History and Highballs

Presenters: Michelle Miniutti, Jackie Hudspeth, Ellen Joyner: Founders, Bombshell Beer Company, Holly Springs 

Michelle and Ellen liked to visit craft-centric beer bars. So it seemed natural when, in 2011, Michelle suggested to Ellen, a home brewer for more than 10 years, that they start their own microbrewery. Both had strong business management backgrounds, so they formed a plan, asked Jackie to join their venture, and got to work. Within five years, Bombshell Beer Company and its beers had won more than 25 medals in international, national, and regional competitions. In March 2020, the company was named one of the 10 “most amazing” women-led breweries and distilleries in the world by 10Best, a division of USA Today!

Speakers: Marjorie Berry, historian for Pasquotank County; Robin Salmon, VP of Art and Historical Collections and Curator of Sculpture, Brookgreen Gardens 

Join us for this special History + Highballs: Theodosia Burr and the Nags Head Portrait as we dive into the life of Theodosia Burr with Robin Salmon, VP of Art and Historical Collections and Curator of Sculpture, Brookgreen Gardens. Then learn about the mystery surrounding Theodosia’s disappearance and the origins of the Nags Head Portrait with Marjorie Berry, historian for Pasquotank County. 

A native of Columbia, SC, Robin Salmon has been on the staff of Brookgreen Gardens since 1975. She oversees the acquisition, exhibition and conservation of Brookgreen’s art, history, library and archives collections. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and the Museum Management Institute. Salmon is an Allied Professional member of the National Sculpture Society, serves on its board of directors, and is Co-Editor of its publication, Sculpture Review. She also serves on the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee of the United States Mint, selecting designs for the nation’s circulating and commemorative coins and medals. She has written five books on Brookgreen Gardens, co-authored eight books on other art and history subjects, and provided numerous essays and articles for exhibit catalogues, magazines and other publications. 

A native of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Marjorie Berry is a graduate of Saint Mary’s College and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She worked at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History from 1984 to 1993 and is the author of Legendary Locals of Elizabeth City. Berry is the historian for Pasquotank County and, since 2003, has been the researcher and scriptwriter for the Historic Elizabeth City Ghost Walk, a living history event held every October.

Speakers: Nancy Avery, General Manager, GIA AJP, Raleigh Diamond; Jordan Madre, Museum Registrar, NC Museum of History

Join us for a special History and Highballs as we delve into the world of heirloom jewelry! The program will start off with MOH’s own Jordan Madre, museum registrar, showcasing some precious and costume pieces of jewelry that are part of the museum’s collection. Then Nancy Avery, general manager of Raleigh Diamond, will share some of her favorite pieces of both antique and modern jewelry that echo the style found in our Dressing the Abbey exhibit! She’ll also give us the inside scoop on how these gorgeous pieces from the past act as inspiration for current jewelry designs.

Speaker: Camillya Masunda, Founder and Owner, Ebony Wine and Spirits

Join us as we welcome Camillya Masunda, founder and owner of Ebony Wine and Spirits, Charlotte’s first Black-owned winery! Ebony Wine was created to celebrate Black culture and unity across the globe. The company is on a mission to use its wine as a trophy and a symbol of solidarity, healing, and unity in appreciating the diversity of Black people.

Speaker: Preeti Waas, Chef, Restaurateur, Owner of Cheeni Indian Food Emporium, and 2023 James Beard Award Nominee Semifinalist 

Join us for a discussion with 2023 James Beard nominee Preeti Waas. Born and raised in South India, Preeti is the embodiment of what her restaurant Cheeni is: a mix of Indian and American cultures with a mission to better the world through good, homemade food. Preeti will talk about her journey to this moment, her inspiration, her vibrant cooking, and how she found her place as a chef. 

Please note: This program does contain recounts of domestic violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or visit their website.

Speaker: Mary Jo Festle, PhD, Maude Sharpe Powell Professor of History, and Distinguished University Professor, Elon University 

Join us as we celebrate Women’s History Month by welcoming Professor Mary Jo Festle! Over the course of the 20th century, female athletes experienced many ups and downs. Festle connects these experiences to other events in US history while she examines what held women’s sports back and how things have changed. Want more sports history? Visit the museum’s North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame exhibit for an in-depth look at athletes who have made an impact here in our state and beyond! Photo Credit: All-American Girls Professional Baseball League members on April 22, 1948. Photo courtesy State Library and Archives of Florida.

Tonight’s History and Highballs program features CEO, writer, and creator of Aza Comics, Jazmin Truesdale. Together, we'll explore the evolution of the female superhero from their first appearance in the 1940s to Aza's female superhero universe! 

Aza Comics, a superhero brand known for its roster of multicultural superheroines, was inspired by Jazmin's love of science fiction, comic books, and action movies. It was her passion for more empowering female representation that led her to create the Aza Comics superhero universe.

Presenter: Annette B. Dunlap, Author and Freelance Writer 

Throughout our nation’s history, first ladies have been the object of both admiration and criticism when it comes to their clothes. Whether it’s the style, the color, or the designer, we Americans have always had a thing or two to say about how the wife of our president dresses. Join us for a fun and informative talk about the fashion choices of our first ladies and the interesting stories behind some of the people who designed their clothes.