NCMC Events From Around the State… February 6, 2012

NCMC announces its 2012 conference to be held in Asheville, NC, on March 18 and 19. Registration is in process and can be done on-line or by mail; Early Bird deadline is February 17. The conference theme is “Elevating Expectations.” Visit www.ncmuseums.org to register and for more information.

1). High Point Museum presents “Stenciling in the Historical Park” on Saturday, February 11, 10 am to 4 pm. Stenciling has long been a popular method of decorative painting. Come try your hand painting a keepsake box with stencils. All ages welcome. Cost: $1 per box. Free for members. Drop-in. Limit 2 per person.

2). Pres. James K. Polk State Historic Site presents “Historic Floor Cloth Workshop”. Learn about these decorative pieces on February 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteer Erica Blake will teach you how to make floor cloths that you can take home with you. You’ll learn how to apply traditional floor cloth techniques to create your own bookmarks and mouse pads. Pre-registration is required and there is a $10 materials fee. Registration ends on February 8, 2012. The workshop is limited to 10 participants. We will provide light refreshments, and attendees are welcome to bring lunch.

3). N.C. Transportation Museum For the first time in 25 years of operation, the NCTM is offering a look behind closed doors. Those taking advantage of the museum’s new “Behind the Scenes” tours will see automotive and rail cars not currently on display, stroll through the enormous Back Shop, view the Roundhouse Restoration bays, and enjoy a tour through the private rail car of James Duke. “Behind the Scenes” tours open new areas of the historic Spencer Shops, while providing a unique view of museum artifacts and restoration projects. “Behind the Scenes” tours are by reservation only and offered each Tuesday through Friday at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Tours last about 90 minutes.

4). N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher presents “Aquarist Apprentice” on Saturdays, February 11th and 25th at 2:00 p.m. Join staff on a behind-the-scenes tour and learn about Aquarium animals, what they eat, how they live, and how to care for them. Then, assist aquarists with food preparation and help feed the animals. Participants also observe aquarists during daily care and maintenance tasks. This limited opportunity is only open to 10 participants. For ages 10 and older. Ages 14 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Fee: $25 for ages 13 and older, $23 for ages 10 to 12. Aquarium admission included. Pre-registration required.

5). Eden Preservation Society will hold its 2012 Membership Drive and Social at the Meador-Kemp-Norman-Stevens House (circa 1862-1866) at on Sunday, February 12, 2012, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Bring a friend and introduce them to this wonderful, historic home lovingly restored by present owners, Joseph and Jennifer Griffin. Melissa Whitten of the Society's Eden Historical Museum will present a program on the history of the home. Refreshments will be served.

6). Mint Museum will unveil “Surrealism and Beyond” on Feb. 11th: 3 shows, 4 artists, 1 journey. The Mint Museum will once again break new ground by bringing together three exhibitions comprising the largest and most significant examination of Surrealism and Surrealist-inspired art ever presented in the Southeast. “Surrealism and Beyond” opens to the public at Mint Museum Uptown on 11 February and runs through 13 May. There will be an abundance of exciting and surreal programs and events associated with this exhibition. Stay tuned!

7). Port Discover Boom! Gong! Ting! What makes sounds different? Through a series of hands-on programs, Dr. Chris Palestrant, Professor of Music at Elizabeth City State University, will guide children through the “Science of Sound,” at Port Discover’s Second Saturday Science program, on February 11 at 11:00 am. Second Saturday Science is free. The science center’s hours are Tuesday through Friday from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, and Saturday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Programs can be arranged at other times for special groups.

8). Reynolda House Museum of American Art Have you ever wondered how a mansion like Reynolda House kept warm in the winter and cool in the summer way back in 1917? Reynolda House Museum of American Art invites the public to a behind-the-scenes tour of the historic house on Sunday, Feb. 5 or Sunday, Feb. 12 at 2:30 p.m. Centered around a winter theme, visitors will tour ten fireplaces, the original coal chute, furnace rooms, and other areas of the historic house normally closed to the general public, including kitchens, laundry and mechanical rooms, the squash court, and areas below the swimming pool. Admission is $10 for members and students, $15 for non-members.

9). Mount Airy Museum of Regional History in partnership with the Plaid Cloth Literary Society is sponsoring the 2nd annual African American Read-In on Wednesday February 8 from noon to 1pm in the Museum’s 2nd floor conference room. This event is free and open to the public. To participate, one needs only to select works written by an African American and be prepared to read a poem or an excerpt from a book. Listeners are also welcome. The goal of the Read-In is to make the celebration of African American literacy a traditional part of Black History Month activities.

10). N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Why do oystercatchers have long, sharp bills? Why are chili peppers spicy? Why do servals (a kind of African wild cat) have such long legs? Come explore the answers to these questions and more at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences on Darwin Day, February 11. The free event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will span the first three floors of the Museum, as well as outside in the Bicentennial Plaza. Visitors will learn more about Charles Darwin and his research, as well as the legacy that he has left behind.

11). N.C. Museum of History In 1848, Mary Walker fled slavery and the plantation that is now Historic Stagville in Durham, leaving behind her son and daughter. She spent 17 years trying to recover her family. Dr. Syd Nathans, professor emeritus with Duke University, tells of her remarkable ordeal in the book “To Free A Family: The Journey of Mary Walker” at Historic Stagville on Sunday, Feb. 12, at 2 p.m., and at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh, on Monday, Feb. 13, at 11 a.m. The programs are free.