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 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 “History for Lunch” on January 8^th 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 2^nd 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 21^st 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 4^th 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 26^th, 27^th, and  30^th 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.