ncmuseums

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

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

NCMC Events From Around the State… December 16, 2013



1). Old Salem Museum and Gardens (www.oldsalem.org) invites you to “Christmas Week at Old Salem”, December 26th – 29th. Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the holiday season! Experience authentic history and indulge in fresh-baked treats. Post Christmas Holiday Sales will be going on in select retail stores. Also on December 27th, enjoy “Peter and the Wolf”, the beloved childhood classic by Sergei Prokofiev, featuring the Carolina Chamber Symphony Players. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. $5. James A. Gray, Jr. Auditorium, Old Salem Visitor Center. Tickets call: 1-800-838-3006.

2). Greensboro Science Museum (www.greensboroscience.org) invites you to come face to face with the largest carnivore to ever walk the earth, the Tyrannosaurus rex. As the most iconic dinosaur that ever existed, most people can envision the giant T.rex's massive jaws and huge serrated teeth, but now Greensboro Science Center (GSC) visitors have the chance to see them up close. Opening January 18th at the GSC, A T.Rex Named Sue takes center stage in an exhibition showcasing the story of this apex predator. A T.Rex Named Sue admission ($10.00 adults, $9.00 children 3-13/seniors 65+) is in addition to GSC general admission ($12.50 adults, $11.50 children 3-13/seniors 65+). GSC Members and children 2 and younger receive free GSC admission but must pay to view this A T.Rex Named Sue. Group rates available for 10 or more people ($8.00/person in addition to the group general admission rate of $10.50/person), inquire with learn@greensboroscience.org for details and restrictions.

3). Tryon Palace (www.tryonpalace.org) invites you to a “Season of Delight” at their annual Holiday Candlelight – December 21st from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.  This year’s special 18th masquerade is sure to entertain and get all into the holiday spirit!  Enjoy candlelight tours of the Palace filled with masked costume characters, dancing, and interactive vignettes. On the grounds witness 18th-century circus acts, enjoy festive music, or stop by Mack’s Coffeehouse for hot cider and cookies!  Tours of the Palace Kitchen Office, Stanly House, and Hay House, and craft activities for all ages are also included in the evening.  Don’t miss the spectacular firework show on the South Lawn at the end of the night!  For ticket information please call 1-800-767-1560 or 252-639-3500 or visit www.tryonpalace.org.

4). The Museum of the Albemarle (www.museumofthealbemarle.com) will host “History for Lunch” on January 8th at 12:15 p.m.  Bring your lunch and enjoy a lecture by a different speaker each month. The museum provides the beverage. Starting off the 2014 series, collections assistant, Leonard Lanier, speaks on the forgotten advisor to President Woodrow Wilson entitled “Man about the House: Colonel Edward House”.  House’s portrait is displayed in Across Three Centuries: Art from the Edwin T. and Diana D. Hardison Collection. After the lecture visit this exciting exhibit located on the second floor of the museum.  Almost everyone will find something to enjoy in this eclectic sampling of fine art from three centuries brought to the Albemarle for the first time. 

5). Hands On! (www.handsonwnc.org), the children’s museum in downtown Hendersonville, invites you to Healthy Kids Club - Fun with Fruits and Vegetables! Thursday, January 2nd at 11:00 a.m. All ages welcome. This 30 minute presentation is entitled “Fun with Fruits & Vegetables” focuses on the importance of knowing your fruits and vegetables so you can make healthy food choices. Very soft & plush fruits & vegetables makes this class a fun tactile & visual experience for the little ones. Sponsored by the Henderson County Department of Public Health. Free with $5 admission/free for members.

6). N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher (www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher) wants to know if you are   looking for something fun this holiday season?  The N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher is offering an upcoming Holiday Elf Camp on Saturday, December 21st on Saltwater Animals.  Camp takes place from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Elves will create and wrap gifts, meet other elves and make extra special memories here at the Aquarium. This fun and educational program gives adult elves guilt-free time for holiday shopping or relaxation. The program fee of $50 includes: a pizza lunch, snacks, instruction, crafts, holiday gift-wrap and countless wonderful memories. Ages 5-12. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED.

7). The Charlotte Museum of History (www.charlottemuseum.org/history.asp) invites you to “Twelfth Night” on Saturday, January 4th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  Twelfth Night was the end of the Christmas season for the Backcountry settlers and celebrated with great revelry. Join with the Backcountry folk as they sing carols around the bonfires, toast the fruit trees, and play colonial games. Learn about the history of Twelfth Night and take a candlelight tour of the house. Enjoy cider and Twelfth Night cake in the log kitchen. Cost is $10 public admission fee and $8 for members; $5 age 6-12; and under 6 free

8). The Asheville Art Museum (www.ashevilleart.org) invites you to “Art Camp for Kids: Holiday Arts Extravaganza” on December 26th, 27th, and  30th from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.  Every holiday season the Asheville Art Museum opens its studios for Holiday Art Campers to enjoy hands-on art activities. $18 per day for members, $20 per day for non-members. 

