ncmuseums

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

Monday, December 28, 2015

NCMC Events from Around the State… December 28, 2015

1). Mount Airy Museum of Regional History (www.northcarolinamuseum.org) invites you to ring in the New Year with them on Thursday, December 31st from 9:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.  Music will be provided by the band, Face the Music.  Tickets are $25, tax included and all ticket proceeds will benefit the Museum.  Countdown the New Year with the 2nd annual Sheriff Andy Badge Drop from the Museum roof at midnight. Please call 336-786-4478 for more information or to purchase your tickets.

2). Hands On! (www.handsonwnc.org), a Child's Gallery in Hendersonville, invites you to World Braille Days @ Hands On! from Tuesday, January 5th – Friday, January 8th.  Learn to write your name in Braille, experience Braille books and see how 6 dots changed the world. All ages. Sponsored by Drs. Alison & Richard Reid, Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. Free with $5 admission/free for members.

3). The Battleship NORTH CAROLINA (www.battleshipnc.com) invites you to their program, Hidden Battleship, on January 9th from 12:00 – 4:30 p.m. For the explorer at heart, bring a friend and join them 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, boatswain locker, and descend to the bottom of the ship), third deck (Radio II, brig, after gyro, storage rooms, ammunition handling, Engineer's office), Engine room #1, superstructure (Captain’s cabin, armored conning tower, maintenance shops), reefer, aft diesel, 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.  The program is for adults only (ages 16 and up) 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 Thursday before the event. $50 per person. $45 for Friends members or active military.

4). High Point Museum (www.highpointmuseum.org) invites you to You Can Go Back to the Plantation: Plantation Records for Genealogical Research on Sunday, January 10th from 3 - 4:30 p.m. at High Point Public Library, Morgan Room.  Lamar DeLoatch of the Piedmont-Triad Chapter, Afro-American Genealogical and Historical Society will join in to discuss private plantation records and other public materials that illuminate the lives of enslaved people on the farms on which they lived and worked. Descendants should not despair in finding these records, even though much effort may be required. No preregistration required. For more information, contact the Heritage Research Center at 883-3637 or ncroom@highpointnc.gov.

5). Charlotte Museum of History (www.charlottemuseum.org) invites you to Twelfth Night on January 9th from 6:00 - 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. $8 for members; $10 for public; $5 for ages 6-12; Free for under 6. Please go online to charlottemuseum.org to register.

6). Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (www.secca.org) announces that tickets are now on sale for Crossroads @ SECCA #014: Phil Cook.  The performance will take place on Friday, January 22, 2016. The Dead Tongues and Daniel Bachman will open the triple bill. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite and www.secca.org.

7). Cameron Art Museum (www.cameronartmuseum.org) invites you to the Museum School featured Workshop, New Year, New Moment: A Mindfulness-Based Mandala Drawing Workshop on Sunday, January 3rd, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Pancoe Art Ed. Center.  Mandala is the Sanskrit word for “circle” and mandala circle images have been used in many ancient traditions as a representation of self, wholeness, healing or the universe. Participants in this class learn how to draw their own mandalas using art materials supplied by the instructor. Those who participate also learn a creative way to lessen tension and in­crease self-awareness in one’s life. $50/$40 CAM member if registered before December 29th, $65/$55 CAM member after the 29th.

8). The N.C. Transportation Museum (www.nctrans.org) welcomed a 159 year old locomotive for historical research and restoration on Tuesday, December 22nd.  The Civil War era 1856 Texas locomotive, famed as part of the Great Locomotive Chase of the Civil War and one of the city of Atlanta’s most treasured objects, is expected to remain in Spencer for the majority of 2016.  The public will be able to witness much of the restoration as it takes place in the museum’s Bob Julian Roundhouse. The building’s open repair bays will allow visitors to see the engine, while special tours and other programming are planned for an up close view.  At the conclusion of the restoration, the Texas will return to Atlanta to appear in its new home, now under construction, at the Atlanta History Center.   

