Admission is free to most events unless otherwise noted. Donations are always accepted and appreciated. Please check this calendar regularly for changes, including additions and cancellations. Some program events may not be listed; for more information on specific programs, please contact the individual historic sites. Phone numbers for each state historic site, along with Web page and email addresses can be found at www.nchistoricsites.org
February 11. Civil War Quiz Bowl. Test your Civil War knowledge at the Governor Charles B. Aycock Birthplace’s first annual Civil War Quiz Bowl. Prizes will be given to the 1st and 2nd place winners. There is no entry fee to participate in this event. 7 p.m.
March 2. Daffodil Open House. The site will host tours of the birthplace and special living history demonstrations as part of the Town of Fremont’s Daffodil Festival.
January - December. What Lies Beneath: How Archaeology Bridges the Past and Present. This temporary exhibit will highlight some of the recent archaeological discoveries unearthed in Bath by East Carolina University students. Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
January 9. The American Tobacco Culture: Our Heritage. Author Billy Yeargin will give an illustrated talk about how our nation was driven by tobacco trade early on, and how it progressed as a tobacco culture even into the 20th century. This project is made possible by a grant from the North Carolina Humanities Council, Statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. 10 a.m.
January 21. Historical Film Series: Casablanca. Join Historic Bath as we celebrate a year of classic movies. Light refreshments served. 7 p.m.
February 18. Historical Film Series: To Kill a Mockingbird. Join Historic Bath as we celebrate a year of classic movies. Light refreshments served. 7 p.m.
February 27. American History for Kids Series. Children ages 5-10 will learn about the Lewis and Clark Expedition and some of the strange gifts that were brought back to the Pres. Thomas Jefferson from this adventure. The reading of a story book will be followed by related activities. Fee charged: $2. 10 a.m. until noon.
March 18. Historical Film Series: Cimarron. Join Historic Bath as it celebrates a year of classic movies. Light refreshments served. 7 p.m.
February 27-28. “TAR HEELS: Soldiers of the Old North State.” Living History participants will demonstrate life of the Southern soldiers who served the Old North State during the American Civil War. Visit with Confederate soldiers as they discuss and exhibit the uniforms and equipment of North Carolina troops. Soldiers will be encamped around the Bennett farm throughout the weekend. Admission is FREE and donations graciously accepted. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday.
April 17-18. 145th Anniversary Surrender Commemoration. Join Bennett Place as the Historic Site commemorates the events which led to the largest surrender of the American Civil War on April 17-18, 1865. This conclusion of the war helped begin the reunification of the United States. Union and Confederate soldier reenactors will encamp on the grounds throughout the weekend, with various living history demonstrations and displays. In addition, a wreath laying ceremony at the Unity Monument will be held on Sunday. Admission is FREE, but donations graciously accepted. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday.
Bentonville Battlefield – Four Oaks
March 20-21. 145th Bentonville Anniversary Reenactment. Thousands of Civil War re-enactors and spectators will converge on Bentonville Battlefield to reenact the Battle of Bentonville, fought March 19-21, 1865. In that struggle, 20,000 Confederate soldiers engaged 60,000 Union troops in the largest battle ever fought on North Carolina soil. Reenactment tickets can be purchased from www.bentonville145.com. In addition to the battle reenactments, there will be numerous free activities from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., both days, including tours of the circa 1855 Harper House, used as a Union field hospital during the battle. The battle reenactments will take place at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 20, and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 21.
Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson - Winnabow
February 16. 2009 Archaeology at Fort Anderson. This panel discussion will feature John Mintz, Assistant Archaeologist for the North Carolina Office of State Archaeology; Thomas Beaman, archaeologist for Wake Technical Community College; and Dr. Chris Fonvielle, professor of History at UNC-Wilmington. They will discuss their findings from archaeological work completed at Fort Anderson in 2009. This program is in conjunction with the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport and will be held at the Southport Community Building. 7-9 p.m. The event is free however call the N.C. Maritime Museum at Southport (910)-457-0003, or Brunswick Town/Ft. Anderson (910) 371-6613 to register.
