NCMC Events From Around the State… June 25, 2012


The North Carolina Museums Council recently established a Southeastern Museums Conference Annual Meeting Registration grant. One full, paid registration to the November 7-9 Annual Meeting in Williamsburg, Virginia will be awarded. Deadline for applications: August 15. Forms available on NCMC web site.

1). N.C. Department of Cultural Resources  In a free daylong conference marking its bicentennial, "America's Forgotten War," the War of 1812, will be remembered at the N.C. Maritime Museum-Beaufort on June 29. Speakers will examine the conflict that resolved issues remaining from the American Revolution. The symposium will focus upon the naval war, one that strengthened the young United States and firmly established its position in the world. The full program, continental breakfast, and afternoon reception are free and open to the public. An optional cruise will follow and costs $36.

2). The Bascom On Saturday, June 30, The Bascom’s first “Summer Barn Dance” of the season takes place from 7-10 pm. Gather with friends and neighbors and enjoy the music of The Runners of the Green Laurel, caller Terry Watson, dance the night away and celebrate the nostalgia of Highlands’ yesteryear. Don't miss it. Tickets are $5 per person, cash only, and can be purchased at the door. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. The Bascom's Summer Barn Dances are sponsored by The Bascom, Highlands Historical Society, Mountain Fresh Grocery and the Ugly Dog Pub.

3). Port Discover  Floating, floating, POP! Unlock the secrets of bubbles and take a splash in our bubble pool during “Bubble-ology” at Port Discover’s Toddler Time program, on Thursday, June 28 at 10:00 am. Toddler Time is a special science program just for preschoolers, ages 3 – 5. Cost for the program is $5 per child and reservations are required. Parents or guardians must accompany the child.

4). Tryon Palace  presents “The War America Forgot” on Saturday, June 30 – Sunday, July 1. Special activities will take place in the North Carolina History Center and Stanly House. Included with Regular Admission… 200 years ago this June, our nation entered into war with Britain yet again. As we prepare to celebrate our country’s birthday, join us to explore the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, what many call our second war of independence. Special War of 1812 programming includes a character-based tour of the Stanly house and an interactive gallery cart and kids’ crafts in the North Carolina History Center.

5). N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Did you know North Carolina is the third leading state in the country for biotechnology — employing 226,000 and creating $64 billion in economic activity? Did you also know our state is the nation’s leading hub for contract research and testing companies, and a world leader in vaccine research and manufacturing? Find out more about this fast-growing industry and how biotechnology affects your daily life at a new event from the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, held Saturday, June 30 from 9am to 4pm. Free.

6). Museum of the Albemarle  Come visit the Museum of the Albemarle Wednesday, June 27, noon until 2:00pm and become an archaeologist for a day! Visit with real archaeologists, watch ground penetrating radar demonstrations, learn all about dendrochrology and participate in several hands-on activities. The public is invited for this free program!

7). N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher  Have no fear, the sharks are here! The N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher opened a new Bamboo Shark exhibit. Aquarium staff designed a unique and safe animal interaction where even the youngest visitors can reach out and touch a live shark. The touch pool features two species of baby bamboo sharks, whitespotted (Chiloscyllium plagiosum) and brownbanded (Chiloscyllium punctatum). A low-profile design makes it easily accessible to small children.

8). HandsOn! the children’s museum in downtown Hendersonville, is having a “Royal Tea Party” on Friday July 6th from10:30am to 12:30pm. It is for ages 3 to 5 years old. (must be potty trained). Princes & Princesses are invited to attend a Royal Tea Party. Participants will create their own crown and learn tea party manners. Cost to attend is $15.00 for non-members and $9.00 for members. Limited spaces, call to sign up.

9). Cameron Art Museum presents “Music in the Courtyard: Benny Hill Quartet, jazz” on Thursday July 5, 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm. CAM Members and Students: $5.00, Non-members: $10.00. The July 4th celebratory vibe continues with saxophonist Benny Hill performing a range of jazz music sure to please and have you humming and tapping your feet. Hill's performances always offer a range of talented area musicians accompanying him for a concert audiences won't soon forget. Ensure you have a seat, purchase on CAM's website. CAM's CaféJohnnie serves dinner every Thursday 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Music held in CAM's lovely Courtyard weather permitting, indoors if not.

10). N.C. Department of Cultural Resources  A nuclear near-catastrophe is the subject of a new N.C. Highway Historical marker. The latest marker in the popular program will be dedicated on Friday, June 29, in at the intersection of Main Street and Faro Road in Eureka, N.C., at 11 a.m. In January 1961, a plane crashed in rural Wayne County at the height of the Cold War. Three members of the eight man crew died, and the bombs were released. Many historians believe this was one of the closest near-disasters related to the Cold War, having gone through all the steps to detonate, save one. Over the years, this and other incidents led to development of stronger controls of detonation of nuclear weapons.