ncmuseums

An occasional list of exhibits, programs, and events at North Carolina museums. Sponsored by the North Carolina Museums Council.

Monday, May 30, 2011

NCMC Events From Around the State… May 30, 2011

1). Bentonville Battlefield Grave markers honoring 20 Confederate soldiers who died during the three-day Battle of Bentonville, which caused nearly 4,200 Union and Confederate casualties, will be dedicated at the site on June 11. The ceremony is part of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources’ 2nd Saturdays summer series combining arts and history, and is also the site’s annual June Summer Seasonal Living History Program. Starting at 10 a.m., visitors will hear artillery and musket fire such as split the air in March 1865. The permanent marker dedication ceremony will be at 2 p.m.

2). High Point Museum presents “Quaker Wedding & Colonial Dancing” in the Historical Park on Saturday, June 11, 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday, June 12, 1 pm to 4 pm. Discover the beauty and simplicity of a traditional Quaker wedding. Our historical interpreters will reenact a typical ceremony from the early American period and explain how it exemplifies Quaker beliefs. Also come try out some popular country dances of the late 18th and early 19th century. No experience necessary! All ages welcome. Free!

3). Reynolda House Museum of American Art “Barbara Babcock Millhouse in conversation with Michele Gillespie” on Tuesday, June 7, 5:30 p.m. $25, includes reception and signed copy of “Reynolda: 1906–1924”. A new pictorial history by Barbara Babcock Millhouse chronicles the Reynolda estate from 1906–1924, the formative and active years of the working estate and model farm. To celebrate the publication of “Reynolda: 1906–1924”, Reynolda House presents a conversation between Millhouse and Michele Gillespie, Kahle Family Associate Professor of History at Wake Forest University.

4). Port Discover For the first time, Port Discover and the Museum of the Albemarle are partnering to bring children a great weeklong summer camp. “Sprouting Scientists and Hands-On Historians” is a week-long summer camp introducing children to the science and history in their own backyards. The dates of camp are June 20 – 24 from 8:30 a.m. – 12 noon. Campers will be divided into two age groups: ages 5 – 8 (Kindergarten must have been completed) and ages 9 – 12.

5). Historic Bethabara Park will host a “French & Indian War Encampment” on Saturday, June 4, from 10:30-4:30. Step back into the past at Historic Bethabara Park and explore the history of the French and Indian War. The NC Provincials Regiment from Fort Dobbs will camp outside the Palisade walls and conduct military drills. Mingle with members of the regiment and discover what life as a soldier in colonial North Carolina was like. Learn about medical practices of the period, including bleeding, dentistry, musket ball removal, amputation and cranial surgery from Albert Roberts, who portrays a physician traveling the colonial wilderness.

6). Maria V. Howard Arts Center The Maria V. Howard Arts Center announces the concurrent openings of five new exhibits with a community reception on Sunday, June 5, 2011 from 2:00-4:00pm. The exhibits include: Photos from Braswell Memorial Library’s Killebrew Collection, Charity Valentine’s photography: “Forgotten”, William Neil Coleman’s assemblage: “I Am”, The 54th National “Juried Art Show”, and John Carrasco, III’s sculptures: “the space inbetween”. The Free June 5th reception honors all five exhibits and all visitors are welcome. Several artists will be in attendance to meet the public.

7). N.C. Transportation Museum presents “Rail Days”, June 11-12, 2011. The N.C. Transportation Museum's 2011 Family Rail Days Festival, scheduled June 11 and 12, 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.

8). Mount Airy Museum of Regional History presents Museum Mondays in June (June 6, 13, 20, 27) The Mount Airy Museum of Regional History will be opened to the public every Monday in June from 10am until 5pm. Museum Mondays in June are in addition to our regular days - Tuesday through Saturday from 10am until 5pm.