February 20-21. 145th Anniversary Reenactment. The Cape Fear’s forgotten fortress and most well-preserved earthen fort will host two days of demonstrations, presentations, and reenactments. The highlights will be the Saturday reenactment of the “Fight for Fort Anderson” at 2 p.m. and Sunday’s reenactment of the “Battle of Town Creek” at 1 p.m. Saturday will also feature lantern tours of the fort and military camps beginning at 6 p.m. There will be artillery and infantry demonstrations, presentations on ladies’ fashions of the period, and lectures on torpedoes and the battles for Fort Anderson and Town Creek. Admission is free. Saturday 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum - Sedalia
Feb. 1-26. Stamps Exhibit. The Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum will display a free exhibit of African Americans on United States Postal Stamps throughout February. The exhibit comes to the Museum courtesy of Frank P. Scott, and includes stamps and promotional posters from the U.S. Postal Service. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information, call (336) 446-4849.
Historic Edenton
January. Family Connections. Guided tours with emphasis on families who lived in the James Iredell House and Cupola House. Monday through Saturday 10:30, 1:30 and 3:00.
March. N. C. Women’s History Month. Historic Edenton Visitor Center exhibit and guided tours for student groups about Harriet Ann Jacobs. Reservations required for student groups by calling (252) 482-2637. Exhibit Mon.-Sat. 9-5 and Sun. 1-4. Tours by reservation.
March 29. Easter Egg Hunt. Kindergarten student groups will hunt school-provided candy on the grounds of the James Iredell House. Reservations required by calling 252-482-2637. 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
March 31-April 1. Easter Egg Dyeing Workshop. Second grade student groups will dye boiled eggs using dyes made from nature: flowers, vegetables, and animals. Reservations required by calling (252) 482-2637. 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Fort Dobbs – Statesville
February 27-28. “Living History Weekend: 250th Anniversary of the Attack on Fort Dobbs.” On February 27, 1760, the garrison of Fort Dobbs defended its post against a force of more than 60 Cherokee warriors. Battlefield tours and musket and cannon demonstrations will be featured, as well as ongoing demonstrations of 18th century military and American Indian camp life. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
April 10-11. “War for Empire: 1760.” At the site where soldiers once defended the frontier fort and settlers during the French and Indian War, visitors will have a chance to experience a vivid recreation of the colonial frontier fort including the1760 Cherokee attack on Fort Dobbs. More than 100 juried artisans and historic interpreters from across the nation will demonstrate their trades and sell their wares while entertainers and musicians delight audiences with 18th-century amusements. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
January 15-17. 145th Anniversary of the 2nd Battle of Fort Fisher. This large anniversary event will kick off at UNC-Wilmington on Friday with a panel discussion on the experiences of United States Colored Troops. The discussion is co-hosted by the Upperman African American Cultural Center. Continuing this theme, Dr. Richard Reid, author of Freedom for Themselves: North Carolina’s Black Soldiers in the Civil War Era, will present a talk on Saturday. A battle scenario, lantern light tours, and evening firing of the site’s 32-pound rifled and banded cannon will also highlight this anniversary program. Visitors can see artillery and infantry demonstrations and walk through Union and Confederate camps established on the fort’s grounds. Please contact the site for additional details.
March 7. “Be A Tourist In Your Own Hometown.” As part of the county-wide “Be A Tourist” day, visitors to Fort Fisher can enjoy the museum and grounds on this Sunday afternoon from 1-5 p.m.
Horne Creek Living Historical Farm – Pinnacle
January 16. “Come and Sit By the Fire.” Program features children’s stories, social customs, music, and food of the 1900 era. Nominal fee for refreshments. Noon-4 p.m.
“President James K. Polk Birthplace – Pineville
February 13. President’s Day: Vice-Presidents of the Three Carolina Presidents. This lecture, in conjunction with the staff of Andrew Jackson State Park, will focus on the Vice-Presidents of the Three Carolina Presidents. This program will take place at Andrew Jackson State Park. For information or directions call (803) 285-3344.