9). The Asheville Art Museum (www.ashevilleart.org) is offering visitors the opportunity to view a number of unique and diverse works from its Permanent Collection in an exhibition on view in its Appleby Foundation Gallery through February 14th, 2016. Collectors’ Circle: Celebrating Recent Gifts features gifts of art made in 2014 and 2015 by the Museum’s Collectors’ Circle.  The Museum’s Collectors’ Circle is a membership group that encourages the exchange of ideas and interests, art learning, connoisseurship and collecting. As a vibrant and critical source of support, they are dedicated to growing the Museum’s Permanent Collection through annual gifts of artwork, selected and presented in partnership with the Curatorial staff. The Museum’s fundamental collection focus is American art of the 20th and 21st centuries. Underlying this, and within the overriding context of American art, is a concentration on work with significance to the Southeast. For more information about this and other exhibitions on view at the Asheville Art Museum, please visit www.ashevilleart.org.


10). Greensboro Science Center (www.greensboroscience.org) invites families to come have some barnyard fun at the Pajama Jam on Friday, January 22nd. From 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. the Center will be transformed into an after-hours “farmtastic” barnyard party designed especially for families with children ages 12 and younger. Children - and accompanying adults - are encouraged to wear pajamas and jam with the Greensboro Science Center and Chick-fil-A by enjoying awesome activities such as: games, face painting, balloon animals, animal encounters, crafts, dancing to the rockin’ tunes of Big Bang Boom, “Tot Rock” show playing in the OmniSphere Theater, Photo Ops with the Chick-fil-A cows, and tasty treats and drinks provided by Chick-fil-A (included in ticket price). Admission to Pajama Jam is $10 (plus tax) for Greensboro Science Center Members and $12 (plus tax) for Non-Members. Children 2 and under are free. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased on site or over the phone at 336-288-3769. Capacity is limited but walk-ups are welcome, based on ticket availability. For more information, visit: http://greensboroscience.org/events/special/pajamajam/

Monday, December 21, 2015

NCMC Events from Around the State… December 21, 2015

1). Mount Airy Museum of Regional History (www.northcarolinamuseum.org) invites you to ring in the New Year with them on Thursday, December 31st from 9:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.  Music will be provided by the band, Face the Music.  Tickets are $25, tax included and all ticket proceeds will benefit the Museum.  Countdown the New Year with the 2nd annual Sheriff Andy Badge Drop from the Museum roof at midnight. Please call 336-786-4478 for more information or to purchase your tickets.

2). Hands On! (www.handsonwnc.org), a Child's Gallery in Hendersonville, invites you HOLLY-DAYS WORKSHOPS AT HANDS ON!  On Wednesday, December 23rd from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. join them for Elves Workshop – Felted Ornaments. Ages 7 years & up.  Learn how to make felt ornaments to decorate with or to give as gifts. $20 non-members (includes admission for child participating in workshop); $12 for members. Pre-registration required. Call 697-8333 to register.

3). Charlotte Museum of History (www.charlottemuseum.org) invites you to a Downton Abbey Tea on January 3rd from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. This event celebrates the final season of Downton Abbey. Join us as we recap the previous seasons and make predictions about how the series will end. The predictions will be put into a time capsule to be opened at our final Downton Abbey Tea. The tea will feature dishes eaten on Downton Abbey. $20 for members; $25 for public. Please go online to charlottemuseum.org to register.

4). Cameron Art Museum (www.cameronartmuseum.org) invites you to join them for Group Singing: Wilmington Sacred Harp Singers on Sunday, December 27th at Weyerhaeuser Reception Hall.  1:30 p.m. is instruction for beginners, and 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. is the main program for everyone. Songbooks provided, and beginners are welcome! This program is free and open to the public, but donations are appreciated.  Sacred Harp Singing is a dynamic form of a cappella social singing that dates back to Colonial America. Sacred Harp and related shape-note styles are the oldest continuous singing traditions in the United States. The music is loud, vigorous and intense. It is meant to be sung, not just observed. No previous experience is necessary. Learn more about this singing at http://bit.ly/WilmNCSacredHarp.

5). Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (www.secca.org) invites you to the Camel City Jazz New Year’s Eve Party @ SECCA on Thursday, December 31st from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.  Dress to the nines for an evening at SECCA's historic mansion and galleries. Enjoy a concert hall performance by Winston-Salem's own Big Band and after-party with more live music. Hors d'oeuvres and full bar service from our friends at Milner's and Jeffrey Adams, dessert and cordial bar, champagne toast. Proceeds jointly benefit SECCA and Camel City Jazz Orchestra. Tickets are $150 per person or $280 per couple. To purchase tickets contact Connie Schroeder: (336) 397-2104 or connie.schroeder@secca.org. Call Now - Tickets are limited!

