NCMC Events From Around the State… September 29, 2014

1). High Point Museum (www.highpointmuseum.org) presents its fourth annual History Rocks! fundraiser at the High Point Museum on Saturday, October 4^th, Noon to 4 pm. It’s a fun-filled day with something for everyone. The event includes food, bake sale, hands-on activities, and demonstrations. Music will be provided by Kozak & the Poets (noon to 1 pm); Flat Blak Cadillac (1:30 pm to 2:30 pm); and Justin Johnson (3 pm to 4 pm). Bring chairs and blankets to sit and listen to the music in our Historical Park. A special feature will be a rock-a-thon to benefit the Historical Society Adopt-An-Artifact program. Artifacts include work table by Peter Thurston, eyeglasses and case owned by David L. Clark and musical notations by John Coltrane. Brad Jones of FOX8 will be the master of ceremonies for the event. Admission is free so come out and support the High Point Historical Society. 

2). The Museum of Anthropology (www.moa.wfu.edu) invites you to Day of the Dead Excursion on Saturday, October 25^th from 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  The Hispanic League, the Museum of Anthropology at Wake Forest University and Sawtooth School collaborated to create this special outing celebrating the Day of the Dead.  The excursion will start in the morning at the Museum of Anthropology for an educational presentation and guided tour of the exhibit Life After Death: The Day of the Dead in Mexico. The exhibit’s centerpiece, a traditional Mexican ofrenda or home altar, serves as the backdrop to teach participants about the celebration’s history, observances, and folk art. After an authentic Mexican meal at the Museum over the lunch hour, participants will move to Sawtooth School for a workshop where veteran mask maker Martina Moore will guide them through each step of the creative process to produce a Day of the Dead inspired mask. Participants will have the option of displaying their masks in the Museum of Anthropology’s exhibition through early December. The excursion is open to ages 14 and over.  The fee is $50 per person.  Visit www.sawtooth.org for information and to register.

3). Historic Oak View County Park (www.wakegov.com/parks/oakview) invites you to Heritage Day on Saturday, October 4^th from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Heritage Day at Historic Oak View County Park is a FREE county fair type event featuring lots of live animals, antique farm equipment displays, heritage crafts, handmade items, live music, antique cars, horse-drawn carriage rides, reenactors, local produce, and much more! Back again this year: a Boutique of quilted and craft items for sale and a live quilt auction with a professional auctioneer at 2 p.m., benefitting Capital Quilters Guild and The Center for Volunteer Caregiving. Visit www.wakegov.com/parks/oakview/events/Pages/heritageday.aspx for more information about Heritage Day.

4). North Carolina Museum of Natural Science (www.naturalsciences.org) invites you to hear the story behind the stunning, extreme weapons we see in the animal world — teeth and horns and claws — and what they can tell us about the way we humans develop and use weapons when biologist and author Douglas J. Emlen presents “Extravagant Weapons: The Story Behind Arms Races in Animals and Men,” at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences’ Daily Planet Theater on Thursday, October 2 at 7pm. Free. All ages welcome.  Come early (6pm) for poster presentations from budding young scientists from the Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity, plus refreshments.

5). Old Salem Museums & Gardens (www.oldsalem.org) presents guest speaker, Robert Edsel, for a special one-night only lecture on the American Perspectives on Wednesday, October 1^st  7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Lower Level/$50, Upper Level/$35. Stevens Center of the UNC School of the Arts. Tickets available through the Stevens Center box office in person, by calling 336-721-1945 or online.

6). The Battleship NORTH CAROLINA (www.battleshipnc.com) invites Batty Battleship's Halloween Bash on Tuesday, October 28^th from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Batty Battleship, brother Buggy and their friends return to the Battleship for a spooktacular trick or treating time.  A lot of fun and no scares it is the best location for the family to share.  But don’t be frightened and don’t you fret we promise we’ll provide a zoo with animals to pet. With candy and sweets there’s plenty of treats you’ll be asking yourself what more should I eat. Batty also announces she will have two very special guests this year, Anna and Elsa from “Frozen”.  Come have fun aboard the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA for the 6th annual Batty Battleship's Halloween Bash. Carnival festivities with henna tattoos, face painting and bounce house included trick-or-treaters of all ages will be begging not to leave. Admission is $5 per person. Kids 2 and under free. Some activities are weather dependent. Thank you to Sunny 104.5 for sponsoring this event.