9). Kings Mountain Historical Museum (www.kingsmountainmuseum.org) reminds you that “Toys, Games & TRAINS” exhibit is on display now and will run through January 4th.  Back by popular demand, this exhibit fills the museum with model train displays set up by the Piedmont “S” Gaugers, as well as historic railroad memorabilia, and antique toys and games.  An extensive interactive model train track provides hands-on fun for all ages.  The exhibit will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm and Sunday 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm.  The Museum will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, & New Year’s Day.

10). Cameron Art Museum (www.cameronartmuseum.com) invites you to “Group Singing: Wilmington Sacred Harp Singers” on Sunday, December 29th at Weyerhaeuser Reception Hall. 1:30 p.m. instruction for beginners; 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Wilmington Sacred Harp Singers presents a traditional Sacred Harp Singing and invite you to join in the music. This dynamic form of a cappella social singing dates back to Colonial America, using a modern reprint of an 1844 songbook called The Sacred Harp. Sacred Harp and related shape-note styles are the oldest continuous singing traditions in the United States. Surviving as a living tradition in parts of the South, notably Georgia and Alabama, Sacred Harp music has been discovered by new generations of singers who have spread the heritage across North America and to Australia and Europe.  The music is loud, vigorous and intense. It is meant to be sung, not just observed. No previous experience is necessary. Learn more about Sacred Harp singing at fasola.org. Held in collaboration with WHQR. Songbooks provided, beginners welcome! Free and open to the public, donations appreciated.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

NCMC Events From Around the State… December 9, 2013


1). Bellamy Mansion (www.bellamymansion.org/calendar.htm) invites you to a Vintage and Modern Hat Fashion Show and Tea on Monday, December 16th from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Refinement and charm await guests at a formal tea in the Bellamy parlors! A perfect escape from the busyness of the holidays! Proceeds support and maintain the mansion -- one of our community’s finest cultural heritage resources. Last year’s tea series proved so popular that all of the four events SOLD OUT so, please, reserve early for 2:00 PM on December 16. Call the Tea Ticket Hotline at 910.232.0127 to secure your reservations.  The $35 tea menu includes three courses: finger sandwiches, scones, desserts and confections served with tea followed by door prizes and raffles as well as giveaways for everyone. There is sure to be a surprise or two for you to enjoy!

2). Historic Edenton State Historic Site (www.edenton.nchistoricsites.org) invites you to get into the holiday spirit on Friday, December 13th and Saturday, December 14th.  From 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. both days, attend the Annual Groaning Board event at the James Iredell House.  Enjoy the holiday decorations, music, and refreshments as you tour the historic Iredell House.  On Friday at 6 p.m. enjoy Christmas Caroling in the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse.  On Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., learn about the Edenton Bell Battery and witness firings of a Civil War replica cannon.  All events are free and open to the public.

3). Tryon Palace (www.tryonpalace.org) invites you to a “Season of Delight” at their annual Holiday Candlelights – December 14th and 21st from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.  This year’s special 18th masquerade is sure to entertain and get all into the holiday spirit!  Enjoy candlelight tours of the Palace filled with masked costume characters, dancing, and interactive vignettes. On the grounds witness 18th-century circus acts, enjoy festive music, or stop by Mack’s Coffeehouse for hot cider and cookies!  Tours of the Palace Kitchen Office, Stanly House, and Hay House, and craft activities for all ages are also included in the evening.  Don’t miss the spectacular firework show on the South Lawn at the end of the night!  For ticket information please call 1-800-767-1560 or 252-639-3500 or visit www.tryonpalace.org.

4). The Museum of the Albemarle (www.museumofthealbemarle.com) will host the 9th annual “Jingle Bells are Rocking at Museum of the Albemarle” on Friday, December 13th.  Pre-Schoolers three to five years of age with adult supervision will decorate gingerbread houses from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m.  Kids of all ages (1-100+) will decorate houses from 3:30 until 5:00 p.m.  Learn basic architectural terms and the history of gingerbread at Christmas while decorating a medium sized gingerbread house from the Lovin’ Oven with a variety of candies.  No experience necessary except for a creative and open mind; the most important aspect of the workshop is to HAVE FUN!  The program is $22.00 per house or $20.00 per house for FOMOA members.  Both programs are limited to twenty-five houses.  A completed registration form and payment are necessary to have guaranteed registration for event.  Registration forms are available in the lobby of the Museum of the Albemarle.  For more information concerning the event call 252-335-1453.