March 9. (This event was previously scheduled for March 2) Movie Night at the Polk Site. This is the second in a series of movie nights presented by the President James K. Polk State Historic Site and the Polk Memorial Support Fund Inc. Our second movie screening will feature the 1999 movie “Ride with the Devil”. This film is rated R. Admission is free.
January 22- Sept. 7. “The Education of the Deaf and Blind in North Carolina.” This exhibit documents government’s role in improving educational opportunities for this special population, along with the evolution of its separate educational system. The exhibit features vintage photos, a timeline, a large Braille map of North Carolina, and a device called a “Perkins Brailler”, which enabled one to write in Braille. Visitors can also write their names in Braille at a special interactive section of the exhibit.
February 27. African American Read-In. Local authors, community leaders, and students read from works by their favorite African American writers at the Capitol for the 21st annual National African American Read-In. Fiction and non-fiction for children, teens, and adults will be featured in an afternoon of great works. Presented with Wake County’s Richard B. Harrison Library. Noon- 4 p.m.
March 21. “Thomas Day, Cabinet Maker: Man in the Middle.” Thomas Day is mostly remembered as a furniture maker who had the largest furniture business in the state during the height of slavery. This dynamic mediated presentation by long-time Day researcher Laurel Sneed encourages audience participation as they analyze the historical evidence, savor his legacy in wood, and explore the mystery of one of our state’s most extraordinary and fascinating historical figures. Presented with the Wake County Historical Society. This lecture made possible by a grant from the North Carolina Humanities Council, a statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. 2:30 p.m.
April 10. “Raleigh Occupied.” A Civil War-era troop encampment and character interpretations will recall the April 1865 occupation of the Capitol by Sherman’s troops. Visitors will meet costumed interpreters portraying former governors, a local plantation wife, a Union officer and a newly freed slave. Characters are based on personal letters, diaries, and period accounts. Tours will take place at 10 a.m., 11a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Pre-registration encouraged.
April 11. “Reflecting on the Watergate Scandal.” Before serving as North Carolina’s Secretary of State, Rufus Edmisten worked as staff counsel for the Senate Watergate Committee with Sen. Sam Ervin. Edmisten was 28 years old when he served the subpoena to President Nixon at the White House for the Watergate tapes. In this presentation, Edmisten will give a first hand account of his role in one of the most shocking episodes in American history. Presented with the Wake County Historical Society. 2:30 p.m.
Town Creek Indian Mound – Mt. Gilead
February 7. Black History Month. Movies at the Mound Series presents “Black Indians: An American Story.” Narrated by James Earl Jones, the movie brings to light a forgotten part of America’s past – the cultural and racial fusion of Native and African Americans. 4–5 p.m.
March 20. Astronomy Night. Celebrate the first day of spring (Vernal Equinox) and watch the planet Saturn as it approaches opposition. Binoculars and telescopes encouraged. Site telescope will be available. Registration required, call (910) 439-6802.
April 10 Astronomy Night. Observe the Planets Saturn and Mars from one of the last great dark sky sites in the Piedmont. Binoculars and telescopes encouraged. Site telescope will be available. Registration required. To register call 910-439-6802.
May 22 Astronomy Night. Come view the stars at one of the last great dark sky sites in the Piedmont. Binoculars and telescopes encouraged. Site telescope will be available. Registration required. To register call 910-439-6802.
Vance Birthplace - Weaverville
February. Vance Birthplace will commemorate Black History Month during the month of February with a program titled “Behind the Big House.” The free program will be held Feb. 6 at 10 a.m., Feb. 13 at 11 a.m., Feb. 20 at 1 p.m., and Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. Advanced registration is required.
The planter’s residence, often called the “Big House” by slaves, was the most prominent building by virtue of its size and position. Beyond the Big House there existed another social domain, one that is often overlooked. This program will explore, in detail, the slaves’ side of the plantation. For information, or to register, call (828) 645-6706.