7). The N.C. Museum of History (www.ncmuseumofhistory.org) invites you to join them in October for fall fun and learning. Don’t miss a reunion of the New Deal String Band, and bring your instrument for the PineCone Bluegrass Jam. While at the museum, be sure to see the exhibit Carolina Bluegrass: Breakdowns and Revivals, featuring Earl Scruggs’ banjo and Doc Watson’s guitar. Bring the kids to the spooktacular Halloween Safe Night at the Museum on October 31. There will be many treats in store throughout the exhibit The Story of North Carolina. Many other children’s programs will take place throughout the month.  If you need advice about caring for a treasured possession, sign up for an appointment during Conservation Assistance Day. Or if you are interested in digital photo restoration, join a workshop with photographer Dr. Brenda Scott.   Visit the N.C. Museum of History’s website and mark your calendar for these October happenings and more at the N.C. Museum of History. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. Parking is free on weekends. 

8). Hands On! A Child's Gallery (www.handsonwnc.org) invites you to visit on Tuesday, October 7^th at 11:00 a.m. for Mad Scientists Lab - Boo-Bubbles! Ages 3 yrs & up. Join Dr. Bunson & Dr. Beaker in the Mad Scientist Lab as they make crazy concoctions. Mad Scientists Lab will be every Tuesday morning at 11:00 a.m. during the month of October and through May. $7 non-members (includes admission for child participating in class); free for members.  Limited spaces. Please call to register. Sponsored by BP Fueling Communities.

9). The Asheville Art Museum (www.ashevilleart.org) is delighted to be hosting the 2014 Urban Loft + Art Tour on Thursday, October 2^nd, an annual event that offers an exclusive opportunity to explore city living at its best. Guests enjoy private tours of downtown Asheville’s most stunning art-filled lofts, followed by a reception that includes live entertainment, drinks and light hors d’oeuvres. Departing from the Museum entrance on the corner of Pack Square and Biltmore Avenue, timed walking tours will begin at 4:30 p.m. and every 15 minutes thereafter. The last tour begins at 6:30 p.m. Each tour lasts approximately 90 minutes.  Early reservations are recommended as space on the tours is limited. Tickets are $50 for members, and $55 for non-members. To purchase tickets, call 828.253.3227 or purchase at www.ashevilleart.org.

10). Tryon Palace (www.tryonpalace.org) is looking for excited volunteers to assist as actors and dancers during its annual candlelight tour. Auditions will be held 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. on Oct. 4 for “Eve of Revolution,” a production focusing on Christmases from various periods of American history, spanning from the Revolutionary War through World War II. Tryon Palace is currently looking for men and women ages 16 and up for speaking and nonspeaking roles, as well as 18th-century period dancers. Auditions will involve a cold reading— please, no prepared monologues—at Tryon Palace’s Waystation Auditorium, located on the corner of Pollock and George Streets. The production, “Eve of Revolution: A Candlelight Celebration,” will be held Dec. 5 (dress rehearsal), 13 and 20 from 4:30-10 p.m., with some flexibility.

For more information about the auditions, please call 252-639-3587.  Tickets to “Eve of Revolution” are now available at the North Carolina History Center and online at www.tryonpalace.org/candlelight.

NCMC Events From Around the State… September 22, 2014

1). The Museum of Anthropology (www.moa.wfu.edu) invites you to their newest exhibit Life after Death:  The Day of the Dead in Mexico.  The MOA’s annual exhibit celebrates the unique Mexican observance of the Day of the Dead.  The exhibit’s centerpiece is a traditional ofrenda, an altar with food and beverage offerings, flowers, sugar skulls, and photos of deceased family members.  The colorful exhibit also features a children’s ofrenda, Mexican folk art with skeleton themes, and a photo essay illustrating the celebration in San Miguel Allende.  The exhibit includes text in English and Spanish.  Admission is free. The exhibit will be on display until December 12, 2014 and is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  For more information, email moa@wfu.edu, or call 336-758-5282.

2). Old Salem Museums & Gardens (www.oldsalem.org) invites you to the 10th Anniversary Tannenberg Organ Concert on September 26^th. Enjoy an evening concert and reception celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Old Salem's 1800 Tannenberg Organ! Featuring Peter DuBois, Assistant Professor of Sacred Music, Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. $15/Adults, $5/Students. Pre-registration suggested.

