NCMC Events From Around the State… March 26, 2012

1). The Bascom presents “Chicks: It's All Gone to the Birds” from March 31- June 17 in the Bunzl Gallery. Join us in celebrating the fascinating world of our feathered friends. This exceptional collection of avian themed art showcases artists at their finest observing and creating images of the world around us through the eyes of scientists, environmentalists and conservators. A true celebration of the freedom of flight, this exhibition is presented in partnership with the Highands Biological Station and the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society.

2). SECCA On March 30, the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA) will kickoff the second season of its acclaimed Crossroads concert series with a live performance of “13 Most Beautiful…Songs for Andy Warhol’s Screen Tests”, a project jointly commissioned by the Andy Warhol Museum and Pittsburgh Cultural Trust featuring 13 of the legendary pop artist’s four-minute, silent film portraits with music composed by Dean Wareham & Britta Phillips (Dean & Britta, Luna).

3). Weatherspoon Art Museum presents “Lecture: The Lusty Modern Matron: Sex + Commerce in Kenneth Hayes Miller's Paintings” on Saturday, Mar 31, 2pm. Art historian Ellen Wiley Todd talks about American realist painter Kenneth Hayes Miller and his depictions of urban scenes from the 1920s and 1930s including the Weatherspoon's Woman with Packages currently on view in the exhibition “Telling Tales: Narratives from the 1930s.”

4). Joel Lane Museum House Jane Bultman, retired book conservator, will talk about “The Book in Colonial America and How to Care For your Books” on Sunday, April 1, 2012, 2 pm at the Visitors Center. Refreshments will be served. Seating is limited, and advanced payment is required. Printing and publishing in the colonies was far more interesting than she had thought, and far more active than she knew. The power of the printed word was pivotal in igniting the fire that became the American Revolution. If you are fortunate enough to own books that have intrinsic or sentimental value, Jane will go over the most elementary and essential points to caring for them.

5). Fort Dobbs State Historic Site Hundreds of costumed interpreters will bring to life the French and Indian War in a battle re-enactment at Fort Dobbs State Historic Site on March 31-April 1. The weekend-long living history program will showcase re-enactors portraying the conflict that pitted warriors against provincial soldiers protecting the settlers of North Carolina's western frontier. Musket and cannon firing demonstrations will be featured, along with the battle re-enactment at 1:30 each day. Period music and trades will be presented, along with scholarly lectures on Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. A special school day is scheduled for Friday, March 30. Reservations are required.

6). Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site Visitors can try to "strike it rich" at Reed Gold Mine with the start of panning season at the Spring Festival on Saturday, March 31, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Games, tours of underground mines, and a restored stamp mill add up to a day of fun for the entire family. Museum staff will assist visitors with the search for gold in newly rebuilt panning troughs. Panning tickets are $2, which includes a pan of ore. Children ages eight and under will need parents' help with panning.

7). N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher Move over bunnies, alligators are on a roll at the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher. The annual Alligator Egg Hunt offers children a chance to learn, create and play this Easter season. Aquarium educators will introduce children to a live baby alligator and share fun facts about these amazing reptiles found in North Carolina. Kids will also create their own special alligator egg basket. Then the hunt is on for candy-filled eggs in the Aquarium’s garden. The Alligator Egg Hunt is recommended for children ages 3-10 and limited space is available. Children ages 14 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Dates are March 31, April 6, April 7, 10am and 1pm each day.

8). President James K. Polk State Historic Site presents “Mexican American War Militia Muster” on March 31, 2012. This program illustrates the life of a common citizen who has been called into service due the 1846 conflict with Mexico. From 10:00am to 4:00pm, visitors will see period costumed interpreters demonstrating military drills and practices, camp life, and even rifle firing! There will be living history vignettes featuring the roles that women would have played in supporting the military, such as spinning and weaving, soap making, and cooking.

9). Town Creek Indian Mound One acre of farmland was deeded to the State of North Carolina by Lloyd and Minnie Frutchey on March 5, 1937. It contained the remains of one of the few surviving earthen mounds built by prehistoric American Indians. That was the origins of the Town Creek Indian Mound State Historic Site, where a free 75th anniversary celebration will take place on Sunday, April 1, 1-4 p.m. Special activities are planned throughout the day. Visitors can try sifting through soil, just like an archaeologist, or can make a clay pot or cordage bracelet, or play the American Indian game, "Chunkey."

10). Mount Airy Museum of Regional History Easter Bonnet Workshop, Parade and Easter Egg Hunt for ages 4 - 11 on Saturday March 31 from 2 – 4pm. Come to the Museum classroom for the” Easter Hat and History Workshop”. At approximately 3:15 PM, the children will parade, in their newly decorated Easter Bonnet or Hat, from the museum up North Main Street to the Robert Smith Memorial Park where there will be light refreshments and an Easter egg hunt. Museum members are free; $5 for all others. Call by Thursday, (March 29 to reserve your spot.

11). Joyner Library, East Carolina University In honor of the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, Joyner Library is presenting two exhibits focusing on the war in, and its effects upon, the state of North Carolina. The first exhibit, “The Civil War in North Carolina, 1861-1865,” can be viewed in Joyner’s Special Collections department located on the fourth floor and will run from March 19th through August 10th. This exhibit explores multiple facets of this divisive and devastating war in North Carolina. Major themes include Battles and Campaigns, Life as a North Carolina Soldier, The Home Front, The Slave Experience, Economy, and Politics. The exhibit is open to the public and can be viewed during Special Collections’ normal operating hours.