ncmuseums

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

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

NCMC Events From Around the State… June 24, 2013

1). A Special Invitation from the North Carolina Humanities Council: Host Smithsonian Institution's Hometown Teams in 2015.  The North Carolina Humanities Council and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service are pleased to announce Hometown Teams” — an exciting Museum on Main Street (MoMS) exhibition to tour North Carolina beginning in February 2015. Rural NC museums, libraries, historic sites, and historical societies are invited to apply as host sites by July 10, 2013. Sites will be determined by the end of September 2013. “Hometown Teams” is comprised of six content sections and an introduction; it requires 900 square feet of floor space, a ceiling height of 8.5 feet, and access to electrical outlets. More information, including the request for proposals is available at www.nchumanities.org.  Questions about “Hometown Teams”? Contact the North Carolina Humanities Council Program Director Darrell Stover at dstover@nchumanities.org or 336.334.5723.

2). North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort - Another hurricane season is upon us, join author Jay Barnes as he talks about some of the strongest storms to have hit the Tarheel coast and how you can be prepared for the next one. Jay has compiled weather service records and many personal stories from coastal residents to make a complete list of these storms, from the un-named ones of the 19th century all the way up to Irene and Sandy. Jay’s book, North Carolina’s Hurricane History, will be printed in its third edition this summer. Come by the museum for this free presentation on June, 27th at 3 p.m.

3). Hands On! the children’s museum in downtown Hendersonville, presents “Royal Tea Party” on Friday, June 28th from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Ages 3 - 6. Princes & Princesses are invited to a Royal Tea Party.  Create a crown & learn tea party manners at a royal tea party. Must be potty trained to attend w/o adult; younger can attend accompanied by adult. $16 non-members / $10 members. Limited spaces & must be registered to attend. 

4). The Greensboro Science Center would like to announce the grand opening of the new Carolina SciQuarium and invite the media and Greensboro Science Center Members to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event will be held on Friday, June 28th  beginning at 10:00am outside the GSC's new entrance area. Following the ceremony, the SciQuarium will be open for media, GSC members and special guests to explore and embark on a wondrous adventure featuring animals from around the world. The Carolina SciQuarium opens to the public on Saturday, June 29, 2013 at 9:00 a.m.

5). Weatherspoon Art Museum opens a new exhibition, "Art History: Redux", that will run from June 29th – October 20th, 2013.  This journey through the history of art will explore the nuanced distinctions between inspiration, innovation, and imitation. In the works included in the exhibit, the artists consider and probe art historical precedents in search of standards, ideals and icons, but ultimately produce unique objects that are noteworthy in themselves.

6). Fort Fisher State Historic Site is taking Civil War history to new heights. Beginning July 2, 2013, the site will offer “Above the Scenes,” a special 45 minute walking tour from the floor of the fort to the top of the traverses, along an area normally closed to pedestrians. The tour will begin at noon, Tuesday through Saturday. Tickets are $10 for adults and will be sold on a first come, first serve basis. Children 12 and under are free. Site officials say a maximum of 25 tickets will be sold each day. No advance tickets will be sold. Tour participants are encouraged to have proper walking shoes, sunscreen, and water. The tour is dependent on weather conditions and is not ADA accessible.

7). The Museum of the Albemarle will host a “History for Lunch” on July 3, 2013 at 12:15 p.m.  Beekeepers of the Albemarle will bring their bees to lunch! Enjoy their demonstration and lecture “How the Honey Got in the Jar”.  Bring your lunch and join us for the lecture.  The Museum will provide the beverages.

8). The Battleship North Carolina announces the 17th Annual Battleship Blast on July 4th at 9:05 p.m. Noted as Black Card Magazines favorite spots to watch fireworks and Coastal Living's 10 Spots to Celebrate. The spectacular is one you will not want to miss. For the first time in the history of the Battleship Blast, the show will shoot from a barge, courtesy of Atlantic Diving. At 9:05 pm, the fireworks will begin and the 20 minute fanfare will amaze.  Zambelli Fireworks, one of the largest pyrotechnics company in the world, is making their debut in Wilmington, North Carolina, and is guaranteed to dazzle residents and visitors alike.  Bring the entire family and enjoy an explosive evening!