9). Fort Fisher State Historic Site If you’re looking for some family fun that’s easy on the pocketbook, visit the Fort Fisher State Historic Site on Saturday, June 11, from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., as the site celebrates the second Saturday in June with “Storms of Shot and Shell,” a field artillery extravaganza. Visitors will see and hear the frequent firing of a full six-gun battery lining the south air strip. They can also meet historian Chris E. Fonvielle, Jr., who will debut his new book on Timothy O’Sullivan’s historic photography of Fort Fisher.

10). NC Dept. of Cultural Resources Several regiments of the U.S. Colored Troops (USCT) fought with conspicuous gallantry in the Union Army efforts to capture Fort Fisher in 1865. The efforts of these former slaves and free blacks will be recognized with the dedication of a North Carolina Highway Historical Marker (www.ncmarkers.com) on Thursday, June 2, at 10 a.m. at the National Cemetery in Wilmington, at the Market Street entrance.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

NCMC Events From Around the State… May 23, 2011

1). Cape Fear Museum presents “Learning Center: Pirate Invasion” on Saturday, June 4 and 11, 1 to 4 p.m. What were pirates really like? Discover the world of pirates as you make and hoist your own Jolly Roger, get a pirate tattoo, and make a Lego pirate ship. Dress up like a privateer and learn how to tie knots aboard a ship. Play pirate games and go on an exciting treasure hunt through the Museum! Free with paid Museum admission. Appropriate for children ages 5 to 12. Parental participation is required.

2). Transylvania Heritage Museum presents “Historical Walking Tour Season” from May 14, 2011 - Oct 22, 2011. The Transylvania Heritage Museum has two walking tour per month from May until October. The tours are the second and fourth Saturday afternoons and begin at 5 p.m. Go by the Museum for a brochure of the Tour Schedules. Cost is $10 per person. Call the Museum, 828-884-2347, for reservations or more information.

3). Bennett Place State Historic Site presents “Memorial Day Remembrance: U.S. Military through the Ages” on Saturday, May 28th, 10am-4pm. Memorial Day was founded after the American Civil War. Flowers and tokens were placed by the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers in respect and remembrance. The program will feature American soldiers/living historians from various time periods in American history, The American Revolution, American Civil War, Spanish American War, WWII, and others. Join American soldiers of different eras and learn more about their duty, honor, and sacrifice.

4). Battleship NORTH CAROLINA On Memorial Day, May 30, 2011, at 5:45 pm, people of all generations from across the State will gather together on the deck of the Battleship to pay their respects. The annual “Memorial Day Ceremony” has been observed for the last 46 years and this year, in the Ship's 50th anniversary celebration of being moored in Wilmington, it is honored to have guest speakers, Governor Beverly Perdue, Governor of North Carolina, Senator Kay Hagan, United States Senator of North Carolina, Secretary Linda Carlisle, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources and key-note speaker, VADM Carol Pottenger, Deputy Chief of Staff for Capability and Development at NATO Headquarters.

5). Fort Dobbs State Historic Site Fifty soldiers of the Royal Colony of North Carolina arrived on a hilltop near present-day Statesville in the summer of 1755. By the next spring, they had completed a three-story log barracks that would become known as Fort Dobbs. On May 28-29, 2011, visit the site of Fort Dobbs for a glimpse into the daily lives of the provincial soldiers as they settle into their new post. Living history interpreters will present musket and cannon firing demonstrations, as well as on-going demonstrations of 18th-century military camp life. Interpreters will be working to complete a replica of a mud bread-baking oven of the sort the soldiers used 250 years ago.

6). Marbles Kids Museum presents “First Friday at Marbles” with ADF Project Dance on Friday, June 3 6:30pm and 7:30pm - Museum open until 8:00pm. Enjoy an evening of play and adventure with the American Dance Festival, featuring Gaspard Louis, a member of the world-renowned Pilobolus Dance Theatre from 1996-2001. Gaspard will lead two children’s movement workshops. Get ready to immerse yourself into bold movements!