5). Hands On! (www.handsonwnc.org), the children’s museum in downtown Hendersonville, invites you to make your own Christmas Card and Christmas Ornament, Tuesday, December 17th – Friday, December 20th.  Homemade cards and ornaments are a treasure. We provide all the supplies and you provide the creativity. Sponsored by Todd Webb, CPA, PC. Included with $5 admission or free for members.

6). N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher (www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher) wants to know if you are   looking for something fun this holiday season?  The N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher is offering two upcoming Holiday Elf Camps: Saturday, December 14th on Salt March Animals and Saturday, December 21st on Saltwater Animals.  Both camps take place from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Our elves will create and wrap gifts, meet other elves and make extra special memories here at the Aquarium. This fun and educational program gives adult elves guilt-free time for holiday shopping or relaxation. The program fee of $50 includes: a pizza lunch, snacks, instruction, crafts, holiday gift-wrap and countless wonderful memories. Register early to get the date you want. Ages 5-12. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED.

7). The Charlotte Museum of History (www.charlottemuseum.org/history.asp) invites you to their special Candlelight Tour and Holiday Shopping on Saturday, December 14th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Join them as they celebrate a Colonial Christmas with decorations and candlelight.  Enjoy cider and cookies in our gift shop, which will be open for your shopping pleasure.

8). The Asheville Art Museum (www.ashevilleart.org) invites you to film screening about the artist Joseph A. Fiore, whose dynamic paintings and drawings are included in Asheville Art Museum collections and exhibitions. This screening is free and open to the public and will take place on Saturday and Sunday, December 14th and 15th at 2:00 p.m. 

9). Kings Mountain Historical Museum (www.kingsmountainmuseum.org) presents “Santa Claus & Mrs. Claus at the Museum” on Saturday, December 14the at 11 a.m. Mrs. Claus will do a special reading of the classic 1823 children’s story, “The Night Before Christmas” to get the kids ready to meet Santa Claus, who will visit the Museum from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.  Bring your camera for the perfect holiday family photo.

10). Cameron Art Museum (www.cameronartmuseum.com) invites you to meet the Museum School Instructors! Cameron Art Museum’s Museum School Open House Showcase, Sun. Dec. 15 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. is your opportunity to meet the instructors, see examples of their work and demonstrations, talk about the classes and to also view the work of students in the Museum School Student Art Show. The Showcase is being held during open registration for Winter Session I, which starts in January 2014. The Museum School Open House Showcase is free and open to the public.

Wednesday, December 04, 2013

NCMC Events From Around the State…December 2, 2013


1). Bellamy Mansion invites you for a Christmas Stroll through the Past on Saturday, December 14th from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  The Burgwin-Wright House and Bellamy Mansion Museum host a festive holiday evening filled with music, dancing, costumes, refreshments and more! Go back in time for an old-fashioned Christmas on this magical night full of fun for the whole family. Both historic houses, decorated beautifully for the holidays, offer much, and enjoy a trolley ride or a candlelit stroll through downtown Wilmington as you go from one to the other. Tickets available at the Burgwin-Wright House, Bellamy Mansion Museum, local Harris Teeter stores, and online- $25 for Adults & $5 for Children (ages 5-12), free for Children under 5. For more information or tickets call 910.251.3700 (Bellamy) and 910.762.0570 (Burgwin-Wright).

2). Fort Fisher State Historic Site invites you to join them in celebrating the season as it holds its Holiday Open House on Tuesday, December 10, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the visitor’s center. This event is free and open to the public. Enjoy seasonal refreshments, decorations, and entertainment throughout the day, including holiday musical selections by the Murray Middle School Jazz Band under the direction of David Tyson, followed by popular musician and storyteller John Golden.  For the history lovers on your shopping list, special discounts will be offered on all museum shop merchandise for this one day only, so you can stock up on everything from Battery Buchannan Blend coffee to unique Christmas tree ornaments to great books for the history enthusiast.

3). Joel Lane Museum House invites you to attend a Museum Shop Open House on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Enjoy hot wassail while you peruse the shop's many gift ideas. Admission is free.  At 5 p.m., author Nancy Rascoe of Hertford, NC will speak about and sign her book "The Sandy Banks Live On."  Ms. Rascoe wants to make sure that the history of Old Nags Head and other towns on the North Carolina Outer Banks lives on. These stories have been passed down from one generation to the next and tell about those who came to the Outer Banks to farm, to fish and even to help save those in distress. These pioneers shaped the island that is enjoyed by locals and thousands of visitors each year.