9). N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher invites you to go “Canoeing the Salt Marsh” on Saturdays, July 6, 13, 20, 27 at 9 a.m. A 3-hour exploration of the Zeke’s Island Estuarine Research Reserve by canoe. Activities may include crabbing, seining, or birding. Participants should be able to swim and be capable of sustained physical exertion. Ages 8 and up. Ages 8-12 must be accompanied by two adults. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes. Fee: $25 per participant. Admission to Aquarium is not included. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

10). Cameron Art Museum presents “Music in the Courtyard Series:  Darryl Donnell Murrill and A Step Above, saxophone-driven old & new school R&B with smooth jazz influences” on Thursday, July 11th from 7p.m. – 8:15 p.m.  Darryl Donnell Murrill makes the saxophone sing with a unique flare rooted in gospel with R&B and jazz influences. He tantalizes with a saxophone sound described as smooth, yet soulful with melodic measures of syncopation, vibrato, and range of note selection. Whether performing solo or with his group A Step Above, he endeavors to make music that enriches listeners spiritually and to present a positive, enjoyable music experience as they relax to the sounds of smooth jazz, old and new school rhythm and blues. Ensure you have a seat, purchase on CAM's website www.cameronartmuseum.com, by phone or in person. Music held in CAM’s lovely Courtyard weather permitting, indoors if not. CAM’s café is open for Thursday evening meals and refreshments featuring a signature drink celebrating the Courtyard series.  CAM Members and Students: $5.00, Non-members: $10.00.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

NCMC Events From Around the State… June 17, 2013

1). A Special Invitation from the North Carolina Humanities Council: Host Smithsonian Institution's Hometown Teams in 2015.  The North Carolina Humanities Council and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service are pleased to announce Hometown Teams” — an exciting Museum on Main Street (MoMS) exhibition to tour North Carolina beginning in February 2015. Rural NC museums, libraries, historic sites, and historical societies are invited to apply as host sites by July 10, 2013. Sites will be determined by the end of September 2013. “Hometown Teams” is comprised of six content sections and an introduction; it requires 900 square feet of floor space, a ceiling height of 8.5 feet, and access to electrical outlets. More information, including the request for proposals is available at www.nchumanities.org.  Questions about “Hometown Teams”? Contact the North Carolina Humanities Council Program Director Darrell Stover at dstover@nchumanities.org or 336.334.5723.
 
2). Discovery Place will focus on marine animals this June in the their “Explore More Life Lab”.  Splash into a special exploration of cetaceans, pinnipeds, sireans, polar bears and more, and learn about the ways these creatures eat and survive. On Saturdays in June at 11:00 a.m., learn about ocean animals through comparative anatomy dissections in “Dissection Connection”.
 
3). North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort presents “Horses, Hiking and History”! Come find out what makes Shackleford Banks such a unique barrier island, from the early settlers and whaling villages to tales of Blackbeard the pirate and wild horses that roam the sandy beaches. Associate Curator Benjamin Wunderly will guide participants on a hike in this designated wilderness area managed by the National Park Service. Wednesday, June 19th, pre-registration is required, (252) 728-7318.
 
4). Asheville Art Museum opens a new exhibition, Legacy: The Emily Fisher Landau Collection, on Saturday, June 15th. The exhibition features a selection of art works from a historic gift pledged to the Whitney Museum of American Art in 2010 by longtime trustee Emily Fisher Landau.  The exhibition will be celebrated with an Opening Reception on Saturday, July 13 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the North Wing of the Asheville Art Museum.
 
5). Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art will make available for viewing a unique photo exhibit which highlights the work of 80 up-and-coming talents from 30 countries  on Friday, June 21st. “ReGeneration@: Tomorrow’s Photographer’s Today” showcases young practitioners focusing on major themes as diverse as the urban environment, globalization, identity and memory, as well as their hybrid techniques, which allow them to explore as never before the distinction between reality and fiction.  The show runs through September 15th
 
6). High Point Museum on Saturday, June 22nd form 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. will be doing a special program on Early American Dancing & Courting Rituals in the Historical Park.  Come try out some popular country dances of the late 18th and early 19th century. No experience necessary! You’ll also learn about courting rituals of the time. All ages welcome. Make a fan to take home. $1 per fan. Drop-in.
 
