1). Gregg Museum of Art and Design: The GREGG Museum of Art & Design at NC State University is pleased to present “Thomas Sayre: New Work” from January 22 – May 10, 2009. There will be a reception on January 22, 2009 from 6 – 8 p.m. Sayre will also speak about his work as a part of our Artists & Objects lecture series. The lecture will be at the Gregg Museum on Thursday, February 5, 2009 at 7 p.m.

2). Asheville Art Museum: The Asheville Art Museum invites you to experience the innovative works of internationally acclaimed artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude in the exhibition titled “Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Projects” opening Friday, January 16, 2009 with an opening reception from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. that evening. This event is free with Museum Membership or admission.

3). Port Discover: Port Discover science educators and local scientists will be at Port Discover for Science Fair 101 Help Sessions beginning Thursday, January 8 and continuing each Thursday afternoon through January 29. The help sessions will offer students one-on-one assistance with science fair projects and are scheduled for 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. Students are encouraged to call ahead and schedule an appointment. Walk-ins also welcome and will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis.

4). SciWorks: Throughout this country and the world, African-Americans have made significant contributions in the fields of science and technology. The “African-American Scientists and Inventors” exhibit, opening Jan. 17, shows familiar items from our homes, communities, and offices that have been influenced by the patented inventions of African-American individuals. This exhibit will be at SciWorks through August 29, 2009.

5). Hope Plantation: Come escape the post-holiday blues with a festive Midwinter Feast at Historic Hope Plantation on Saturday, January 17, 2009. Arrive at the Roanoke-Chowan Heritage Center at 6:00 p.m. and be welcomed by Governor David Stone, builder of Hope Plantation, and his wife, Hannah Turner Stone. Traditional 18th and 19th century fare will be served by costumed servants as the Stones their lives at Hope Plantation in the early 19th century. After dinner, guests will tour Hope Mansion while enjoying a cup of wassail. Tickets are $60 per person; space is limited. Call 252-794-3140 or email hopeplantation@coastalnet.com.

6). Fort Fisher State Historic Site: If one were anywhere near Wilmington 144 years ago, the sights and sounds of the largest land-sea battle of the Civil War must have been overwhelming. Now known as the Second Battle of Ft. Fisher, this “explosive” confrontation between Union and Confederate forces will be recalled Saturday, Jan. 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ft. Fisher State Historic Site in Kure Beach. “Ft. Fisher Then and Now” will examine the fort’s history through the lens of Civil War photography. The program will feature a special 3-D show of famous Civil War photographs and rare, recently discovered wartime images. The 3-D show will take place at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

7). Museum of the Albemarle: Alex Leary of Camden County will present “The Annie L. Vansciver” at the Museum of the Albemarle on Sunday, January 18 at 2:00 p.m. in the Gaither Auditorium as part of the Albemarle Historic Roundtable. The “Annie L. Vansciver” was the most beloved of many passenger and freight steamers that plied the Albemarle region when watercraft were the primary means of transportation. The steamer was well known for transporting passengers on Sundays for a day trip to the Outer Banks.

8). N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences: View 31 amazing images of North Carolina and get a fresh perspective on our state when the Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh exhibits winning entries of the Wildlife in North Carolina 2008 Photo Competition, beginning Friday, January 9, 2009. Jared Lloyd, of Kitty Hawk, won the grand prize with his image of Tulls Creek in Currituck County at dawn, which currently graces the January cover of "Wildlife in North Carolina" magazine.

9). Cameron Art Museum will host Educators' Night for all area teachers and educators on January 22, 2009 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at the museum. This special reception will include an overview of the museum's educational programs, as well as an opportunity to view current exhibitions, “Quiet Spirit, Skillful Hand: The Graphic Work of Clare Leighton,” “Toy Crazy, Bob DeYoung: installation {phantasm”}, and “Bearden to Ruscha: Contemporary Art from the North Carolina Museum of Art.” Please RSVP to Georgia Mastroieni, Curator of Education, at 910-395-5999 by January 15, 2009.

10). Core Sound Waterfowl Museum presents class “Winter Waterfowl” on January 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Down East Carteret County is home to one of the major wintering waterfowl areas on the east coast of the United States. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum will offer a day in the field to observe these birds. After a short indoor presentation, we will explore areas around the Museum to identify ducks and geese, as well as other waterfowl, and discuss issues involving these birds. All classes begin at the museum. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED - please call the museum at 728-1500.

Please note that full details on the 2009 combined NCMC/SCFM Conference to be held in March in Rock Hill, S.C. can now be reviewed on our website, along with reservation and registration information!