3). Joel Lane Museum House (www.joellane.org) presents a Genealogy Fair with keynote speaker, Diane Richard on “Joel Lane’s Ancestors, Digging Deeper”.  The program will take place on Saturday, October 4^th at 10:30 a.m.  Admission is $16 for the general public and $11 for members of the Joel Lane Historical Society. Seating is limited, and advanced payment is required. Please go to the Eventbrite web site to purchase admission and enter “Genealogy Fair” in the search box. Be sure to include the names of all in your party; nametags will serve as tickets. Tickets are non-refundable unless we must cancel the event.  For more information, call 919-833-3431, email joellane@bellsouth.net, or visit www.joellane.org.

4). N.C. Transportation Museum (www.nctrans.org) announces that Thomas the Tank Engine and Percy will visit the N.C. Transportation Museum on September 26-28 and October 3-5.  Preschoolers will get the thrill of their lives when Thomas the Tank Engine™ steams across the country this year joined for the very first time by his best friend Percy!  When Thomas and Percy arrive at Spencer, N.C. for the Day Out with Thomas™: The Thrill of the Ride Tour 2014, they will not only take their fans for a ride, but Thomas will also talk to them for the very first time on the tour!  The event, which takes place Sep. 26-28 and Oct. 3-5, will be hosted by the N.C. Transportation Museum and presented by HIT Entertainment and sponsored by MEGA Brands, a leading toy company, and all inclusive Hard Rock Hotels.  Tickets for the Day Out With Thomas: The Thrill of the Ride Tour 2014 are $22 Fridays, $24 weekends, ages 2 and up.  Combination Thomas & Percy Caboose Train tickets are $27 Fridays, $29 weekends.  Museum members receive a $2 discount (Saturday and Sunday only).  The Percy Caboose Train is only available as a combination ticket.  Tickets are on sale now by calling toll-free 866.468.7630 or logging onto www.ticketweb.com/dowt.  For more information and directions, contact the N.C. Transportation Museum at 704-636-2889 or visit www.nctrans.org.  

5). Hands On! A Child's Gallery (www.handsonwnc.org) is hosting "Boo-seum" in October. It is a month long educational extravaganza with a spooky, but fun theme! Experience Halloween themed programming all month focusing on science, literacy, math, art, and cultural festivals.  Join us for Mad Scientists Lab, Batty Book n’ Craft, Magical Arts & Crafts, and more. Admission is $4 all month long – our treat to you!  .  For additional information about educational programs and the facility, please visit www.handsonwnc.org or call 828-697-8333.

6). Bellamy Mansion Museum (www.bellamymansion.org) invites everyone to join them for Family Fun Day on Sunday, September 28^th from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  This free event features: face painting, storytelling, live music, coloring, children's tours of the Mansion, photo ops with cutouts various 19th century games (hoop & stick, checkers, graces), craft tables to make kites, origami, coloring, puppets and holiday ornaments.  The holiday ornaments will be featured on a Bellamy tree at the Betty Cameron Women's & Children's wing of New Hanover Regional Medical Center.  There will be children's tours of the Bellamy Mansion and storytellers.  There will be farm animals including chickens, pony rides and a petting area.  *Rain date: Sunday, October 5^th from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

7). The N.C. Museum of History (www.ncmuseumofhistory.org) welcomes international jazz vocalist Yolanda Hall of Durham, who has a voice that is alluring, passionate and timeless. As her sultry voice flows smoothly from soprano to baritone and back again, her remarkable range and interpretation of lyrics will take you on a musical journey.  The mezzo-soprano will present a special afternoon of jazz and spirituals during Sounds of Stagville: An Afternoon with Yolanda Hall on Sunday, September 28^th, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.  Later in the program, the vocalist will sing soul-stirring spirituals. Hall provided the soundtrack for the museum exhibit Stagville: Black & White, featuring Dr. Brenda Scott’s photographs of Stagville State Historic Site in Durham. The soundtrack includes traditional Negro spirituals and “Echo of Stagville,” an original work. Prior to the Civil War, approximately 900 enslaved individuals lived at Stagville plantation.  As part of Sunday’s event, Ricky Hart, a descendant of enslaved persons at Stagville plantation, will recite “Still I Rise,” a poem by Maya Angelou.  After the performance, be sure to stop by the exhibit gallery to meet Hall and Scott.  Tickets cost $10 per person, $8 for museum members. To register, call 919-807-7992 or visit www.NCMOH-education.com.  

