There will be no after-holiday lull at the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh. January brings one of the museum’s largest events, the 12th Annual African American Cultural Celebration on January 26. More than 75 presenters — well-known musicians, award-winning authors, storytellers, dancers, re-enactors and others — will highlight the contributions of African Americans to North Carolina.
On Jan. 13 catch a performance by master showman Ironing Board Sam, a blues and R&B singer, songwriter and piano player who was wildly popular on the New Orleans music scene for decades.
There is all this and more in January. All programs are free unless otherwise noted. Parking is free on weekends.
Picturing Our People
Sunday, Jan. 6, 2-3 p.m.
A Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer, José Galvez will discuss his work in capturing the everyday life of Latinos in North Carolina. This program made possible by a grant from the North Carolina Humanities Council, a statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
*Time for Tots: N.C. Firsts
Tuesday, Jan. 8 & Jan. 15, 10-10:45 a.m.
Start the first of the year learning about some firsts in the state. Then make a #1 craft to take home! Registration is required. Call 919-807-7992. Ages 3-5 with adult, $1 per person.
History à la Carte: Before Brown, There Was Blue
Wednesday, Jan. 9, 12:10-1 p.m.
Over 60 years ago, Durham parents won a battle in the war against school discrimination. Davis tells about this fight for equality and how it helped lead to the landmark desegregation case, Brown v. Board of Education. Presented by Eddie Davis, Retired Educator. Bring your lunch; beverages provided.
*Make It, Take It: Turtle Rattles
Saturday, Jan. 12, 1-3 p.m. (drop-in program)
Find out about North Carolina’s first peoples and make a paper rattle to take home.
Music of the Carolinas: Ironing Board Sam
Sunday, Jan. 13, 3-4 p.m.
This gifted and engaging performer’s repertoire includes originals, classic blues, and R&B songs. The performance is presented with PineCone, with support from the North Carolina Museum of History Associates, Williams Mullen and WLHC-FM/WLQC-FM.
Tectonic Shifts: The Arab Spring and the Future of the Middle East
Thursday, Jan. 17, 7-9 p.m.
Hear about a topic making international headlines, the Arab Spring. Khater, a native of Lebanon, is the author of several books on the Middle East. Presented by Akram Khater, Alumni Distinguished University Professor (CHASS), Professor of History, Director of Middle East Studies Program and Director of the Khayrallah Program for Lebanese-American Studies, N.C. State University.
Conservation Assistance Day
Friday, Jan. 18, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Got questions about caring for your treasured possessions? You’re invited to bring up to three objects to the museum for assessment and advice on care from our conservators. Appointments are required. Call Jan Sweatt at 919-807-7823.
12th Annual African American Cultural Celebration
Saturday, Jan. 26, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Join us for the statewide kickoff to Black History Month and celebrate North Carolina’s diverse African American heritage and culture! This year’s theme, Defining Freedom, honors the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. Over 75 musicians, storytellers, dancers, historians, playwrights, authors, artists, re-enactors, chefs, teachers, scholars, and other presenters will help tell the rich and varied stories of our state. It’s educational and fun for the whole family.
This program is supported by the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission, the North Carolina Museum of History Associates, and the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County, with funds from the United Arts campaign as well as the North Carolina Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes a great nation deserves great art.
For more information about the N.C. Museum of History, call (919) 807-7900, access the museum’s website or connect with the museum on Facebook and Twitter. The N.C. Museum of History is a unit of N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. For more information on North Carolina arts, history and culture, visit Cultural Resources online.