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.