7). Hands On! Hands On! –A Child’s Gallery, a children’s museum located in downtown Hendersonville, will be hosting a “Physics Phun” class on May 27th from 3:30pm-4:30pm. In this one hour workshop, kids will learn about Newton’s laws of physics and make an exciting craft that demonstrates these laws. Hands On! science classes are led by resident scientists, Dr. Bunson & Dr. Beaker. “Physics Phun” is for ages 1st grade & up and the class will be free with $5.00 admission for non-members and free for members. Pre-registration is required.

8). Asheville Art Museum presents “Lunchtime Art Break at the Asheville Art Museum: Looking Back: Celebrating 60 Years of Collecting at the Asheville Art Museum” (docent-led tour). Join us on May 27th (12:00-1:00 p.m.) for the Asheville Art Museum’s lunchtime Art Break, led by Museum docents. The Museum presents a series of gallery talks and presentations designed to inform and engage you in dialogue with members of our curatorial and education departments, docents and special guests.

9). Discovery Place The transformation of Earth and its natural phenomena is showcased in an epic photography project called “LIFE: A Journey Through Time”, opening at Discovery Place Wednesday, May 25. An interpretation of life on Earth from its earliest beginnings to its present diversity, the exhibition is an original multimedia presentation that blends art, science, and the imagery of acclaimed National Geographic wildlife photographer Frans Lanting.

10). The Minetta Lane Center for Arts and Peace presents a free concert with Kay and Patrick Crouch on Friday, May 27 at 7 pm. The Center will open with a FREE concert held at the Center in the Jane Anna Hall. Performing will be Kay and Patrick Crouch. Due to limited seating, tickets are required. Reserve your ticket by emailing Heather.MinettaLane@gmail.com with “Free Concert” in subject line. Please include your name, phone number and number of tickets to reserve. Requests will not be taken after Tuesday, May 24.

Monday, May 16, 2011

NCMC Events From Around the State… May 16, 2011

1). Museum of the Albemarle Blackbeard’s Crew will be returning to the Museum of the Albemarle for the weekend of May 20 & 21 in conjunction with the North Carolina Potato Festival. On Friday, May 20, beginning at 5:00 p.m., visitors can belly up to the table in their finest pirate attire with members of Blackbeard’s Crew. After dinner participate in pirate games and listen to sea chanteys from the children’s musical duo C-Shells. A $10.00 donation covers each dinner and tickets may be purchased at the Museum of the Albemarle. Reservations are required.

2). Waterworks Visual Arts Center presents our summer exhibition “In The Details”: May 21 – August 13. “In The Details” features five solo artists’ meticulous approaches to create worlds in their artwork where every inch matters. Featured artists are woodcarver Dan Abernathy (Sparta, NC), fiber artist Nancy Cook (Charlotte, NC), artist Michelle Heinz (New York City), clay artist Holden McCurry (Asheville, NC), and artist Trena McNabb (Bethania, NC). Please join Waterworks in welcoming these artists at the public Opening Reception on Friday, May 27 from 6-8 pm. This event is free and open to all. Light refreshments will be served.

3). Transylvania Heritage Museum presents “Honoring the Sacrifice, 1861-1865”, American Legion Building, E. Jordan St., Brevard, Friday, May 20, 7 - 9 pm. An evening of remembrance with a portrayal of Mrs. Anna Jackson, wife of General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, by Nora Brooks, along with Civil War ballads and songs by Wayne Erbsen. The real Mrs. Jackson visited Brevard in 1911, so this event will commemorate her visit as well. Daryle Hogsed will demonstrate and explain the soldiers' equipment.

4). Eden Preservation Society The Eden Preservation Society presents: “An Afternoon with Rockingham County Author Charles Rodenbough”. Charles is the author of many local history books including “History of a Dream Deferred: William Byrd’s Land of Eden”. There will be books for sale that day. Sunday, May 22 at 2:00 p.m. at Church of the Epiphany, 538 Henry St., Eden. The event is free and open to the public!

5). Port Discover Toddlers will discover liquids, solids, gases, solutions and mixtures while at “Mix It Up,” Port Discover’s Toddler Time program, on Thursday, May 19 at 10:00 am. Children will learn why measurements are important in science as they put these skills into practice while making play-dough. Toddler Time is a special science program just for preschoolers, ages 3 – 5. Cost for the program is $5 per family and reservations are required. Parents or guardians must accompany the child.