6). The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching in Cullowhee (www.nccat.org) announces the touring exhibit, “Understanding our Past, Shaping our Future,” is now on view at their Center.  The interactive presentation focuses on Cherokee language and culture, using sound recordings as the basis for representing a coherent story in words and text.  Designed to include community input as a way to develop its content, major themes include Cherokee Homeland, Heritage Sites, Tourism, Family, and Community Celebrations.  The exhibit is sponsored by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians with funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.  The exhibit remains open through January 21, 2016. For directions and hours, visit: www.nccat.org.

7). The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences at Whiteville (www.naturalsciences.org) presents “Science Cinema,” on Saturday, December 26th, featuring Disneynature’s “Monkey Kingdom.” This spectacular tale is set among ancient ruins in the jungles of South Asia. Maya, a clever and resourceful monkey, finds her world forever changed when she welcomes her son Kip into her colorful extended family. Maya and her family will make you laugh and warm your heart as she realizes her dreams for her son’s future.  This free 81-minute film will be shown at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. This film is rated G. The last Saturday of each month the museum will be showing engaging nature and science films perfect for the entire family. Science Cinema programming is funded by a grant from the International Paper Foundation.   Admission is free, but donations are greatly appreciated. For more information, please call the museum at 910-914-4185 or email Whiteville@naturalsciences.org.     

8). The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (www.blowingrockmuseum.org) invites children aged 6 years and older to a two-day puppet-making workshop with artist Julie DelRosso on two consecutive Mondays: January 4 and 11. In this class, children will choose a character from a chosen folk tale, and construct their own, large-scale puppets. They will get to breathe life into the puppets they build by animating the puppets in the Winterfest Snowflake Parade in downtown Blowing Rock on January 30, 2016, at 3 p.m. Preregistration is required for this two-day workshop, and ideally participants should be available to walk in the Snowflake Parade, which is part of Blowing Rock’s many Winterfest festivities. Cost is $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers. Register by phone 828.295.9099 or in person at the Museum.

9). Hickory Museum of Art (www.HickoryArt.org), together with Catawba Valley Camera Club, presents an evening with international photojournalist Steve McCurry on Saturday, January 9th, at Hickory Museum of Art and SALT Block Auditorium. The evening program is being held in conjunction with the Museum’s limited engagement exhibition, Unexpected Beauty: Views from the Lens of Steve McCurry. The exhibition includes 69 images, including one of McCurry’s most recognizable photographs – that of a young girl named Sharbat Gula – taken in December, 1984, in a refugee camp near Peshawar, Pakistan. Visitors can view exhibit images in the Museum’s Coe and Entrance galleries through May 8, 2016.  An Evening with Steve McCurry starts with a reception at 6 p.m. in the second floor Coe Gallery of Hickory Museum of Art. The artist reception includes drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres and reserved seating for the Artist’s Talk in the SALT Block Auditorium. Cost to attend the reception is $50 per person for HMA and Catawba Valley Camera Club members, and $75 per person for nonmembers. McCurry will present a talk with Q&A at 7:30 p.m. in the SALT Block Auditorium. A book signing will follow the talk in the Museum’s Coe Gallery. Cost to attend the Artist’s Talk only is $20 per person for HMA and Catawba Valley Camera Club members, and $35 per person for nonmembers. Prices include tax. Space is limited for both the reception and talk. To reserve space, call 828-327-8576 or visit www.HickoryArt.org.


10). Greensboro Historical Museum (www.GreensboroHistory.org) reminds you that there is still time to join in the mouse hunt! It’s the kind of mouse hunt everyone will enjoy. Little felt critters, dressed for the holidays, have made their home in museum exhibits, and smiles are guaranteed for the seek and find in every gallery. Our Mousetastical friends are having lots of fun, too, from checking out a First Lady’s fancy slippers to sneaking into a movie theatre, and will remind you to make a peppermint cane mouse to take home. The hunt will continue through Sunday, January 3rd. The Museum is open Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and on Sundays from 2-5 p.m. It is closed Mondays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

NCMC Events from Around the State… December 14, 2015

1). New Winston Museum (www.newwinston.org) presents the December Salon Series: “Sisters in Flight” on Thursday, December 17th from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. This panel discussion will shed light on Piedmont Airlines’ female pioneers. Prior to the 1960s, women had very little role in the air travel industry. Beginning as “flight” attendants, and later as pilots, women slowly carved out a space within the male-dominated field. Former Piedmont pilots Sandy Gitter and Connie Tobias, and former Piedmont flight attendant Nancy Robinson will share memories of the early days of women flying the friendly skies. Our special guest moderator is historian and Dean of Wake Forest College, Dr. Michele Gillespie! Dr. Gillespie will ask our panelists questions that will help illuminate the place that their individual stories hold in the bigger picture of gender, labor, and equality in our countries history. Admission is free and donations are gladly accepted. Please visit the web site at www.newwinston.org or call 336.724.2842 for more information.

2). Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (www.secca.org) invites you to the Camel City Jazz New Year’s Eve Party @ SECCA on Thursday, December 31st from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.  Dress to the nines for an evening at SECCA's historic mansion and galleries. Enjoy a concert hall performance by Winston-Salem's own Big Band and after-party with more live music. Hors d'oeuvres and full bar service from our friends at Milner's and Jeffrey Adams, dessert and cordial bar, champagne toast. Proceeds jointly benefit SECCA and Camel City Jazz Orchestra. Tickets are $150 per person or $280 per couple. To purchase tickets contact Connie Schroeder: (336) 397-2104 or connie.schroeder@secca.org. Call Now - Tickets are limited!

3). Hands On! (www.handsonwnc.org), a Child's Gallery in Hendersonville, invites you HOLLY-DAYS WORKSHOPS AT HANDS ON!  On Monday, December 21st from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. join them for Engineer Workshop – Misfit Toys. Ages 7 years & up. Come be an elf engineer by creating new toy creations from re-purposed toys that need to be loved! $20 non-members (includes admission for child participating in workshop); $12 for members. Pre-registration required. Call 697-8333 to register.

4). The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching in Cullowhee (www.nccat.org) announces the touring exhibit, “Understanding our Past, Shaping our Future,” is now on view at their Center.  The interactive presentation focuses on Cherokee language and culture, using sound recordings as the basis for representing a coherent story in words and text.  Designed to include community input as a way to develop its content, major themes include Cherokee Homeland, Heritage Sites, Tourism, Family, and Community Celebrations.  The exhibit is sponsored by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians with funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.  The exhibit remains open through January 21, 2016. For directions and hours, visit: www.nccat.org.

5). The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences at Whiteville (www.naturalsciences.org) presents “Science Cinema,” on Saturday, December 26th, featuring Disneynature’s “Monkey Kingdom.” This spectacular tale is set among ancient ruins in the jungles of South Asia. Maya, a clever and resourceful monkey, finds her world forever changed when she welcomes her son Kip into her colorful extended family. Maya and her family will make you laugh and warm your heart as she realizes her dreams for her son’s future.  This free 81-minute film will be shown at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. This film is rated G. The last Saturday of each month the museum will be showing engaging nature and science films perfect for the entire family. Science Cinema programming is funded by a grant from the International Paper Foundation.   Admission is free, but donations are greatly appreciated. For more information, please call the museum at 910-914-4185 or email Whiteville@naturalsciences.org.     

6). Charlotte Museum of History (www.charlottemuseum.org) invites you to two sessions of Backcountry Explorers - NC: Colony to State, offered on January 2nd from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and January 7th from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.  In this series of classes, students ages 6-12 will immerse themselves in Colonial history. Grab your explorer’s badge and join us as we discover Colonial life at the Hezekiah Alexander Home Site and create hands-on projects. $10 per student. Please go online to charlottemuseum.org to register.

7). The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (www.blowingrockmuseum.org) invites children aged 6 years and older to a two-day puppet-making workshop with artist Julie DelRosso on two consecutive Mondays: January 4 and 11. In this class, children will choose a character from a chosen folk tale, and construct their own, large-scale puppets. They will get to breathe life into the puppets they build by animating the puppets in the Winterfest Snowflake Parade in downtown Blowing Rock on January 30, 2016, at 3 p.m. Preregistration is required for this two-day workshop, and ideally participants should be available to walk in the Snowflake Parade, which is part of Blowing Rock’s many Winterfest festivities. Cost is $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers. Register by phone 828.295.9099 or in person at the Museum.