7). Hands On! the children’s museum in downtown Hendersonville, presents “Animal Tracks & Fish Prints” on Tuesday, June 25th from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Ages 8-12. Learn about animals by creating track molds and fish prints. $16 non-members / $10 members. Limited spaces & must be registered to attend. Sponsored by Etowah Valley Veterinary Hospital.
 
8). Joel Lane Museum House will sponsor its 23nd Annual Historic Independence Day Open House—An Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration – on Thursday, July 4, 2013, 11 am to 4 p.m.  The house will be open and staffed by costumed docents who will be available to answer your questions. On the grounds, re-enactors will demonstrate various aspects of colonial life, and visitors will be able to participate in hands-on activities such as writing with a quill pen or making rag dolls. There will be old-fashioned crafts and games for the children and free lemonade for all. The garden in its full summer glory will be on view, and herbs and trees will be for sale. In addition to outdoor activities, the circa 1770 plantation manor house, the 1790 “kitchen” building, and the Visitors Center and Museum Shop will be open. For more information, visit the Joel Lane Museum House website at www.joellane.org, call (919) 833-3431 or e-mail joellane@bellsouth.net.
 
9). Charlotte Museum of History - Huzzah! Revolution is in the air! Join us Saturday, July 6th from 1:00 p.m. – 5 p.m. for a special program throughout the Alexander Homesite and learn about Charlotte’s revolutionary past! Talk of liberty and revolution abounds! Hezekiah Alexander discusses the radical actions of the local men, who declared that they were no longer under the rule of Great Britain with the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. Speak with a Colonial woman on her thoughts on weaving homespun and the possibility of war. Tours are offered from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. and last about an hour. Parking is available in the lot at 3500 Shamrock Drive. Tours begin at the American Freedom Bell behind the main building. General Admission is $5, with children under 4 free. We hope to see you there!
 
10). Smith-McDowell House announces Crafty Historian Event for Children on Saturday, July 20th from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the museum.  This month's event features the Little House on the Prairie theme with a crafty activity.  Older children may make a braided rug and younger children will make a small doll.  The "Crafty Historian", Museum Education Coordinator Lisa Whitfield, says "The braided rug takes a little fine motor coordination and include needle and thread as well as braiding skills. The small doll is made with yarn and only requires the ability to tie a knot!" The fee for this event is $3 for anyone making a craft. Reservations are required so that there will be enough supplies for everyone. Call 828-253-9231 or email education@wnchistory.org.

Sunday, June 09, 2013

NCMC Events From Around the State… June 10, 2013



1). A Special Invitation from the North Carolina Humanities Council: Host Smithsonian Institution's Hometown Teams in 2015.  The North Carolina Humanities Council and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service are pleased to announce Hometown Teams” — an exciting Museum on Main Street (MoMS) exhibition to tour North Carolina beginning in February 2015. Rural NC museums, libraries, historic sites, and historical societies are invited to apply as host sites by July 10, 2013. Sites will be determined by the end of September 2013. “Hometown Teams” is comprised of six content sections and an introduction; it requires 900 square feet of floor space, a ceiling height of 8.5 feet, and access to electrical outlets. More information, including the request for proposals is available at www.nchumanities.org.  Questions about “Hometown Teams”? Contact the North Carolina Humanities Council Program Director Darrell Stover at dstover@nchumanities.org or 336.334.5723.

2). Discovery Place will focus on marine animals this June in the their “Explore More Life Lab”.  Splash into a special exploration of cetaceans, pinnipeds, sireans, polar bears and more, and learn about the ways these creatures eat and survive. On Saturdays in June at 11:00 a.m., learn about ocean animals through comparative anatomy dissections in “Dissection Connection”.

3). North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort - What a great time of year to be on the water! Sign up for a kayak trip with the Maritime Museum on June 13th. Associate Curator Benjamin Wunderly will lead you through the salt marshes and sandbars around Beaufort. The sights and sounds of nature will be worth the paddle, the stories about early colonial settlers, local boat builders and old fishing fleets will be an added bonus. Pre-registration is required, please call (252)728-7317.

4). Cleveland County Arts Council is pleased to host a book signing by Jamarica S. Jones, author of "Legacy In Words", a book of poetry, on Thursday, June 13, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Cleveland County Arts Council.  Mrs. Jones is a retired Public Health Nurse. Her poems are inspired by her family, her personal experiences, and the experiences of others.

