NCMC Events From Around the State… June 7, 2010

1). N.C. State Capitol (http://www.ncstatecapitol.org/) Barbecue and artists’ booths, crafts and birthday cake, and a birthday sing-along will all be part of the 170th State Capitol free birthday celebration on June 12 from noon-4 p.m. It’s also one of the 2nd Saturdays programs to be presented all summer at the 37 historic sites and museums within the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources.

2). N.C. Transportation Museum The N.C. Transportation Museum’s 2010 Family Rail Days Festival, scheduled June 12 and 13, will celebrate the golden age of railroading and offer something for every member of the family. Featuring historic locomotives and rail cars displayed alongside modern rail equipment, the event will give visitors a chance to enjoy train rides, great music, model train layouts and a model train expo.

3). Orange County Historical Museum Join us on Sunday, June 13 at 4pm for a free presentation by North Carolina Humanities Road Scholar speaker, Dr. Roxanne Newton. Dr. Newton will present Hard Times in the Mill: Working Lives Past and Present. In addition to the speaker, we encourage participants to bring their own mill memorabilia so we can digitize and protect the items for the enjoyment of future generations. At 5:30pm stay after our Mill event and participate in the Foundation's Annual Dinner. The dinner will be $20 per person and tickets will be sold in advance.

4). Somerset Place State Historic Site The sounds of metal clanging, wood scraping and needles piercing fabric will all blend at the Somerset Place Craftsman’s Fair on Saturday, June 12, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. It’s one of more than 100 free 2nd Saturdays programs at the 37 state museums and historic sites within the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. The free, fun, family-friendly events will offer authentic experiences to all on June 12, July 10 and Aug. 14.

5). Mount Airy Museum of Regional History presents Toast and Jam at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History on Saturday June 12 from 5 - 7pm. Good Wine, Good Music, and a Taste of Mount Airy, all set in the museum’s picturesque courtyard. This monthly program is scheduled for the second Saturday of each month (June-September), from 5:00-7:00 PM will showcase a number of the regions wineries as well as local musical talent. The wineries will be offering wine tasting and sales, along with a brief educational program about their wines between musical sets.

6). N.C. Museum of History presents Down Home: Jewish Life in North Carolina on Friday, June 11, 1:00 – 2:30pm. “Down Home” is part of the first major effort to document and present more than 400 years of Jewish life in North Carolina. Produced and organized by the Jewish Heritage Foundation of North Carolina (JHFNC), the exhibit chronicles how Jews have integrated into Tar Heel life by blending their own traditions into Southern culture, while preserving their ethnic and religious traditions.

7). Museum of the Albemarle The Museum of the Albemarle will take a look at the history of blacks in the Albemarle region from the Colonial period, through slavery, the Jim Crow era, and into the present on Saturday, June 12 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.. Period presenters as well as modern-day artists and craftsmen will enhance themes and artifacts presented in Our Story. Dee Ponte of Albemarle Plantation will demonstrate chair caning and answer your questions regarding this interesting craft. Children of all ages can participate in hands-on activities: candle dipping, marble making and doll making.

8). Historic Stagville State Historic Site Tall tales and music, artisanal bread and baskets, and more are among the many family fun activities to be found at Historic Stagville on Saturday, June 12, at its 2nd Saturdays program Juneteenth Celebration: Forever Free. The free event includes arts, history and food, and is one of more than 100 2nd Saturdays events being presented by the 37 state historic sites and museums of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources on June 12, July 10 and Aug. 14.

9). Bentonville Battlefield Ever wonder what it’s like to be an archaeologist? Find out at Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site’s initial 2nd Saturdays program, Art and Archaeology: Remembering Bentonville Soldiers, to be held Saturday, June 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Assistant State Archaeologist John Mintz will demonstrate archaeology tips and techniques and discuss Civil War-era findings from previous excavations at the site.

10). Port Discover Boom! Gong! Ting! How is sound made? What makes sounds different? Dr. Chris Palestrant, Associate Professor of Music at Elizabeth City State University, will present the Science of Sound at Port Discover’s Second Saturday Science, June 12, 11 a.m. Through a series of entertaining and interactive activities, Dr. Palestrant will guide children through the science of sound. Dr. Palestrant was recently named Teacher of the Year at Elizabeth City State University.

11). Historic Bethania Historic Bethania celebrates the 251st Anniversary of our town! Plan to visit Bethania on June 12, 2010 from 11:00 to 2:00pm and enjoy birthday cake and delicious Ice Cream while listening to the music and vocals of Grammy winner Craig Smith on banjo, Jeff Foxall on mandolin, and Robert Sprye on bass.