8). Hickory Museum of Art (www.HickoryArt.org), together with Catawba Valley Camera Club, presents an evening with international photojournalist Steve McCurry on Saturday, January 9th, at Hickory Museum of Art and SALT Block Auditorium. The evening program is being held in conjunction with the Museum’s limited engagement exhibition, Unexpected Beauty: Views from the Lens of Steve McCurry. The exhibition includes 69 images, including one of McCurry’s most recognizable photographs – that of a young girl named Sharbat Gula – taken in December, 1984, in a refugee camp near Peshawar, Pakistan. Visitors can view exhibit images in the Museum’s Coe and Entrance galleries through May 8, 2016.  An Evening with Steve McCurry starts with a reception at 6 p.m. in the second floor Coe Gallery of Hickory Museum of Art. The artist reception includes drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres and reserved seating for the Artist’s Talk in the SALT Block Auditorium. Cost to attend the reception is $50 per person for HMA and Catawba Valley Camera Club members, and $75 per person for nonmembers. McCurry will present a talk with Q&A at 7:30 p.m. in the SALT Block Auditorium. A book signing will follow the talk in the Museum’s Coe Gallery. Cost to attend the Artist’s Talk only is $20 per person for HMA and Catawba Valley Camera Club members, and $35 per person for nonmembers. Prices include tax. Space is limited for both the reception and talk. To reserve space, call 828-327-8576 or visit www.HickoryArt.org.

9). Greensboro Historical Museum (www.GreensboroHistory.org) reminds you that there is still time to join in the mouse hunt! It’s the kind of mouse hunt everyone will enjoy. Little felt critters, dressed for the holidays, have made their home in museum exhibits, and smiles are guaranteed for the seek and find in every gallery. Our Mousetastical friends are having lots of fun, too, from checking out a First Lady’s fancy slippers to sneaking into a movie theatre, and will remind you to make a peppermint cane mouse to take home. The hunt will continue through Sunday, January 3rd. The Museum is open Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and on Sundays from 2-5 p.m. It is closed Mondays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.


10). Mount Airy Museum of Regional History (www.northcarolinamuseum.org) invites you to ring in the New Year with them on Thursday, December 31st from 9:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.  Music will be provided by the band, Face the Music.  Tickets are $25, tax included and all ticket proceeds will benefit the Museum.  Countdown the New Year with the 2nd annual Sheriff Andy Badge Drop from the Museum roof at midnight. Please call 336-786-4478 for more information or to purchase your tickets.

Wednesday, December 09, 2015

NCMC Events from Around the State… December 7, 2015

1). Historic Wilmington Foundation (www.historicwilmington.org) announces Preservation Professionals for Hire!  If you need expert help with your renovation project, Historic Wilmington Foundation has just the answer for you: the Preservation Resources Network!  Beginning in January 2016, the NC Tax Credits are back! So now is a great time to plan for your historic home or building rehabilitation. Get in touch with the professionals listed in our PRN directory (www.historicwilmington.org/preservation-resources-network); they support HWF with their membership, and we hope you'll consider consulting one or more of them about your project!

2). Hands On! (www.handsonwnc.org), a Child's Gallery in Hendersonville, invites you to make your own Christmas Card and Christmas Ornament from Tuesday, December 15th at 2:00 p.m. – Friday, December 18th at 3:00 p.m. Homemade cards and ornaments are a treasure. We provide all the supplies and you provide the creativity. Free with $5 admission/free for members. Sponsored by United Federal Credit Union. 

3). Tryon Palace (www.tryonpalace.org) invites you to the 35th annual Candlelight Celebration on Saturdays, December 12th and 19th from 4:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.  This famed North Carolina tradition returns to Tryon Palace in 2015 with beautiful, new decorations and heartwarming holiday vignettes illuminated by the magical glow of candlelight. Travel back to 1773 at the Governor’s Palace, 1814 at the Stanly House, and to 1835 at the Dixon House.  On the Palace Grounds enjoy the magic and wonder of 18th century circus acts including fire eating, sword swallowing, acrobatics, and magic tricks. Then, end your enchanted evening with a display of black powder fireworks illuminating the night sky over Tryon Palace. Candlelight is a “rain or shine event” but fireworks may be cancelled due to severe weather. All ticket sales are final and nontransferable, and only good for evening activities. For information about our group and bus tour opportunities, call 252-639-3524.

