NC Cultural Resources Newsroom

Watch a dramatic re-creation of a ship rescue, see decoy carvers at work, meet an Albemarle Sound fisherman, hear fish tales and sea songs, and experience much more. An upcoming Family Day, entitled “North Carolina’s Coast: Working the Waters,” at the N.C. Museum of History on Saturday, June 7, promises to be an event filled with live entertainment, craft demonstrations, hands-on activities, food tastings and informative presentations. And what’s more . . . this exciting celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. is free and offers something for all ages. This event about North Carolina’s coastal heritage and culture will feature 26 presenters, ranging from crab pot makers to singers and storytellers. It will be like a trip to the coast without leaving Raleigh!

“Don’t miss seeing the full-size shad boat and sharpie, two boats that are part of our state’s coastal history,” says Nancy Pennington, education specialist at the N.C. Museum of History. “Could you build a boat yourself? Watch someone build a skiff right in front of the museum, and see what’s involved!”

Find out firsthand what it’s like to grow up on an island. Capt. Ernie Foster will share stories about Hatteras Island, where he operates the state’s oldest charter boat operation, the Albatross Fleet. Karen Willis Amspacher and Rudy Austin will talk about life on Harkers Island and Ocracoke Island.

Learn something new from the variety of presenters and activities. A sampling of the Family Day activities follows.

● Watch Walter Davenport, an Albemarle Sound fisherman for more than 50 years, demonstrate the art of net making. He is a 2007 N.C. Heritage Award winner.
● Catch a performance by singer and storyteller Connie Mason, who will captivate you with seaworthy songs and tales.
● See staff from the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station on Hatteras Island reenact a daring ship rescue.
● Watch award-winning wildlife carver Nick Sapone and nationally known decoy carver Walter “Brother” Gaskill demonstrate their craft.
● Join games and activities. Create a model lighthouse, make a fish print and go on a scavenger hunt.
● Watch Phoebe Briley of Great Marsh Boatworks build a child-size skiff.
● Hear Dr. David Cecelski share stories and coastal memories. He is the author of ‘A Historian’s Coast: Adventures Into the Tidewater Past,” and other books.
● See Lawrence S. Earley’s display of photographs of Core Sound workboats and fishermen.
● Sample seafood and traditional dishes. Watch a cooking demonstration presented by staff from Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts in Wilmington.
● Hear Bett Padgett talk about the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society.
● See a model boat collection made from scratch (not a kit) by Jimmy Amspacher, a boatbuilder.
● Meet representatives from the N.C. Coastal Federation, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, Core Sound Waterfowl Museum, Ocracoke Working Watermen’s Association and many other organizations.

The Family Day complements the museum’s new exhibit ArtDuckO: Waterfowl Culture in North Carolina, so be sure to tour it. Discover more about the people, places and events on North Carolina’s coast.

Parking is free on weekends. For more information about the museum, call 919-807-7900 or go to ncmuseumofhistory.org.  The N.C. Museum of History’s hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

The museum is part of the Division of State History Museums, Office of Archives and History, an agency of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. The department’s Web site is www.ncculture.com.