Experiences Inside and Out of the Museum
Explore North Carolina history through engaging programs and events for all ages. From expert-led lectures and hands-on experiences to community festivals, pop-up events, and family activities, our offerings connect the state’s past, present, and future. Learn more about upcoming programs and events below.
September 30, 2026—Virtual
History at High Noon: Operation Bumblebee
Wednesday, September 30, 2026, noon–1 p.m.
Location: Zoom
History at High Noon is back! Join us as we relaunch this series by examining the incredible story of Operation Bumblebee.
Speaker: Lorraine Makey, Manager of the Missiles and More Museum on Topsail Island
Your favorite virtual lunchtime lecture series is back! Join us as we kick off the latest installment of History at High Noon by hearing about Operation Bumblebee. On a barrier island off the coast of North Carolina stand seven concrete towers, a lonely testament to a top secret project. In the late 1940s, US Navy secret experiments created a new type of propulsion that revolutionized how we protected our Navy ships. Additionally, these barrier-breaking discoveries enabled jets’ flights into the supersonic reaches of outer space. This is the incredible story of Operation Bumblebee.
October 2, 2026—Chapel Hill
It’s Revolutionary! Choices in Conflict: Loyalist, Patriot, Neither, Both
Educator Workshop
Friday, October 2, 2026, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Location: Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Speaker: Dr. Kathleen DuVal
This free interactive workshop for North Carolina educators of grades 4 through 12 explores themes of the American Revolution that continue to resonate today. Exploring the museum’s It’s Revolutionary! resources, workshop attendees will engage in several hands-on sessions led by museum educators and an expert teacher. Additionally, teachers will enjoy a guided tour of the Witnesses to Revolution: North Carolina and the War for Independence exhibit and an opportunity to talk with Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Dr. Kathleen DuVal.
This workshop is held in conjunction with the Teacher Institute of George Washington’s Mount Vernon and includes a session led by MVTI expert educator, Gabriel Valdez.
October 9, 2026—Raleigh
In the Moment: Cultural Activities for the Memory Community
Friday, October 9, 1–2:30 p.m.
Location: North Carolina Museum of Art, West Building Lobby, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607
Join the NC Museum of History for our new program series at the North Carolina Museum of Art, West Building. In the Moment: Cultural Activities for the Memory Community is designed for those living with memory changes and their care partners. This is a joint program series with the North Carolina Museum of Art, North Carolina Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. On the second Friday of each month, participants are given the opportunity to take part in meaningful interactions, express their unique perspectives, and broaden their horizons. Staff from one of the multiple organizations within the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources will assist attendees. This October, experience the sounds of North Carolina through a program engaging participants with the tobacco, textile, and furniture industries at the turn of the 20th century.
October 14, 2026—Raleigh
Storytime Stewards: So & So Books
Wednesday, October 14, 10:30–11:15 a.m.
Location: So & So Books, 719 N. Person St., Raleigh, NC 17604
Join the NC Museum of History at So & So Books for a free story time! We’ll read The Box Turtle by Vanessa Roeder. In this story, we’ll meet Terrance the turtle and his unique shell. Then together, we’ll learn more about box turtles and other North Carolina state symbols and receive a take-home craft. Please register online.
October 28, 2026—Virtual
History at High Noon: Maco Light
Wednesday, October 28, 2026, noon–1 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Speaker: Holli Saperstein, Executive Director, Wilmington Railroad Museum
Join us for a spooky edition of History at High Noon as we explore the mystery of the Maco Light, one of North Carolina’s most famous ghost stories! Reported for more than a century near old train tracks in Brunswick County, this legend tells the story of a ghostly railroad conductor named Joe Baldwin. After a tragic accident, believers have claimed to spot Baldwin’s spirit searching for his lost head. This talk will examine the real history behind the tale and how the story became an important part of local folklore, attracting visitors and curiosity from across the country!
For questions, please contact Stacey Smith at (919) 814-7032.
November 7, 2026—Raleigh
Paint, Sip & Ponder: Cardinals!
Saturday, November 7, 2026, noon–2 p.m.
Location: Hartwell Raleigh, 620 W. South St., Raleigh, NC 27603
Speaker: Teedgra Carter, owner of Art Time Studio
Join the museum for the next installment of our new paint and sip program—this time featuring cardinals! Instructor Teedgra Carter will guide you through painting a scene featuring our state bird. Celebrate the upcoming holiday or winter solstice or simply the beauty that is our state bird! See some cool cardinal-themed artifacts from the museum’s collection and learn how the cardinal came to be our state bird! When you arrive, grab your favorite libation from Hartwell Raleigh’s very talented bartenders then head on over to the class space.
Teedgra Carter is passionate about inspiring creativity. She loves helping folks of all ages explore painting, drawing, clay, and more in a fun, welcoming environment.
November 10, 2026—Chapel Hill
“The Samuel Adams of North Carolina?”: Cornelius Harnett and the Revolution in North Carolina
Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 6–8 p.m.
Location: Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Speaker: Dr. Jason Stroud, Associate Professor of History, Greensboro College
Discover North Carolina’s “Samuel Adams” in this talk held in conjunction with the exhibit Witnesses to the Revolution: North Carolina and the War for Independence, a collaborative effort of Wilson Library and the Museum of History. Only dimly remembered today, Cornelius Harnett of Wilmington was recognized in his time as among North Carolina's most powerful and influential Patriot leaders. This lecture will explore what we can learn about the American Revolution in North Carolina, particularly the lower Cape Fear, by taking a closer look at Harnett's life. Discover this important historical figure with Dr. Jason Stroud, who has been researching and pondering Harnett’s life and contributions. Before the conversation, explore the exhibit to see the “stuff” of North Carolina Revolutionary history.