For free activities to fill summer days, check out six August programs at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh. The Summer Performance Series continues with an unusual presentation by Beverly Botsford, who will play an assortment of gourds. During a noon program, sports historian Jim Sumner will highlight North Carolinians who have made history at the Olympics. There is something for all ages to enjoy. Parking is free on weekends.
PROGRAMS
History Corner: I’ve Got the Blues
Wednesday, Aug. 6
10 a.m.
Ages 5-9 with adult
To register, call 919-807-7992.
North Carolina is home to many well-known blues musicians. Learn about several blues legends and then make some bluesy music of your own. A short story accompanies the lesson. The program is presented with Cameron Village Regional Library.
*Pirates Ahoy!
Saturday, Aug. 9
10 a.m.
Ages 5-8 with adult (limit 20)
$8 ($6 Museum of History Associates members)
To register, call 919-807-7992 by Aug. 6.
Calling all buccaneers! Set sail for the museum to hear pirate tales, learn about Blackbeard and other notorious seafarers, make a seaworthy craft, and challenge a real pirate to a sword fight.
*A Closer Look: Making Music in North Carolina
Sunday, Aug. 10
1-3 p.m. (drop-in program)
See the exhibit Rhythm and Roots of North Carolina Music, play the interactive jukebox and learn about musical legends from our state. Try your hand at playing bones, spoons or a stump fiddle.
*Summer Performance Series: Beverly Botsford
Sunday, Aug. 10
3 p.m.
Gourds have been used as musical instruments for centuries throughout the world. Using an assortment of gourds, Botsford creates stirring rhythms blended with folklore, history, humor, science and art.
History à la Carte: Go for the Gold!
Wednesday, Aug. 13
12:10 p.m.
Bring your lunch; beverages provided.
Jim Sumner, Sports Historian
Get set for the summer games with tales of Tar Heel athleticism. Learn about athletes and coaches who have made history at the Olympics, including Michael Jordan, LeRoy Walker, Kay Yow and Walt Bellamy.
*Make It, Take It: Bathtub Decoys
Saturday, Aug. 16
1-3 p.m. (drop-in program)
What’s the difference between a silhouette decoy, a tip-up and a working decoy? Learn about the various styles of duck decoys, and make a bathtub decoy to take home.
For more information about these events, call 919-807-7900 or check out the museum’s Web site at ncmuseumofhistory.org.
* marks program of interest to children or families
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.