June 9 – “Capital City Homefront Day”
Experience what life was like for the citizens of Raleigh living on the Civil War home front in the summer of 1862. Activities include: live period music, infantry drilling, military recruitment speeches, bandage rolling and quilting demos, and children’s games. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
July 14 – “State Library’s 200th Birthday”
North Carolina’s State Library, now celebrating its 200th anniversary, started off as a small collection held in the State House, and later the State Capitol. Join staff from the Capitol and State Library special tours of the recreated library on the third floor of the Capitol and see an exhibit of rare books from the library’s earliest days. 1-4 p.m., with tours at 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3 p.m.
August 11 – “Governor Zeb Vance’s 1862 Inauguration Bash”
Meet a costumed interpreter playing the part of North Carolina’s most famous Civil War governor and hear his inaugural speech as he prepares to take office in the midst of the great war. 1 p.m.
State Capitol – One East Edenton Street, Raleigh, N.C., 27601. (919) 733-4994. state.capitol@ncdcr.gov.
2nd Saturdays will bring together North Carolina arts, history, and culture at all 37 of the Department of Cultural Resources’ museums and Historic Sites on June 9, July 14 and August 11, 2012. For more information, visit www.ncculture.com.