8). Museum of the Albemarle (www.museumofthealbemarle.com) will host a fall decorating workshop on Saturday, September 27, 10 a.m. until noon.  During the workshop participants will choose to design a wreath, cornucopia, or a centerpiece.  The fall materials will be provided in the workshop fee as well as a luncheon after the completion of the projects.  The workshop is designed for teens and adults.  Groups may schedule this workshop on an alternate day.  Preregistration and supply fee is required. $30.00 ~ FOMOA member; $35.00 ~ nonmember.For more information concerning the event call 252-335-1453.

9). The Asheville Art Museum (www.ashevilleart.org) is pleased to present a reception and gallery talk on Friday, September 26^th at 5:00 p.m. to celebrate the opening of Mary Frank: Finding My Way Home. The exhibition, which runs from September 26, 2014 – January 18, 2015, presents a broad survey of Frank’s work from across her long and accomplished career. The Museum is thrilled that Mary Frank will be in the gallery to give a talk as part of the opening reception.

10). The Battleship NORTH CAROLINA (www.battleshipnc.com) invites you to Hidden Battleship on Saturday, October 11^th from 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.  For the explorer at heart, bring a friend and join us for a unique, behind-the-scenes tour of un-restored areas of the Battleship. The four-hour tour consists of small groups with guides. Guests explore the bow (officers' country and boatswain locker), third deck (Radio II, brig, after gyro, storage rooms, ammunition handling, Engineer's office, torpedo area), Engine room #1, and climb inside the fire control tower to the top of the ship. The Azalea Coast Radio Club will be in Radio II to explain their work on the ship's radio transmitters. It’s the tour that brings out the “Indiana Jones” in all of us, without the snakes!  The tour is limited to ages 16 and older and limited to 40 participants. It is not appropriate for those who have difficulty climbing narrow ladders or over knee-high hatches. Wear warm, comfortable, washable clothing, sturdy, rubber-soled shoes and bring a camera! Registration and payment are due by Thursday, October 9th. Tour is $50/$45 for Friends of the Battleship or active military. Call 910-251-5797 for reservations.

NCMC Events From Around the State… September 15, 2014

1). The Battleship NORTH CAROLINA (www.battleshipnc.com) invites you to “Battleship Alive” on Saturday, September 27^th from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Since 1997, the Living History Crew weekends have been a tradition at the battleship in the program called "Battleship Alive."  The Living History Crew provides insight into the daily life and routine of the crew aboard the USS NORTH CAROLINA by explaining the duties specific to the sailor's ratings (jobs) and demonstrates activities that occurred aboard the ship. A great event for all ages. Bring your questions and cameras! Included with Battleship admission.

2). Old Salem Museums & Gardens (www.oldsalem.org) invites you to MESDA Saturday Seminar: Southern Silver: Recent Findings on September 20^th.  Presenters will discuss how to become a silver expert, Annapolis silversmith and clockmaker William Faris; Philadelphia silver in the South; and new in the MESDA silver collection. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. $65 ($60 for Friends of MESDA/Old Salem). To register, call 336-721-7360.

3). Joel Lane Museum House (www.joellane.org) presents a lecture on "Was I Born for This? North Carolina Slave Voices” by Dr. Lucinda McKethan  on Thursday, October 2^nd at 7:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served.  Admission is $15 for the general public and $10 for members of the Joel Lane Historical Society. Advanced purchase is required, and seating is very limited.  Contact Information: tel: (919) 833-3431; email: joellane@bellsouth.net

4). N.C. Transportation Museum (www.nctrans.org) announces that Thomas the Tank Engine and Percy will visit the N.C. Transportation Museum on September 26-28 and October 3-5.  Preschoolers will get the thrill of their lives when Thomas the Tank Engine™ steams across the country this year joined for the very first time by his best friend Percy!  When Thomas and Percy arrive at Spencer, N.C. for the Day Out with Thomas™: The Thrill of the Ride Tour 2014, they will not only take their fans for a ride, but Thomas will also talk to them for the very first time on the tour!  The event, which takes place Sep. 26-28 and Oct. 3-5, will be hosted by the N.C. Transportation Museum and presented by HIT Entertainment and sponsored by MEGA Brands, a leading toy company, and all inclusive Hard Rock Hotels.  Tickets for the Day Out With Thomas: The Thrill of the Ride Tour 2014 are $22 Fridays, $24 weekends, ages 2 and up.  Combination Thomas & Percy Caboose Train tickets are $27 Fridays, $29 weekends.  Museum members receive a $2 discount (Saturday and Sunday only).  The Percy Caboose Train is only available as a combination ticket.  Tickets are on sale now by calling toll-free 866.468.7630 or logging onto www.ticketweb.com/dowt.  For more information and directions, contact the N.C. Transportation Museum at 704-636-2889 or visit www.nctrans.org.  

