From a United States First Lady to a famed educator to a pioneering parachutist, North Carolina women have made their mark on history. The Department of Cultural Resources offers a number of activities based around Women’s History Month in March.
The State Capitol, Raleigh: “The North Carolina Kids and the Great Depression” is a program on March 14 at 2 p.m. that presents what life was like during the Great Depression, including Depression-era snacks, games, crafts and more. Registration is limited for this free program. Call (919) 733-4994 for information.
Historic Edenton State Historic Site, Edenton: The story of Harriett Jacobs, who escaped slavery and made her life as an independent woman, is the subject of educational tours for students. She authored “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl.” Offered weekdays, this requires registration and a fee. Call (252) 482-2637 for more information.
N.C. Transportation Museum, Spencer: At Girl Scout Day on March 28, Girl Scouts can earn their N.C. Transportation Museum patch by exploring the site, completing an answer sheet and riding an antique locomotive. For information call (704) 636-2889.
Museum of the Albemarle, Elizabeth City: Visitors can see a new exhibit titled “Women Did This!” In addition to learning how women lived and worked in the past, they can also see how farming families lived by exploring the furnished Jackson House, a circa-1755 farmhouse that spanned both the Colonial and Federal time periods. The farmhouse and nearby circa-1840s Proctor smokehouse are original structures from the Albemarle area. For information call (252) 335-1453.
Tryon Palace Historic Sites & Gardens, New Bern: Tryon Palace will present business entrepreneur Lillian L. Lambert as the guest speaker at 7 p.m. March 19 in the free African American Lecture Series, discussing “Breaking Down Barriers.” She is the first African American woman to receive an MBA degree from Harvard University. The lecture is in the Visitor Center auditorium. Call (252) 514-4900 for more information on these events.
Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site, Four Oaks: The 144th Anniversary Living History Program from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 21-22 includes a presentation on 19th-century civilian domestic skills, to be conducted around the Harper House kitchen area. Costumed military living historians will present also give small-arms weapons demonstrations, do close-order drills, and give other military-themed demonstrations. All demonstrations are subject to change without notice. Call (910) 594-0789 for more information.
Charles B. Aycock Birthplace, Fremont: On March 25 (plus two dates in April) the “Living History Wednesday” program will feature period-costumed interpreters and docents demonstrating the 19th-century domestic farm chores and giving tours of the historic buildings. The focus for March 25 is sheep shearing, natural dyeing, and toys and games. The “Daffodil Open House” program on March 13 is geared toward first-graders in northern Wayne County, but the public is welcome to attend; it features wagon rides, various “living history” demonstrations and tours of the historic buildings. For information call (919) 242-5581.
Bennett Place, Durham: In the March 28 program “Planting the Fields,” join the farm staff as they prepare for the spring planting season. Visitors will get to learn how the Bennett family and other North Carolina farmers made their living, trying to survive during the time of the American Civil War. The program is from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For information call (919) 383-4345.
Historical Markers, Statewide: A number of N.C. Highway Historical Markers around the state honor women and their accomplishments, including first lady Dolley Madison, a native of Guilford County, and Georgia “Tiny” Broadwick,” who was the first woman to parachute from a plane. The familiar silver signs are the subject of the popular “Guide to North Carolina Highway Historical Markers,” available through the Department of Cultural Resources Historical Publications section. An accompanying Web site is online at www.ncmarkers.com.
The North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources is the state agency devoted to the protection and promotion of North Carolina’s arts, history and culture. Join the Cultural Resources 2009 theme observance of “Treasure N.C. Culture.” For more information, visit www.ncculture.com.