Celebrate Black History Month at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh. The museum offers several February programs highlighting North Carolina African Americans, past and present.
As our newly elected officials move into office, journalist Rob Christensen will look back at a century of Tar Heel politics. Hear him discuss his new book, The Paradox of Tar Heel Politics. February also brings a new lecture series, Perspectives on History, presented by fellows from the National Humanities Center. The first lecture examines slave prices in the antebellum South.
Check out these programs and more at the N.C. Museum of History. All programs are free, except the Feb. 19 lecture. Parking is free on weekends.
Programs
* **Time for Tots: Painting Dreams
Tuesday, Feb. 3, or Tuesday, Feb. 10
10-10:45 a.m.
Ages 3-5 with adult
To register, call 919-807-7992.
Learn about North Carolina artist Minnie Evans, whose paintings were inspired by her dreams. Then make your own piece of “dreamy” art to take home.
*History Corner: Health and Medicine
Wednesday, Feb. 4
10-11 a.m.
Ages 5-9 with adult
To register, call 919-807-7992.
Who takes care of you when you are sick? Learn how medical care has changed over time and listen to a story about healing. The program is presented with Cameron Village Regional Library.
** African American History Tour
Saturday, Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Explore the lives and accomplishments of North Carolina African Americans from the antebellum period to the Civil Rights era.
* **Music of the Carolinas: The Golden Echoes
Sunday, Feb. 8
3-4 p.m.
“A Singing Stream: A Black Family Chronicle” follows the Landis family of Granville County, who has been singing gospel music as the Golden Echoes for generations. Watch clips from the film and hear the current group perform live in concert. PineCone co-sponsors the program.
**History à la Carte: Breaking the Silence and Healing the Soul
Wednesday, Feb. 11
12:10-1 p.m.
Bring your lunch; beverages provided.
Sharon D. Raynor, Director, Honors Program, Johnson C. Smith University
Raynor will share excerpts of oral history interviews with North Carolina Vietnam veterans, photographs and newspaper articles, and war memorabilia. This presentation is made possible through a grant from the N.C. Humanities Council’s Road Scholars Speakers Bureau.
Perspectives on History
New series starts February 19 with the lecture Appraised, Bartered and Sold: The Value of Human Chattels
Perspectives on History, a series that examines history in new and innovative ways, opens with three monthly lectures presented by fellows from the National Humanities Center. Each year the National Humanities Center, located in Research Triangle Park, admits forty fellows, who pursue their work while contributing to the center’s environment of intellectual discourse. Through its education and outreach programs, the center provides support for the teaching and appreciation of the humanities across the United States. The National Humanities Center lectures are sponsored by the N.C. Museum of History Associates.
** Appraised, Bartered, and Sold: The Value of Human Chattels
Thursday, Feb. 19
7-9 p.m.
$5 (free to Associates members)
To register, call 919-807-7847.
Daina Ramey Berry, Professor of History, Michigan State University
Professor Berry will discuss slave prices in the antebellum South, exploring both planters’ criteria and slaves’ perceptions of their value. Examining the conflicting motives of owners, traders, and slaves, Berry’s research reveals interesting patterns with contemporary relevance to slave insurance claims and reparations. A reception follows the program.
Writer’s Block: The Paradox of Tar Heel Politics
Sunday, Feb. 22
3-4 p.m.
Rob Christensen, Journalist
Long before states were dubbed red or blue, North Carolina was intensely divided politically. Listen as Christensen navigates a century of political history in the Tar Heel State. A book signing follows the program.
* **Make It, Take It: Acrostics
Saturday, Feb. 28
1-3 p.m. (drop-in program)
Poetry has many forms, from nursery rhymes to haiku. Learn about George Moses Horton, an enslaved African American who became North Carolina’s first professional poet. Then create an acrostic poem of your own.
Poetry Out Loud State Finals
Saturday, Feb. 28
7 p.m.
Poetry Out Loud encourages high school students to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance. Come watch Tar Heel youth vie for state honors and the chance to represent North Carolina at the national competition. For additional information, visit www.poetryoutloud.org.
For more information about these events, call 919-807-7900 or access ncmuseumofhistory.org. Parking is available in the lot across Wilmington Street.
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.
* programs of interest to children or families
** programs related to Black History Month