5). Bellamy Mansion Museum announces that due to Tropical Storm Andrea, “Jazz at the Mansion” that was scheduled last week, will now take place on Thursday, June 13th at 6:30 p.m.  Wonderful songstress Cindy Hospedales, sax virtuoso Daryll Murrill and the band A Step Above will be ready to entertain you with cool jazz!  Tickets are $12 for general admission, $10 for members, and $5 for students with ID. Available at the gate.

6). High Point Museum will offer a walking tour of Washington Street on Saturday, June 15th at 9:00 a.m.  Tour will begin at Changing Tides Cultural Center – 613 Washington Street.  Local Historian Glenn Chavis will give the tour.  Washing Street was a thriving business and entertainment district for High Point’s black community during the period of segregation.  The tour, last approximately 90 minutes, is free of charge but is limited to 20 people so you must call to reserve your spot.  Call the museum at 336-885-1859 to register.

7). Asheville Art Museum opens a new exhibition, Legacy: The Emily Fisher Landau Collection, on Saturday, June 15th. The exhibition features a selection of art works from a historic gift pledged to the Whitney Museum of American Art in 2010 by longtime trustee Emily Fisher Landau.  The exhibition will be celebrated with an Opening Reception on Saturday, July 13 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the North Wing of the Asheville Art Museum.

8). Hands On! the children’s museum in downtown Hendersonville, presents “Local Food Day!” all day on Tuesday, June 18th. Hendersonville Community Co-op coloring sheets, bumper stickers, handouts, snack. Free with $5.00 admission/free for members. Sponsored by the Hendersonville Community Co-op.

9). Joel Lane Museum House will sponsor its 23nd Annual Historic Independence Day Open House—An Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration – on Thursday, July 4, 2013, 11 am to 4 p.m.  The house will be open and staffed by costumed docents who will be available to answer your questions. On the grounds, re-enactors will demonstrate various aspects of colonial life, and visitors will be able to participate in hands-on activities such as writing with a quill pen or making rag dolls. There will be old-fashioned crafts and games for the children and free lemonade for all. The garden in its full summer glory will be on view, and herbs and trees will be for sale. In addition to outdoor activities, the circa 1770 plantation manor house, the 1790 “kitchen” building, and the Visitors Center and Museum Shop will be open. For more information, visit the Joel Lane Museum House website at www.joellane.org, call (919) 833-3431 or e-mail joellane@bellsouth.net.

10). Charlotte Museum of History - During the American Revolution more battles happened in a 100 mile radius of Charlotte than in the other 13 colonies combined. To learn more fun facts like this, join us at the Charlotte Museum of History on July 4th! Our event starts off at 10 AM when Tom Phlegar will give a talk on the Revolutionary War in the Carolinas, from 1780-1781, followed by readings of the Preamble of the Declaration of Independence and the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. Hear the American Freedom Bell Ring, a symbol of Charlotte’s revolutionary past, play colonial games, and learn more about Hezekiah Alexander, a Charlotte patriot, by touring his house. Our July 4th celebration begins at 10 AM and lasts until 1 PM. General admission is $5 and parking is available in the lot at 3500 Shamrock Drive.

11). Wrightsville Beach Museum of History is pleased to announce that Jay Barnes, a Southport native, and renowned expert in the field of hurricane history, will speak about and sign his latest edition of North Carolina's Hurricane History on Thursday, July 18th, at 7 p.m. Mr. Barnes will give his talk at the King Neptune Restaurant, 11 N. Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach, NC. WBMH is pleased to be able to work with King Neptune to hold this event at the historic restaurant in the heart of old Wrightsville Beach.  

12). Smith-McDowell House announces Crafty Historian Event for Children on Saturday, July 20th from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the museum.  This month's event features the Little House on the Prairie theme with a crafty activity.  Older children may make a braided rug and younger children will make a small doll.  The "Crafty Historian", Museum Education Coordinator Lisa Whitfield, says "The braided rug takes a little fine motor coordination and include needle and thread as well as braiding skills. The small doll is made with yarn and only requires the ability to tie a knot!" The fee for this event is $3 for anyone making a craft. Reservations are required so that there will be enough supplies for everyone. Call 828-253-9231 or email education@wnchistory.org.

