come watch our costumed blacksmith in action as he crafts various iron pieces. Free. For more information call (336) 885-1859.

7). During the weekend of February 22-24, the Cameron Art Museum will present the Civil War Living History Weekend and Battle of Forks Road Living History Weekend, an outstanding event that recreates the final fight to take Wilmington on February 20, 1865. This educational program affords visitors a great opportunity to learn more about the role of African-American troops during the Civil War history. Step back in time with African-American, Union and Confederate re-enactors, special guest speakers, and Civil War historians. The year 2008 marks the 143rd anniversary of the Battle of Forks Road, an important skirmish that preceded the fall of Wilmington during the Civil War.

8). North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher: The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher will kick off the "Year of the Frog" with a three-day celebration of our amphibian and reptile neighbors. From Friday, Feb. 29 to Sunday, March 2, visitors will have an opportunity to see, touch and learn about our cold-blooded neighbors. Aquarium staff and invited experts will introduce the public to dozens of live amphibians and reptiles, including alligators, snakes, iguanas, monitor lizards and a blind Kemp's Ridley sea turtle named Lenny.

9). McColl Center for Visual Art is pleased to announce that winter Artist-in-Residence Lee Renninger will work with students from The Art Institute of Charlotte's Fashion Marketing and Management class in constructing couture pieces created from clay and fiber. Renninger will work with the students during her tenure at the Center with the project culminating with a display of the pieces, and reception for the artist, at Neiman Marcus on March 13, 2008 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

10). The Kings Mountain Historical Museum (kmhmuseum@bellsouth.net) is pleased to announce the recent exhibit opening of "Minerals and Gems of North Carolina." The exhibit features private collections of minerals and gems from local "rockhounds" as well as from the National Park Service. Also featured is a wonderful display on mica mining from Kings Mountain Mining, Inc. The exhibit will run through April 26, 2008.

11). Museum of the Albemarle: Help support the Museum of the Albemarle and buy a chance on a Whitehall style rowboat. The boat was constructed by the Boatbuilding program at the College of the Albemarle and donated to the Museum. All proceeds from the raffle will be used to provide new programs for the public. Cost for the tickets are: one chance for $10, or 11 chances for $100. The drawing will be held on June 9, 2008 in the lobby of the museum.

12). North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher: Behind the Scenes Tour - March 6th! Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at an Aquarium? Space for animal holding, husbandry, life support systems, and access to exhibits is hidden behind the aquarium walls. Accompany aquarium staff on a guided tour of animal quarantine, life support, food preparation, and access areas. Pre-registration required.