Ah . . . May brings beach days and calm ocean breezes. But the seas are stormy at the N.C. Museum of History, where pirates wreak havoc in the exhibit Knights of the Black Flag. May’s slate of programs includes two fascinating lectures about these seafaring scoundrels.
Pirates won’t invade the coastal waters of the exhibit Workboats of Core Sound, featuring photographs by Lawrence S. Earley, former editor of Wildlife in North Carolina. On May 8, join the exhibit’s opening reception and enjoy coastal music, stories and food. Meet Earley and tour the exhibit.
Enjoy these free May programs and more at the N.C. Museum of History in downtown Raleigh. Parking is free on weekends.
PROGRAMS
North Carolina’s Piratical Legacy
Saturday, May 2
2-3 p.m.
To register, call 919-807-7992 by April 29.
David Moore, Curator of Nautical Archaeology, N.C. Maritime Museum
Discover how Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet, two of the most infamous pirates of the early 1700s, each met an inglorious end off the Carolina coast. A reception follows the program.
*Time for Tots: A Look at Lighthouses
Tuesday, May 5 or May 12
10-10:45 a.m.
Ages 3-5 with adult
To register, call 919-807-7992.
Learn about North Carolina’s amazing lighthouses and make your own beacon of light.
*History Corner: Picturing the Past
Thursday, May 7
10-11 a.m.
Ages 5-9 with adult
To register, call 919-807-7992.
Photographs can teach us a lot about people in the past. Look at old images and learn how to “read” their stories. This program is presented with Cameron Village Regional Library.
Workboats of Core Sound Opening Reception
Friday, May 8
7-9 p.m.
Get a taste of “Down East” North Carolina. Meet photographer Lawrence S. Earley, and enjoy music and stories presented by award-winning musician and writer Bland Simpson. Tour the exhibit to see Earley’s photographs of the area’s distinctive traditional fishing boats.
Photo Preservation Workshop
Saturday, May 9
10-11:30 a.m.
To register, call 919-807-7992 by May 6.
Stephen Fletcher, Photo Archivist, N.C. Collection, UNC-Chapel Hill
Learn how to protect your family photos at this introductory workshop covering the basics of preservation and storage, and get tips on identifying historic photographs.
Curator’s Tour: Workboats of Core Sound
Saturday, May 9
1-2 p.m.
Lawrence S. Earley, Photographer and Guest Curator
Listen to stories gathered from residents and fishermen of Core Sound during this special tour led by the exhibit curator.
*Music of the Carolinas: Rogers and Johnson
Sunday, May 10
3-4 p.m.
Barney Rogers and Russell Johnson will perform original acoustic music from their CD When the Bands Played, inspired by the spirit and emotion of the American Civil War. PineCone co-sponsors the performance.
History à la Carte: 1925 Coal Glen Mining Disaster
Wednesday, May 13
12:10-1 p.m.
Bring your lunch; beverages provided.
Tyler Greene, Winner, 2009 Student Essay Contest
In 1925 an explosion at the Coal Glen mine in Chatham County killed 53 men, making it the deadliest workplace accident in the state to date. Greene examines the disaster and traces earlier mine accidents in that county.
Discovering the Whydah Galley
Saturday, May 30
2-3 p.m.
To register, call 919-807-7992 by May 27.
Robert Reedy, Underwater Archaeology Consultant
Launched as a slave ship and later captured by pirates, the Whydah Galley was laden with treasure when it sank in a storm off Cape Cod in 1717. Hear the fascinating story of its discovery. A reception follows the program.
SUMMER CAMPS AT THE MUSEUM
Every day brings a time-travel adventure to summer campers at the N.C. Museum of History. Whether a camp centers on pirates in the 1700s or American Indian life, the focus is on fun. Suited for students from age 4 through eighth grade, the history camps are taught by professional educators on staff or experienced teachers in the community. For more information, call 919-807-7979, e-mail emily.grant@ncmail.net, or access the museum’s Web site at ncmuseumofhistory.org.
For more information about May programs, call 919-807-7900 or access ncmuseumofhistory.org. The museum is located at 5 E. Edenton St., across from the State Capitol. Parking is available in the lot across Wilmington Street.
* marks programs 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.