4). Historic Oak View County Park invites you to get in the holidays spirit with your family at Oak View’s “Sleigh Rides and Cider” on December 7th, from 5 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.! Decorations and displays showing “Christmas at the Oak View Farm: How they celebrated from 1850 to 1950” will be on view in the Main House.Ride in a horse-drawn carriage through Oak View’s Pecan Grove, listen to holiday music and stories in the 1855 farmhouse, drink hot apple cider by the 1825 Plank Kitchen, buy handmade decorations and crafts, and, of course, visit with Old St. Nick! Donations of new clothing, toiletries, or canned goods may be placed under the Warming Tree (located in the Farm History Center) and are given to InterAct of Wake County.

5). Hands On! the children’s museum in downtown Hendersonville, invites you to Grown-up Science Night on Saturday, December 14th from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.!  Learn the science of wine making and chocolate! Join Hands On!, Falderal Winery, Kilwins, Fountainhead Bookstore, Sage Gourmet, and Dancing Bear Toys for a fun night of grown-up science & entertainment!  Participating partners will have goodies on hand for purchase and enter to win door prizes. $15 single ticket; $25 couple ticket. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit Hands On! Limited spaces for this fun holiday event. Call 697-8333 to purchase your tickets.

6). Mount Airy Museum of Regional History invites you to their Annual Holiday Open House on December 7th from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Free Admission. Tour four floors of museum exhibits, view our themed Christmas trees, shop for holiday gifts, plus enjoy light refreshments and holiday music.  As an added bonus, maps - Mount Airy Professionals of Surry will be hosting "Cookies with Santa" from 1 to 5pm. Music by the Taylor Brothers 11 AM, Chester McMillan and students 1 PM, Zephyr Lightning Bolts 2 PM, Back Step 3PM. 

7). President James K. Polk State Historic Site invites you to “Christmas in Mecklenburg County with the Polks.” Come out December 14th and learn about food and customs from Christmas in 1802! Buildings will be decorated in the 19th century style and a living history vignette will be on display in the main house. The Catawba Valley Cooking Guild will be on hand to present a festive feast for the holiday season. Historic holiday crafts will be available for children to create! Hours: 11:00am - 3:00pm. Admission: Free.

8). The Museum and Archives of Rockingham County, The MARC, will present the final event in its Dinner and History Series on Saturday, December 7 from 4-7pm titled “Remembering Pearl Harbor and Those That Serve” at the museum, located in the former Rockingham County Courthouse in Wentworth.  This program will feature a presentation by Marilyn Swinson, author of Scars of War, the story of the late Rockingham County veteran Bouse Williams, a Mayodan man who was on board the USS Pennsylvania at the time of the attack.  Other speakers will include Rep. Howard Coble, Rockingham County Commissioner Mark Richardson, Sheriff Sam Page and Glen Johnson, director of Disabled American Veterans. The McMichael High School Chorus will present the official songs of the branches of the U.S. Military. Tickets for the dinner and program are $15 for adults ($12 for senior citizens).  The Dinner and History Series has been very popular, and seating for the meal is limited, so tickets should be ordered early and no later than noon, December 5.  Tickets are also available for the program only, available in advance and at the door at a cost of $5 for adults, $3.50 for senior citizens.  For the dinner, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.  Tickets may be purchased on line at the MARC website, www.themarconline.org, in person at the museum, or by telephone at 336-634-4949.

9). Museum of the Albemarle invites you to “Holiday Open House:  A Polar Express Adventure” on Saturday, December 7th from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The film The Polar Express will be shown at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. A visit from Santa will take place from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Experience the sights and sounds of the holidays at A Polar Express Adventure.  Delight in the Albemarle Railroad Club’s O-scale train display of the village in the feature film, Polar Express.   Junior Docents will help you make a special keepsake bell ornament. Bring your camera for a photo opportunity you don’t want to miss. Enjoy a jingle bell carriage ride ($5 per person, with Carolina Carriages) and pony rides ($3 per child, with Circle S Stables).  Santa will be present to hear your holiday wishes. Share a cup of hot chocolate and holiday cookies.  Shop the Museum Gift Shop for that special gift–many items will be at a 10 percent discount.  Jonkonnu will perform reenactments of an 1800s celebration when enslaved Africans living in eastern North Carolina celebrated Jonkonnu, a blending of African and English traditions that included costumed and masked musicians and dancers parading and soliciting coins. Jonkonnu will dance and sing in the annual Elizabeth City Jaycees Christmas Parade.  Performances are supported by the Judge Thomas Watts Memorial Endowment, administered by the North Carolina Community Foundation. 

10). Old Salem Museum and Gardens invites you to “19th Century Christmas by Candlelight Tours” on December 6, 7, 13, 19, 20 & 21. This special evening includes Candlelight tours, music and food! Tour times are 6:30, 7, 7:30, and 8 p.m. Tickets are $20/adults, $15/children ($18/$13 for Friends of Old Salem). Pre-registration required.*