6). NC State Capitol On May 20, 1861, delegates from across the state met in the House Chamber of the State Capitol and voted to sever North Carolina’s ties with the Union. On Saturday, May 21, 2011, the Capitol will present “North Carolina Secedes,” a living history program commemorating the historic vote and a look at the state’s early wartime preparations. The free event will take place from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and is open to the public. It is part of the North Carolina Civil War Sesquicentennial, a commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War in North Carolina (www.nccivilwar150.com).

7). The Bascom presents “Collective Spirits”, a three-day celebration of wine, food and the arts marking the opening of the Summer Season on the Highlands/Cashiers Plateau. From May 19-21, wine and dine throughout the weekend with some of the worlds most revered winemakers and the Southeast’s most renowned chefs. All will converge on Highlands and Cashiers among art lovers, community leaders and special guests for Private Home Wine Dinners, the Grand Tasting ‘Meet & Greet’ Wine Market, benefit wine dinners at local restaurants, the ‘Catch the Spirit’ Village Sip & Stroll, an exclusive ‘Reserve Wine” Tasting and the finale - the Grand Gala Benefit Dinner and Auction at The Bascom.

8). SciWorks presents “Science Café: The Science and Engineering of Dams” on Tuesday, May 17th, 7:00pm at Big Shotz Tavern. Science Cafés are informal talks given by a local expert at a local gathering place. At a café participants can... learn about the latest issues in science, chat with a scientist in plain language, meet new friends, speak your mind, and, talk with your mouth full!

9). Asheville Art Museum The Asheville Art Museum is pleased to announce “FANATICON2”, a free event for fans of comic books, science fiction, fantasy and pop culture, on Saturday, May 21, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Headlining the event is acclaimed comic book writer Gail Simone (Wonder Woman, Birds of Prey).

10). Mount Airy Museum of Regional History Saturday, May 21: “Beginners Knitting” Class from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Have you always wanted to learn to knit or would you like to just brush up on your skills? The Mount Airy Museum of Regional History will be holding a Beginner's Knitting Class on Saturday May 21 from 10am-2pm. Museum members Free; Non-members $5, Bamboo needles are available for $8 or BYO #10 or larger needles. Call 336-786-4478 to make your reservation.

11). High Point Museum Local historian Glenn Chavis will begin offering guided walking tours of historic Washington Street this month. The first one will be Saturday, May 21. They will be offered once a month through September. Washington Street was a thriving business and entertainment district for High Point’s black community during the period of segregation. Its prominence declined after integration, but it has drawn a lot of attention in recent years since becoming a focus area for The City Project, which is dedicated to revitalizing High Point’s core city area.

Monday, May 09, 2011

NCMC Events From Around the State… May 9, 2011

1). Mount Airy Museum of Regional History presents “Toast and Jam” on Saturday, May 14 from 5 – 7 p.m. 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 (May-October), from 5-7 p.m. It 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. Stony Knoll Vineyard will be the winery and music will be by Casino Cruise.

2). Waterworks Visual Arts Center presents 8th annual “Family Fun Day” on May 14 from 11-3. Bring the entire family out, and join Waterworks Visual Arts Center for a day of free hands-on art activities and artist’s demonstrations at our 8th Annual Family Fun Day. This year’s theme is “Celebrate Sculpture”. Children will be encouraged to use color, texture, and movement to create their own fun sculptures to take home. Guided by professional artists and art educators, children will have the opportunity to choose from five stations to create fun sculptures!

3). Museum of the Albemarle North Carolina’s rich art pottery tradition will have a turn in the spotlight when the Museum of the Albemarle hosts “Formed, Fired and Finished”, May 14, 2011 in Elizabeth City. The exhibition will feature a collection of more than 90 pottery pieces on loan from Dr. Everett James and Dr. Nancy Farmer, of Chapel Hill. Showcasing unusual words by talented potters, it will be the first and largest showing of North Carolina pottery in Eastern North Carolina.

