September Programs at N.C. Museum of History

Among September happenings at the N.C. Museum of History is the opening of the traveling exhibition Discover the Real George Washington: New Views From Mount Vernon. Many related programs are scheduled throughout its run from Sept. 10, 2010, through Jan. 21, 2011, in Raleigh. On Sept. 25, for example, experience the 1700s during a large, fun-filled Family Day about colonial North Carolina.

On another note, hear a special guest from the N.C. Museum of Art highlight its gallery of Jewish ceremonial art. After the program, see the exhibit Down Home: Jewish Life in North Carolina at the N.C. Museum of History. This traveling exhibition was produced and organized by the Jewish Heritage Foundation of North Carolina.

All September programs listed below are free, and parking is free on weekends. As cooler fall days approach, look forward to the exciting things in store at the N.C. Museum of History.

Discover the Real George Washington was organized by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association and funded by the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. Local sponsorship is provided by NewsRadio 680 WPTF. Additional sponsors are the Museum of History Associates, The News & Observer, Northwestern Mutual, Mr. and Mrs. Everette C. Sherrill, and Triangle Business Journal.  

Programs

History Corner: Master Craftsman Thomas Day
Wednesday, Sept. 1
10-11 a.m.
Ages 6-9 with adult
To register, call 919-807-7992.

Get to know Thomas Day and find out what made him and his furniture so unique. This program is presented with Cameron Village Regional Library.

The History Corner program on Sept. 1 at the N.C. Museum of History focuses on master craftsman Thomas Day. This side chair, ca. 1855-1860, was made by Thomas Day for the James Poteat family in Yanceyville, Caswell County.

History Hunters: History Mystery
Wednesday, Sept. 1
10-11 a.m.
Ages 10-13
To register, call 919-807-7992.

How do historians unlock the past? What clues do they follow and what tools do they use in their search? Come find out!

Time for Tots: Pigskins and Leatherheads
Tuesday, Sept. 7 or Sept. 14
10-10:45 a.m.
Ages 3-5 with adult
To register, call 919-807-7992.

Learn about the history of football, then create a handheld field kick game to take home!

Garden Tour
Saturday, Sept. 18
2-4 p.m.
To register, call 919-807-7992.

Tour the museum’s garden to see native plants, colonial herbs, and traditional North Carolina cash crops. Then help harvest the sorghum cane and learn about making molasses!

See native plants, colonial herbs, and traditional North Carolina crops growing in the gardens at the N.C. Museum of History. Join the Garden Tour on Sept. 18.

Make It, Take It: Paper Pockets
Saturday, Sept. 18
1-3 p.m. (drop-in program)

Are your pockets sewn into your clothes? They wouldn’t have been in the 1700s! Color and assemble a paper pocket, then learn about colonial life in Discover the Real George Washington.  

From Head to Toe: Clothing in 18th-Century North Carolina
Sunday, Sept. 19
3-4 p.m.
To register, call 919-807-7992.

Louise Benner, Curator of Costume and Textiles

From silks to homespun, colonial clothing reflected the wearer’s social status and occupation. Join Benner for an illustrated talk highlighting fashions of the period.

History à la Carte: An Unexpected Treasure
Wednesday, Sept. 22
12:10-1 p.m.
Bring your lunch; beverages provided.

John Coffey, Deputy Director for Art, N.C. Museum of Art

The N.C. Museum of Art is one of only two art museums in the country with a gallery dedicated to Jewish ceremonial art. Hear the story of this exceptional gallery and its treasured collection.

Family Day: Colonial North Carolina
Saturday, September 25
11 a.m.-4 p.m.

One of the original 13 colonies, North Carolina has a rich history. Get to know the 1700s during this large, fun-filled educational event. Funding for the event is provided by Golden Corral.

• Tour Discover the Real George Washington free of charge.
• Watch craftspeople at work and make your own sample crafts to take home.
• Meet Revolutionary War soldiers and see the gear they carried into battle.
• Churn butter, grind corn, and then taste the fruits of your labor.
• Listen to stories from backcountry Carolina.
• Practice writing with a quill pen.
• Answer colonial trivia to win a prize.

Artists at Work: Colonial Crafts and Trades
Saturday, Sept. 25, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (drop-in program both days)
Sunday, Sept. 26, 1-3 p.m.

See members of the Sixth N.C. Regiment re-enactment group demonstrate carding and spinning, straw hat making, bookbinding and other skills.  

For additional information about September programs, call 919-807-7900.

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