5). New Winston Museum (www.newwinston.org) is pleased to announce the opening of a new exhibit, “This School, This City: Celebrating 50 Years of University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem,” on September 19th, 2014. “This School, This City” is a public history project and a season of exhibition and programming at New Winston Museum taking place in conjunction with UNCSA’s 50th Anniversary celebration. Co-curated by New Winston Museum’s Director of Education and Programming, Chris Jordan, and UNCSA Division of Liberal Arts faculty, Michael Wakeford, “This School, This City” is a multi¬tiered project that will run from September 2014 through July 2015.

6). Bellamy Mansion Museum (www.bellamymansion.org) invites everyone to join them for Family Fun Day on Sunday, September 28^th from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  This free event features: face painting, storytelling, live music, coloring, children's tours of the Mansion, photo ops with cutouts various 19th century games (hoop & stick, checkers, graces), craft tables to make kites, origami, coloring, puppets and holiday ornaments.  The holiday ornaments will be featured on a Bellamy tree at the Betty Cameron Women's & Children's wing of New Hanover Regional Medical Center.  There will be children's tours of the Bellamy Mansion and storytellers.  There will be farm animals including chickens, pony rides and a petting area.  *Rain date: Sunday, October 5^th from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

7). The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum (www.ncmaritimemuseums.com) announces Salty Dawgs: All About Shrimp! on September 23^rd at 2:00 p.m.  Cookbook author and chef, Sharon Peele Kennedy, presents the art of cooking shrimp. Enjoy a down home presentation by this lively and learned lady.  Free admission. Email: maryellen.riddle@ncdcr.gov.  252-986-2995, Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, 59200 Museum Drive, Hatteras, NC 27943.  www.ncmaritimemuseums.com.

8). Museum of the Albemarle (www.museumofthealbemarle.com) will host the exhibit Steeped in Time: Tea and Traditions, beginning Saturday, September 27^th.  This exhibit highlights the centuries old history of one of the world’s favorite beverages.  Opening reception activities include activities for everyone.  One of the rivals to the new drink, tea, was a chocolate drink.   American Heritage Chocolate, a division of MARS Inc., will be demonstrating the colonial method of processing chocolate.  Colonial time chocolate had a distinct taste quite different from the chocolate of today as you will be able to taste yourself in the free samples of this frothy drink that will be offered.  All about Tea, our most current Cart-A-Fact program will be presented by the members of our volunteer group.  This cart will allow you to touch and investigate the material objects of the tea experience.  Princes and princesses of all ages are invited to come and enjoy an enchanting moment with Ms. Patti’s Little Princess Tea Parties. Dress in your favorite royal attire and join Belle for lemonade and cookies and a quick lesson on proper table manners. Bring a royal smile and a camera for a lasting princess memory.  For more information concerning the event call 252-335-1453.

9). The Asheville Art Museum (www.ashevilleart.org) is thrilled to be participating in Highland Brewing’s Crafted Kegs event on Saturday, September 27th to honor the arts community of Western North Carolina and kick off the beginning of American Craft Week (October 3–12). Highland Brewing gave each participating arts organization an empty keg to decorate in their own way, and during the event two winners (judge’s choice and people’s choice) will receive $500 to benefit their organization. The Museum is excited about its unique keg design and encourages its supporters to come to the brewery on September 27^th, 2:00 – 9:00 p.m. and vote! The event will feature food trucks, live music, local gelato and a community keg that anyone in attendance can help decorate.

10). The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher (www.ncaquariums.com) invites the public to “Reel Fun Fishing Day,” 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 27^th.  Visitors can catch best fishing practices and tips and discover the lure of cast netting. Cooks in the family may enjoy a fish filleting demonstration. Little anglers casting about for games and activities won’t be disappointed when they learn to tie helpful nautical knots and create take-home crafts. Guests explore more during hands-on programs including surf fishing classes, crabbing expeditions and the opportunity to be an Aquarist Apprentice.  “Reel Fun Fishing Day” is free with Aquarium admission. Classes and tours are an additional fee. Preregister for classes at ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher or call 910.458.7468.