4). Cape Fear Museum presents Learning Center: “Wonders of Light” on Saturday, May 14, 1 to 4 p.m. Why is the sky blue? What makes a rainbow? Discover the colors of light and see what happens when you mix them. Conduct fun mirror experiments and learn how light travels. Explore the mysteries of light and color and even make an object disappear! Free with paid Museum admission. Appropriate for children ages 5 to 12. Parental participation is required.

5). N.C. Department of Cultural Resources Staff members, volunteers, board members and others will get a lesson on planning for the worst for museums and cultural agencies on Monday, May 16, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at Jackson Library on the campus of UNC-Greensboro. The workshop will include some hands-on training in dealing with wet books and paper. The North Carolina Connecting to Collections (C2C) Project of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources is the sponsor of the free program. To register, visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/disasterpreparednessgreensboro.

6). N.C. Maritime Museum In ceremonies this week, communities on the Outer Banks pay honor to World War II British and Canadian sailors who gave their lives to defend the coast of the United States. The British War Grave ceremonies take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 12, at the World War II British Cemetery in Buxton, and again at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 13, at the World War II British Cemetery in Ocracoke. Receptions follow both events at 1 p.m. Held by the Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum, the Ocracoke Community, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the National Park Service and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the ceremonies honor the 63 foreign sailors who lost their lives just off the coast of the Outer Banks.

7). Bellamy Mansion Museum presents “Mondays @ The Mansion Series - The Slave Cabin Project” with Joseph McGill of the National Trust. On May 16, 2011 this researcher will share his knowledge of slave life after sleeping in the Bellamy Mansion’s intact urban slave quarters which are currently undergoing restoration. Mr. Joseph McGill, Jr. is a Program Officer for the National Trust for Historic Preservation; he works out of the Southern Regional Office. The program begins at 7pm with light reception to follow. Tickets are $10.

8). Hands On! Hands On!-A Child’s Gallery, the children’s museum located in downtown Hendersonville, would like to invite 5-10 year olds to make some noise with us! Sign up for our “African Drumming” class, led by local drum teacher Maria Mason Freeman, May 11 from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Each class introduces children to basic drum rhythms and includes a fun musical instrument craft. Cost to attend class is $15 ($10 for members). Space is limited; must have minimum of 3 participants to hold class! Call 828-697-8333 to sign up.

9). Port Discover Energize your body and mind with a fun-filled class of yoga on the Elizabeth City’s waterfront green. Registered Yoga Teacher, Lorrie Taylor, will present “Fit As Can Be!” at Port Discover’s Second Saturday Science program, on Saturday, May 14 at 11:00 am. Kids will be instructed in a kids-focused yoga class and be given information about the importance of daily exercise in their lives. “Fit As Can Be!” is a part of Port Discover's Kinetic Kids programs made possible by the Albemarle Hospital Foundation.

10). Turchin Center for the Visual Arts An Appalachian Summer Festival” will be here before you know it! Don't miss the Summer Exhibition Celebration, Chita Rivera & Ben Vereen, k.d. lang, Dierks Bentley, The Manhattan Transfer & MORE! Tickets for our 2011 season are now on sale for the 27th season! Call 800-841-ARTS for your tickets.

Monday, May 02, 2011

NCMC Events From Around the State… May 2, 2011

1). Museum of the Albemarle North Carolina’s rich art pottery tradition will have a turn in the spotlight when the Museum of the Albemarle hosts “Formed, Fired and Finished”, May 14, 2011 in Elizabeth City. The exhibition will feature a collection of more than 90 pottery pieces on loan from Dr. Everett James and Dr. Nancy Farmer, of Chapel Hill. Showcasing unusual words by talented potters, it will be the first and largest showing of North Carolina pottery in Eastern North Carolina.