4). The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences at Whiteville (www.naturalsciences.org) invites you to this month’s Teen Science Cafe and Meet Me at the Museum where participants will learn more about the theme “To Infinity and Beyond:  Girls and Guys in Science”. Museum visitors will have two opportunities to meet local resident Sarah Glaesner, reigning Princess of Southern Carolina Queen, hopeful future Miss North Carolina, and aspiring Astrophysicist at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences at Whiteville on December 18 and December 19. On Friday, December 18, at 5:00 p.m. Ms. Glaesner will speak to local teens at the Open Minds Teen Science Cafe (OMTSC). Snacks will be provided for participating teens at the OMTSC. On Saturday, December 19, at 1:30 p.m. Ms. Glaesner will speak to museum visitors for the Meet Me at the Museum, Saturday Exploration program.  Miss Glaesner will speak to both audiences about her platform for her work with the Miss America Organization which encourages young people to pursue STEM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) careers. She will also share how she became interested in Astrophysics and information regarding her fascination with black hole formation and existence.  The programs are free! 

5). Bellamy Mansion Museum (www.bellamymansion.org) invites you to a Christmas Stroll through the Past on Saturday, December 12th, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.  Join the Bellamy Mansion, Museum, St. James Episcopal Church and the Burgwin-Wright House for a festive evening filled with holiday decorations, music, period costumes, petting zoo, refreshments and more!  Children’s activities begin at 4:00 p.m. Enjoy a candle lit stroll along a path and visit two historic homes and one historic church.  Tickets are available at the Burgwin-Wright House and the Bellamy Mansion Museum.  Admission is $20.00 (+tax) for adults.  Free for those less than 15 years of age.

6). The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (www.blowingrockmuseum.org) invites the community to experience the beauty of live jazz in the Museum’s Atrium, with a free informal performance by vocalist Maureen Renihan and bass virtuoso Mike Holstein on Saturday, December 12th, from 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. BRAHM is open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., with extended hours on “Donation Day” Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.  For more information about this or other upcoming activities at BRAHM, please call (828) 295-9099 or visit www.blowingrockmuseum.org.     

7). CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center (www.nchistoricsites.org/neuse/neuse.htm) shares Christmas Customs of the Civil War on Saturday, December 12th. Costumed interpreters will present practices of the 1860s during the “Christmas Customs of the Civil War” program at the CSS Neuse Interpretive Center from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., following the Kinston Christmas Parade.  Historic interpreters will represent soldiers and civilians and will show what life was like in the battle zone and on the homefront. Visitors will enjoy demonstrations and take part in parlor games and crafts of the period. Guests could make a yarn doll to take home! While some soldiers and sailors were lucky enough to get leave around the holidays, others tried to celebrate wherever they were. For additional information, please call (252) 526-9600. The CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center is located at 100 N. Queen St., Kinston, N.C. and open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: adults $5, senior/active military $4, Students (ages 3-12) $3, ages 2 and under free.

8). N.C. Museum of History (www.ncmuseumofhistory.org) announces that the exhibit Southern Impressions: Paintings From the James-Farmer Collection will open Friday, December 11th, at the Museum.  The free exhibit will run through July 4, 2016.  This small sampling of paintings provides more details about the variety of artists and topics featured in the exhibit. “Flower Garden behind Cottage” and “The Natural Musician” are by North Carolina artists.  For information about the N.C. Museum of History, please call 919-807-7900 or visit www.ncmuseumofhistory.org.

9). Charlotte Museum of History (www.charlottemuseum.org) invites you to the International Charlotte Lecture and Chinese Culture Fun Day on Saturday, December 12th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Join us as we make Chinese paper lantern crafts and do water color painting as part of our celebration of Chinese art and culture. The event will also feature Warren (Weixiong) Zhong, President of the Overseas Chinese Culture Athletic and Arts Federation, who will present on Chinese art and culture in Charlotte. Free for everyone! Go online to www.charlottemuseum.org to register.


10). The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher (www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher) makes sure pint-sized revelers don’t miss out on New Year celebrations. Children and adults can join the “Toast the Coast” festivities at the Aquarium 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. January 1, 2016. The Aquarium’s coastal-themed party lasts all day with crafts, ocean resolutions and daily programs featuring “What we love the most about the coast.” A noise-maker craft and kid parade precede two beach ball drops to take place at the daily dive programs scheduled for 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. “Toast the Coast” activities and daily dive programs are free with general Aquarium admission.