Wednesday, June 05, 2013

NCMC Events From Around the State… June 3, 2013

1). A Special Invitation from the North Carolina Humanities Council: Host Smithsonian Institution's Hometown Teams in 2015.  The North Carolina Humanities Council and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service are pleased to announce “Hometown Teams” — an exciting Museum on Main Street (MoMS) exhibition to tour North Carolina beginning in February 2015. Rural NC museums, libraries, historic sites, and historical societies are invited to apply as host sites by July 10, 2013. Sites will be determined by the end of September 2013. “Hometown Teams” is comprised of six content sections and an introduction; it requires 900 square feet of floor space, a ceiling height of 8.5 feet, and access to electrical outlets. More information, including the request for proposals is available at www.nchumanities.org.  Questions about “Hometown Teams”? Contact the North Carolina Humanities Council Program Director Darrell Stover at dstover@nchumanities.org or 336.334.5723.

2). The Matthews Heritage Museum will celebrate their grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Saturday, June 8th at 10 a.m.   The Museum is in the Massey - Clark house c. 1880 and features the history of Matthews.  The Museum is a joint effort of the Matthews Historical Foundation and the Town of Matthews and a culmination of several years of effort.  The museum will be regularly open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 4:30.  For more information, please contact the museum by calling 704-708-4996 or emailing them at info@matthewsheritagemuseum.org.

3). President James K. Polk State Historic Site hosts is first of three 2nd Saturday programs this Saturday, June 8th - One Hearth, One Pot.  Join food historian, Clarissa Clifton, from Latta Plantation, in the kitchen house as she demonstrates period open hearth cooking techniques. Hours: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.  Free Admission.

4). North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort - Join us for our 2nd Saturdays celebration on June 8th, part of a North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources series held at historic sites and museums across the state. This first event will highlight the art of catching fish. There will be fish printing, games and coloring crafts. Learn about what it means to be an ethical angler and try your hand at cane pole fishing at our pond simulator! This event is free and will be held from 11 a.m.  to 3 p.m.

5). Hands On! the children’s museum in downtown Hendersonville invites you to make a Father’s Day card for Dad!  Tuesday, June 11th – Friday, June 14th.  All day.  Self-directed do-it-yourself activity.  Sponsored by Drs. Reid & Reid, Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics.  

6). Spencer Doll and Toy Museum presents “Passion for Fashion Day Camp” on Thursday, June 13th from 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Become a supermodel for the day! Bring a white t-shirt for designing!  Cost is $35 (limited to 10 campers).  Bring a lunch.  Snack is provided. RSVP by June 12th.

7). High Point Museum hosts the Guilford Militia Encampment on Saturday, June 15th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  This Revolutionary War Reenactment group returns to the historical park.  Come learn about the life of a Revolutionary War soldier.  All ages welcome. FREE. Drop-in.

8). Cape Fear Museum of History and Science presents “Cape Fear Skies:  Mythological Monsters” on Sunday, June 16th at 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 p.m. Explore the folklore of mythical creatures as you and your family hear tales that have left their mark on the night sky while you view the constellations that inspired those stories. Parental participation is required. Free for members or with admission.

9). The Museum of the Albemarle and Port Discover will hold “Hands-on Historians” and “Sprouting Scientists Summer Camp” beginning Monday, June 17 through Friday, June 21, 2013 from 8:30 a.m. until Noon.  Pre-registration and supply fee required.  For More Information Call 252-335-1453.

10). The Bascom hosts the Mountains in Bloom Garden Festival.   The events on Thursday, July 11, include a luncheon and lecture by Kathryn Crisp Greeley, author of The Collected Tabletop, at 11:30 a.m. and a Volunteer Preview Event from 4 to 6 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, July 12 and 13, fabulous private gardens will be on tour from 9 am to 4 p.m., along with luncheon and the diverse Flower Show exhibits at The Bascom. Mountains in Bloom will culminate with a festive Benefactor Party at The Farm at Old Edwards Inn on Sunday, July 14 at 6 p.m. For more information on Mountains in Bloom and for tickets, go to www.mountainsinbloom.com or contact Claire Cameron, Events Manager, at 828-787-2882 or ccameron@thebascom.org.