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 13^th and Saturday, December 14^th.  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 14^th and 21^st from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.  This year’s special 18^th 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 18^th-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 9^th 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 17^th – Friday, December 20^th.  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 14^th on Salt March Animals and Saturday, December 21^st 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 14^th 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 14^th 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.