2). NC Department of Cultural Resources As it has for generations, the Civil War engages and fascinates students of history like almost no other topic. A keynote address by David Blight of Yale University titled “Race and Reunion: Has Civil War Memory United or Divided America?” will kick off an all-day conference at the N.C. Museum of History on Friday, May 20. The conference, “Contested Past: Memories and Legacies of the Civil War,” is being held on the 150th anniversary of North Carolina’s secession from the Union. It is the first of three sesquicentennial symposiums the N.C. Office of Archives and History will sponsor around the state between 2011 and 2015. Pre-register by May 10th.

3). N.C. Transportation Museum On May 7, the N.C. Transportation Museum has a day full of activities for kids and adults. The annual Carolina Classic Motorcycle Club Show, traditionally held the first Saturday in May, will be joined by two more events, The Governor’s Highway Safety Program and the UNC-TV Dinosaur Train-themed “Just for Kids” Junior Conductor Jamboree. All of the events are free. In celebration of such a busy day, the museum is adding a Caboose Train to our regular passenger train ride, and expanding the day’s train ride schedule.

4). SECCA presents “Film @ SECCA: David Hockney, A Bigger Picture” on Thursday, May 5, 7:00-8:30. Filmed over three years, this documentary is an unprecedented record of a major artist at work. It captures David Hockney’s return from California to paint his native Yorkshire, England, outside through the seasons and in all weathers. “A Bigger Picture” explores the influence of place on the creative process and is presented in conjunction with SECCA’s new exhibition “American Gothic”.

5). Cape Fear Museum presents “Pirates” a special exhibit opening May 14. Welcome to a world of swashbucklers, scallywags, and scurvy sea dogs. Encounter pirates of the New World – a motley mob that ruled the waters from the Carolinas to the Caribbean. Meet Stede Bonnet and, aye, Blackbeard himself. Play pirate games, learn to speak like a pirate, and uncover a rich buried treasure of pirate facts and fiction.

6). Town Creek Indian Mound
The annual “Astronomy Day” event at Town Creek Indian Mound will take place on Saturday, May 7. This daylong event will allow for observation of the sun during the day and stargazing later that night. The daytime activities include viewing the surface of the Sun through the site’s 12-inch Dobsonian telescope, free handouts, and a display explaining various aspects of astronomy. Once the sun sets and the sky has darkened, the staff will reopen the site at 8 p.m. and set up the Dobsonion telescope for the nighttime observations.

7). The Mint Museum The Mint Museum Uptown will present the iconic paintings of American artist Robert Henri in the special exhibition “From New York to Corrymore: Robert Henri and Ireland” (7 May – 7 August 2011). Organized by The Mint Museum and sponsored by Bank of America, this will be the first exhibition to examine Henri’s fascination with the Irish landscape and people, particularly children. The exhibition will travel nationally following its debut at the Mint.

8). N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Come be amazed when the A/V Geeks present “Retro Astro” — a unique collection of favorite clips from the NASA Images project — at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh on First Friday, May 6 at 7pm. Free. Skip Elsheimer of the A/V Geeks was tapped to digitize film and video for the NASA Images project (nasaimages.org). Unfortunately, due to funding issues the project stalled, but not before he digitized more than 600 videos and films about the history of NASA and our country’s reach for the stars.

9). Port Discover presents "First Friday Kids Night-In,” on Friday, May 6 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. During this event, parents can leave their children at Port Discover for some kid-friendly science programming while they enjoy an evening of downtown art-walking. Admission is $5 per child, for children ages 4-years-old and up. Space is very limited for this event so reservations are encouraged.

10). Reynolda House Reynolda House Museum of American Art and The Children’s Theatre of Winston-Salem will present a drama titled “The Orphan Train” on Friday, May 6 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 7 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Admission is $5 for members and students, $8 for non-members. For information and to purchase tickets in advance, please call 336.758.5150 or visit reynoldahouse.org. The performance is in conjunction with the museum’s spring exhibition, “Trains that Passed in the Night: The Photographs of O. Winston Link,” on view through June 19, 2011. Ticket cost includes admission to the exhibition.