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.