RALEIGH – Pottery from an 18th century port city, centuries old fishing traditions and landscapes and seascapes are a sampling of programs available at 2nd Saturdays programs on June 12 at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson, Fort Fisher and the N.C. Maritime Museum in Southport, respectively. They are among the 27 state historic sites and museums of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources that will offer free family fun this summer on June 12, July 10 and Aug. 14. Golden Leaf Foundation has provided a grant to support 2nd Saturdays.
No matter where you are in the state, an authentic North Carolina experience can be a great escape for a day trip or more. “North Carolina has an abundance of resources that invite people to come and play…and stay,” observes Secretary Linda Carlisle, N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. 2nd Saturdays will share our rich history with summer tourists and families alike, while at the same time putting dollars in the pockets of artists who display their work.”
Each venue will create its own experience, which may include arts, crafts, music, food, and always a good time. Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson south of Wilmington will share “Colonial Brunswick: Pottery Then and Now,” and will have more than 12 potters and students to participate. Archaeologists Linda Carnes-McNaughton and Thomas Beamon will examine the collection of colonial pottery at Brunswick Town. Visitors are invited to bring their own samples for examination.
Fort Fisher State Historic Site at Kure Beach will present “Exploring Our Historical Landscape” with a living history encampment and infantry demonstrations from the North State Rifles. Artists from around the state will exhibit or demonstrate their talents in the areas of painting, potting, mixed media, jewelry making or photography. Period music will fill the day. Visitors and staff can post pictures to the Flickr group ncculture-2nd Saturdays at www.flickr.com/groups/2ndsaturdays.
The N.C. Maritime Museum at Southport will offer “We Fished for a Living,” a celebration of the fishing industry in the Lower Cape Fear region at Waterfront Park on the Cape Fear River. Pottery, painting and fiber art vendors will participate. Additionally, N.C. Master Gardeners will give a plant clinic, and P.D. Midgette will perform bluegrass and fishing songs.
For more information call (919) 807-7389. The Divisions of State Historic Sites and State History Museums are within the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, the state agency with the mission to enrich lives and communities, and the vision to harness the state’s cultural resources to build North Carolina’s social, cultural and economic future. Information is available 24/7 at www.ncculture.com.