As crisp, cool autumn days approach, the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh offers plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the season. October brings a full slate of programs for all ages.
Get ready for the upcoming election during a Music of the Carolinas performance with rousing presidential campaign songs from the past. Another event, An Evening with North Carolina Governors, will feature an enlightening discussion with those who have served as the state’s leader. These two programs will complement the exhibit Elected to Serve: North Carolina’s Governors, opening Oct. 25.
Other October programs include a lunchtime lecture about Historic Oakwood Cemetery, a History Corner for elementary-age children, a Time for Tots for the younger set, and more. All programs are free except An Evening with North Carolina Governors. Parking is free on weekends.
PROGRAMS
*History Corner: Cotton Pickin’
Wednesday, Oct. 1
10 a.m.
Ages 5-9 with adult
To register, call 919-807-7992.
What natural fiber can be planted, carded, woven, worn and even eaten? Learn about King Cotton and its role in North Carolina’s history. The program is presented with Cameron Village Regional Library.
*Make it, Take It: Batter Up
Saturday, Oct. 4
1-3 p.m. (drop-in program)
Learn about famous North Carolina baseball players, from high-school standouts to major-league stars. See and touch reproduction baseball items, play an early version of the game, and make a baseball craft to take home.
*Time for Tots: Fun at the Fair
Tuesday, Oct. 7, or Tuesday, Oct. 14
10-10:45 a.m.
Ages 3-5 with adult
To register, call 919-807-7992.
Find out about the start of the N.C. State Fair, then create a little fair fun of your own!
History à la Carte: History and Memory: Oakwood Cemetery
Wednesday, Oct. 8
12:10-1 p.m.
Bring your lunch; beverages provided.
Bruce Miller, Friends of Historic Oakwood Cemetery
Founded in 1869, Historic Oakwood Cemetery provides a final resting place for many area citizens, including prominent city, state and national leaders. Learn about Raleigh’s history and families through their stories.
*Make It, Take It: Weave It Together
Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 11-12
1-3 p.m. (drop-in program)
See how cloth is made on a loom and make your own weaving to take home. Visit the exhibit Everyday Artistry to see handwork from the museum’s collection.
*Music of the Carolinas: Suzanne and Jim: Ballot Box Ballads
Sunday, Oct. 12
3 p.m.
Get ready for the upcoming election at this lively program of presidential campaign songs dating from the days of North Carolina-born Andrew Jackson (1829-1837) into the 20th century. PineCone co-sponsors the performance.
An Evening with North Carolina Governors
Friday, Oct. 24
7-9 p.m.
Reservations and admission fee are required. For more information, call Billy Wilson at 919-807-7849 or e-mail bwilson@ncmuseumassoc.com.
William C. Friday, president emeritus of the University of North Carolina system, will moderate this discussion with those who have served the state as governor. The event immediately precedes the opening gala for the exhibit Elected to Serve: North Carolina’s Governors.
For more information about the museum, call 919-807-7900 or access 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.