NCMC Events From Around the State… February 28, 2011

1). Aycock Birthplace State Historic Site “Who is buried in Grant’s Tomb?” was a common question heard on the television show “You Bet Your Life” in 1959 when the Aycock Birthplace State Historic Site first opened its doors. That question and many more will be asked on March 3 at 7 p.m., when Aycock Birthplace will hold its second annual “Civil War Trivia Contest”. Categories include “Way Down South in the Land of Cotton,” “What’s Your Name?” “Chickens in the Breadpan Pickin’ Out Dough” and “So You Want To Be in Pictures?”

2). Museum of the Albemarle The Guild of Museum Friends of the Museum of the Albemarle will be sponsoring a presentation and luncheon on Thursday, March 3, 2011 featuring Edith Mayo, Curator Emeritus, in Political History at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. The topic of her presentation is “The Role of Greek Sororities in Women’s Higher Education.” The talk, to be followed by lunch, will take place at the First United Methodist Church in Elizabeth City, 201 S. Road Street, and is open to members and non-members.

3). Marbles Kids Museum presents “Dig-In Community Garden Summit” with Advocates for Health in Action on Saturday, March 5 - 8:30am-1:00pm. Dig in the dirt with Advocates for Health in Action at Marbles Kids Museum. Learn to build, maintain and sustain a community garden through informative workshops and booths. Whether your neighborhood, workplace or school is looking to grow healthy, fresh food, or you’re a home gardener looking for tips and advice, “Dig In” is for you! This summit is free and open to the public.

4). Cameron Art Museum presents “GALLERY CONVERSATIONS: Anne Brennan and Daphne Holmes” on Sun. Mar. 6, 3:00 pm. Cost: Museum Admission, CAM Members: no cost. Twice a month you can join in the fun of this new informal series of with various members of CAM’s staff discussing the art work on view. Anne Brennan, assistant director, and Daphne Holmes, curator of public programs share the conversation in Feb. and Mar. taking closer looks at the work and themes in recently opened exhibitions.

5). Outer Banks History Center Recently the Bodie Island Lighthouse has been encased in more than 2,000 pieces of scaffolding while undergoing restoration. The current lighthouse, first lit in 1872, is the third beacon to bear the name Bodie Island Lighthouse. Learn the history of all three sea coast lights next month in the exhibit “The Lighthouses at Bodie Island: Third Time’s The Charm.” Join the Friends of the Outer Banks History Center, staff, and members of the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society for the opening reception, “First Friday,” on March 4 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

6). N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher presents “Scales and Tails” on Saturday, March 5 and Sunday March 6, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. See, touch, and learn about our cold-blooded neighbors. Staff and invited experts will introduce you to dozens of live amphibians and reptiles, including alligators, frogs and toads, salt and freshwater turtles, snakes, salamanders, iguanas, lizards, tortoises and more! All ages. Regular Aquarium admission rates apply.

7). Cape Fear Museum presents “B.W. Wells: Pioneer Ecologist”, Special Exhibit Opens March 4. Explore the breathtaking nature photography of ecologist B.W. Wells and discover his passion for the flora and fauna of the Lower Cape Fear region. Inspired in 1920 by the beautiful wildflowers of Pender County’s Big Savannah, Wells dedicated himself to documenting North Carolina’s native plants. In this exhibit, the story of Wells’ efforts to preserve the Big Savannah is told through a wealth of stunning photographs he took to document his research.

8). Hickory Museum of Art is hosting a new exhibition by Fanjoy Labrenz, “Scene Unseen”, beginning February. “Scene Unseen” is a photography and videography installation by Hickory artists Sally Fanjoy and James Labrenz. The Museum’s main gallery has been transformed through the use of digitally projected stills and video images on walls and LCD screens, as well as large photographs printed on aluminum. The exhibition runs in the Coe Gallery through April 15.

9). N.C. Transportation Museum The N.C. Transportation Museum brings history to life Friday, March 4, during "Night at the North Carolina Transportation Museum." Those who lived and worked around the machines of the past will tell their stories during this third annual event. These special free tours take place at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.

10). Greensboro Children’s Museum will hold is annual “Kickoff to Kindergarten Parent Days” event on February 28th from 11-1pm and 5-7pm. This drop-in event is free to the public and was created to help parents prepare for their child’s first day of Kindergarten or Pre-Kindergarten. Representatives from Guilford County Schools and other community pre-K resources will be available to answer questions regarding transportation, school health & nutrition, after-school options, English as a second language, PTA, and Kindergarten curriculums.