NCMC Events From Around the State… January 12, 2015

NCMC is now accepting applications for scholarships that will support four students attending the annual conference, to be held March 29-30, 2015 in Durham. Recipients receive free conference registration and $125 for travel and lodging expenses.  They will be recognized during the conference awards ceremony and will receive a one-year student membership in NCMC. The award is open to currently enrolled graduate and undergraduate students interested in museum careers.  To apply please follow the link: http://www.ncmuseums.org/conf_scholorship.asp

Internship Funding Available For Museums! Do you want to offer an internship but find your museum strapped for cash? Would you like a student intern with new ideas, energy, and skills? NCMC will provide the winning institution $1500 to pay an intern for summer 2015. Applicants must be NCMC institutional members.  For further details and application process please visit: http://www.ncmuseums.org/intern.asp

1). The Mount Airy Museum of Regional History (www.northcarolinamuseum.org) presents “In the Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Surry Countians Continuing the Dream” on Saturday January 17^th, 7-8:30 p.m. This program of healing will focus on the sacrifices, love, learning, service, perseverance, and hope of the African-American community of Surry County. Light refreshments will follow the program. Free admission, donations accepted. For more information please call 336-786-4478.

2). Town of Cary (www.townofcary.org) celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with “MLK, Jr. Dreamfest.”  On Saturday, January 17 at noon, Mrs. Naomi King, widow of A.D. King and sister-in-law of Dr. King, will share how she worked behind the scenes to fulfil Dr.King’s dreams for community. Mrs. King’s story is the inspiration for A.D. King: Brother to the Dreamer, a documentary film that will be shown in conjunction with Mrs. King’s visit, at The Cary Theater (122 E. Chatham St., Cary). On Sunday, January 18, come to the Page-Walker Arts & History Center (119 Ambassador Loop, Cary) for “An Arts Tribute to Martin.” Featuring “I Rise Still,” a dramatic presentation of collective works by black writers, the event begins at 3 p.m. On Monday, January 18, MLK, Jr. Dreamfest activities continue with participation in the annual MLK commemorative march in downtown Raleigh. Round trip transportation from the Cary Town Hall campus will depart for Raleigh at 10 a.m.  Seating is limited, call (919) 460-4963 to reserve. Also on Monday, help out at Middle Creek Community Center (123 Middle Creek Park Ave., Cary) during the MLK, Jr. Day of Service, coordinated by the Town of Cary Spruce program. To register for a space at the 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. service opportunity, call (919) 469-4301.  All ages and backgrounds are invited to participate in these FREE events celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

3). Cowan Museum of History and Science (www.cowanmuseum.org) presents Old Rocks, Young Minds, February 13 – April 13, 2015, an exhibit comprised of research done by students of the Duplin County Early College. The exhibit explores the layered evidence of the earth’s rocks, minerals and fossils, which can be read almost like pages in a book when one understands the different types of rocks and how they form and continually change. Visitors will be able to make their own fossils to take home. An opening reception is scheduled for Friday, February 13, 2015, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with a coinciding Winter Festival.

4). Asheville Art Museum (www.ashevilleart.org) is excited to host its annual Toast Asheville event on Thursday, February 5^th from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.  On this festive evening, music will fill the Museum’s Atrium as guests enjoy samples of the region’s delicious beer, wine and spirits as well as tastes from local chefs and eateries. A silent auction will feature art, gift packages and items from local distributors, wineries and breweries.  $30 for members, $35 for non-members, $40 at the door. Reserve tickets by calling 828.253.3227 or visiting www.ashevilleart.org.

5). NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher (www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher) celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with free general admission fees on Monday, January 19th. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is one of two holidays each year the N.C. Aquariums offer visitors free admission. The other day is Veterans Day in November. Many area schools are closed for the holiday. Children ages 5 to 12 are invited to spend a fun-filled day at AquaCamp. Preregistration for the camps is necessary.  Campers discover why sharks, dolphins and alligators are kings of their watery world! Campers will learn how these hunters are specially adapted for ruling their environments. Live animal presentations, crafts and aquarium activities are all part of this exciting program. Snacks are provided. Campers need to bring a bag lunch. Preregistration is required. The Aquarium offers limited transportation to and from this camp from the Monkey Junction area. Limited space is available. An additional fee and preregistration is required.  Call (910) 458-7468 or visit ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher to register online.

6). N.C. Museum of History (www.ncmuseumofhistory.org) invites you to kick off Black History Month one day early at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh. Join the excitement of the 14th Annual African American Cultural Celebration on Saturday, January 31^st from 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. More than 75 presenters, including musicians, storytellers, dancers, historians, playwrights, authors, artists, re-enactors and chefs, will participate in this free festival, named a “Top 20 Event” in 2014 by the Southeast Tourism Society. There are activities for all ages at this family-friendly celebration. The 2015 celebration’s theme is Let Freedom Sing! Bring the whole family for this educational and fun experience. The festival is supported by the N.C. African American Heritage Commission, the City of Raleigh Arts Commission, United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County, and Food Lion.

7). SECCA (www.secca.org) invites you to the opening reception of the Collective Actions exhibition on Wednesday, January 21^st, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.  This reception launches the show's ongoing community participation with a performance by international artist Adelita Husni Bey and teen arts organization Authoring Action.  Refreshments and a cash bar will be provided. Admission is free and open to the public.

8). The Matthews Heritage Museum (www.matthewsheritagemuseum.org) is pleased to announce its next exhibit Widgets and Thing-a-ma-Jigs, opening on January 17^th and running through April 18^th. Have you ever come across an object and didn’t know what it is?  A tool from another time, no longer used by the general public?  Well, The Matthews Heritage Museum has a whole exhibit of items that might stump even antique lovers!  This is an excellent exhibit for school children, home schoolers, scouts and senior groups.  The Matthews Heritage Museum is open to the public Thursday – Saturday from 10 to 4:30.  A small admission fee is charged.  Children under 10 are free.  The first Saturday of every month is Free for all.

9). Spencer Doll & Toy Museum (www.spencerdollandtoymuseum.com) announces the opening of their African American Doll Exhibit in February. Everyone has a story to tell. African American history is filled with stories of enslaved Africans captured and relocated to a strange land and bravely asserting their own cultures. Black dolls have played a critical role in building a diverse American society and rich African American culture. Admission fee applies.

10). Museum of the Cape Fear (www.museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov) and the Cumberland County Library are hosting the 14th Annual Civil War Quiz Bowl on January 29^th, at 7:00 p.m. The quiz bowl is much like a game show. Over the years it has been enjoyed by the contestants, who fancy the Civil War, and those who like watching the competition. Emcee, and founder of the program, Jim Greathouse, will ask contestants questions from among 10 categories. Each contestant is allowed two strikes before they are out of the game. Winners are chosen among the last contestants remaining in two age groups: 16 and under for the youth category, and 17 and up is the adult category winner. Their prize? A gift card to spend on more books.  Spectators are welcome! If you are interested in participating or need more information, call the museum at 910-486-1330 to sign up or email leisa.greathouse@ncdcr.gov. People can also sign up at the door and contestants will be admitted until 20 spaces are filled.