1). Port Discover: “Exploring the Sea’s Mysteries: A Glimpse at the Queen Anne’s Revenge Shipwreck Project” is the topic of Port Discover’s Second Saturday Science, August 9. The program will be presented at 9:30 and 11 a.m. Shanna McDaniel, Assistant Conservator of the Queen Anne’s Revenge, will share an exploration of the science behind the 18th century shipwreck thought to be Blackbeard’s flagship. Learn what archaeologists and conservators have discovered since the ship was found in 1996.

2). N.C. Maritime Museum: Throughout history, pirates and their exploits have fascinated and entertained people of all ages. The stories of these rogues of the high seas are explored in an exciting new exhibit, “Knights of the Black Flag,” premiering August 9, 2008, at the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort. The new exhibit features life-sized pirates dressed in period clothing and costumes museum goers can slip on to get a taste of the real experience. Replica cannons and weapons including swords, muskets and flintlock pistols used by pirate ‘gangsters’ to defeat their enemies and secure booty and treasure are on view.

3). High Point Museum: Using new technology, residents and visitors can discover High Point’s history even when the High Point Museum is not open. The Museum is going high-tech. It offers OnCell Audio Tours for its three on-site historic buildings (Haley House, Blacksmith House and the Hoggatt House) and its three off-site historic properties (Little Red Schoolhouse, Mendenhall Meeting House and the Mendenhall Store). This resource allows visitors to use their cell phones to call (336-289-4072) and select a number corresponding to a building and learn more about it. The only cost is the use of their cell phone minutes.

4). N.C. State Capitol: How many architects did it take to design the State Capitol? How did workers maneuver 2-ton stone blocks into downtown Raleigh? Why does the Senate Chamber look like a Greek temple? Find out the answers to these questions and more at an “Artisans & Architecture” free family event at the State Capitol on Saturday, Aug. 9 from 1-3pm. A curator’s tour of the site’s newest exhibit, “The Pride and Ornament of the State: Building the North Carolina State Capitol,” also will be offered at 1 and 3 p.m. All activities are free and open to the public.

5). Asheville Art Museum: Celebrating its 60th anniversary of bringing great art and great experiences to Western North Carolina, the Asheville Art Museum is pleased to present the “smArt Speak: Distinguished Artist Series.” Tickets for Art Spiegelman’s Sept. 11th talk will go on sale August 8 and tickets for the Faith Ringgold and Christo and Jeanne-Claude events will go on sale August 15. These events are expected to sell out, so reserve a seat by purchasing tickets early.

6). Greensboro Children’s Museum, in an effort to promote health, togetherness, and competition. will hold its own version of the Olympic Games. The Olympics will be held on Saturday, Aug 9, 2008 and Sunday, Aug 10, 2008. The Opening Torch ceremony will begin at 10:15 on Saturday and 1:15 on Sunday. The Greensboro Children’s Museum Olympics will have some of the traditional events such as Dash, Hurdles, Shot Put, and Long Jump as well as traditional child friendly events such as Sack Race, Dizzy Bat and the Backwards Race. There will be a medal ceremony after all events are completed. The event is free with the price of admission or membership.

7). Cashiers Historical Society is sponsoring another Front Porch Family Fun event at the Zachary-Tolbert House in Cashiers on Saturday, August 9 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Local artist, Lee Knight, will entertain with his unique blend of music and storytelling. Knight is a long time favorite of both the young and the young-at-heart. In addition, there will be crafts, activities, games, refreshments, and lots of interaction. Parents are invited to join in the fun or simply relax on the grounds while your kids enjoy the festivities. No pre-registration is required; simply drop in.

8). SciWorks will hold its final (for this summer) “Family $1 Friday” evening on August 11th. From 4-8pm, SciWorks will be open with a $1 per person (age 2 and up) admission fee. Children under age 2 are free. Visitors will enjoy our current temporary exhibit – “Color Play” - and everything else SciWorks has to offer. Visitors are invited to bring a picnic supper and enjoy a casual evening out with family and friends.

9). Cameron Art Museum presents Illustrated Lecture: "The Sarus Cranes of India" on Sunday, Aug. 10, 3:00 pm. Program admission is by donation. Sara Gavney Moore, Education Specialist/Program Assistant with the International Crane Foundation, gives a lecture and discussion on the endangered Sarus Cranes (grus antigone), the largest flying bird, standing up to six feet tall and weighing 18 pounds or more and with a wingspan of 10 feet. The crane is the inspiration for the Sarus Performing Arts Festival. Held in conjunction with the 2nd Annual Sarus Performing Arts Festival, http://www.sarusfestival.com/.

10). The Wheels Through Time Museum originally scheduled to close at the end of July, has extended its stay through the end of November. The museum plans to open a new exhibit, “Motorcops: a 100 Year Love Affair between Police and the Motorcyle,” on September 26. The exhibit will remain open through the final day on November 30.

11. The Wayne County Museum, Goldsboro, is offering a free event at 7 p.m. on Friday, August 15th. Bring the kids to see the "Fossil Man," Marvin E. Underwood, who will present on fossils found right here in North Carolina. Kids will enjoy an interactive program with hands-on activities, and can meet special guest "Baby," a descendant of the dinosaur. Call 919-734-5023 for more details.