“Christmas on the Mountain,” drawn from Adams’ own holiday childhood experiences growing up in Madison County, will be presented at 6 p.m. and again at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 for general admission and are available at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial’s visitor center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Seating is limited.

“Audiences love to hear Sheila tell stories about her childhood and the community where she grew up,” said Wolfe Memorial staffer Chris Morton. “Her stories, songs and music recall a simpler time and place where people were still connected to the land, one another, and a way of life now all but vanished.”

Born and raised in the small mountain community of Sodom, Adams is from a family that for seven generations has passed down the English, Scottish and Irish ballads and stories that came over with their ancestors in the early 1700s. She learned these traditions from her older relatives, primarily from her great-aunt, Dellie Chandler Norton, and her cousin Cas Wallin.

A recipient of the prestigious N.C. Folklore Society’s Brown-Hudson Award for valuable contributions to the study and preservation of the state’s folk heritage, Adams has also received the Bascom Lamar Lunsford Award for significant contributions to traditional Appalachian music. In 2003, Mars Hill College named her its alumna of the year.

Adams is the author of the short-story collection “Come Go Home With Me,” which received the N.C. Historical Society’s historical fiction award, and the novel “My Old True Love,” which was a finalist for the Southeastern Booksellers Association’s 2004 book of the year award.

Thomas Wolfe himself was reared on the stories handed down for generations through his mother Julia’s family, many rooted in Old European folklore and balladry. Many critics think his Appalachian heritage and his mother’s oft retelling of the old tall tales inspired his famous storytelling gift.

Wolfe spent a decade growing up in his mother’s ramshackle boardinghouse, his childhood played out against the backdrop of intrusive boarders, small town provincialism and his colorful but sometimes unhappy family.

The goal of the Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site is to preserve and interpret the history of author Thomas Wolfe and his mother’s boardinghouse as depicted in his novel “Look Homeward Angel”. It is located at 52 N. Market Street in downtown Asheville. For more information about this program, contact the Thomas Wolfe Memorial at 828-253-8304, or email contactus@wolfememorial.com.

The Thomas Wolfe Memorial is part of the Division of N.C. Historic Sites and Properties 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.

FOUR OAKS – A typical Christmas for John and Amy Harper and their nine kids would have involved handmade crafts and home cooked goodies. The intrusion of the Civil War turned their home into a military hospital, but the fighting was still far away during Christmas. The Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site will host Christmas Open House on Saturday, Dec, 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., to show Christmas on the home front during war time.

“Sip cider and snack on cookies with costumed civilian interpreters and Confederate soldiers home on holiday furlough,” says Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site Assistant Manager Derrick Brown. “This is just one of the free programs offered at the 27 state historic sites.”

Visitors will hear period music, string a popcorn and cranberry garland, and enjoy the natural decorations. They can make paper Christmas ornaments to take home or use to decorate the site’s locally grown tree.

Small arms drills will be presented, along with musket demonstrations, uniform talks, mail call and discussion of everyday life for the soldiers. The festively decorated kitchen will be open all day. The 1855 Harper House will be set up as a Union field hospital and will have hourly tours.

The Battle of Bentonville, fought March 19-21, 1865, involved 80,000 troops and was the last Confederate offensive against Union Gen. William T. Sherman. The Bentonville Battlefield interprets the battle and the hospital, where many Confederates were left in the aftermath. It is three miles north of Newton Grove on S.R. 1008. For information, visit www.nchistoricsites.org/bentonvi/bentonvi.htm or call (910) 594-0789.

Bentonville Battlefield, within the Division of State Historic Sites, is part of 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.

HALIFAX – Colonial Christmas traditions, including rag dolls and caning chairs, are among the quieter aspects of the holiday celebration at Historic Halifax on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Costumed re-enactors of the 5th North Carolina Regiment of the Continental Line will bring a bang with lively firings of 18th century muskets and a swivel gun.

Other depictions of life for Revolutionary War era soldiers include a military drill, campfire cooking and other demonstrations outside Halifax’s Tap Room. Authentic 18th century foods will be prepared. Visitors can tour the Tap Room and other 18th and 19th century buildings that will be festively decorated with natural materials. In the visitor center, local artisans will create handmade rag dolls, colonial tin items, rush and cane chair seats, and more.

“A festive small-town Christmas parade at 3 p.m. down King Street will brighten spirits,” says Site Manager Monica Moody. “Be sure to stay for candlelight tours of several of the site’s historic buildings from 5-7 p.m. This is one of many free holiday events at the 27 state historic sites.” Halifax merchants also will feature holiday sales featuring unique holiday gifts. A tasty soup and sandwich luncheon will be served by the Halifax United Methodist Church for a small fee.

The first 85 years of history of the town of Halifax are recalled in the historic site’s preservation, whose buildings date from about 1760 to the 1830s. The site preserves and interprets the history of Halifax, where North Carolina first issued the call for independence from Britain.

Historic Halifax is just more than five miles from I-95. Take exit 168 to State Road 903 and follow the brown historic site signs to the Historic Halifax Visitor Center. For more information call (252) 583-7191 or visit www.halifax.nchistoricsites.org. Historic Halifax, within the Division of State Historic Sites, is part of 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.

RALEIGH – For 14 months, 50 photographs depicting North Carolina’s mountains to coast, various time periods, and even far away places, have been on the road in North Carolina. The “Telling Our Stories” Photography Exhibit, organized on an eastern and western route by the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, is ending. The Cameron Village branch of Wake County Public Library will display the final eastern show from Dec. 3-31. A reception with remarks by photographer Paul Dagys will be held Sunday, Dec. 6, at 2 p.m.

Each route includes 11 images from the top winners of the 2008 Our State magazine Readers Choice Photography contest, 21 images from professional photographers, and 18 pictures from the State Archives, that traveled for the first time. Among images are a young Andy Griffith in The Lost Colony, or a pleasant pig. Cary photographer Paul Dagys’ satirical image, Wemen, and Raleigh photographer Jane Terry’s reflective Six Years II, are on the eastern tour. Our State award winner Guy Fortier, of Apex, shows hummingbird flying at bee balm on both “Telling Our Stories” tours. These photographers will attend the opening.

The State Library of North Carolina contacted public libraries across the state about hosting the exhibit. Altogether 33 libraries displayed the photographs, bringing small and medium sized markets a quality of artwork not often seen. Citizens from Macon County to Pasquotank have enjoyed the unique exhibit. The western tour ends at the Durham Public Library Dec. 10-31, giving Triangle residents the opportunity to see both exhibits.

Among comments written are “Not a photo here that doesn’t capture the spirit and the essence of humankind and its beauty,” from New Hanover County, or “The pictures are great. I love them all!” from Hoke County, and “Wonderful exhibit. So glad our library is exhibiting,” from Halifax County.

For information on the Raleigh exhibit call 856-6727. For information on the tours call 807-7389. The State Library of North Carolina is a division of 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.

RALEIGH – The tree-lighting tradition at the State Capitol will continue when Gov. Bev Perdue and First Gentleman Bob Eaves light the Christmas tree on Thursday, Dec. 10. The Junior Women’s Club and State Capitol staff sponsor this free, public celebration. It starts at 5 p.m. with luminaries being lit and holiday music by the Kernersville Glenn High School Chorus. The governor and first gentleman will move to the South grounds at 6:15 p.m. to officially begin the ceremony. The lit tree will be visible the length of Fayetteville Street.

“Local performers will entertain guests on the Capitol grounds and Bicentennial Plaza after the tree lighting. The Raleigh Concert Band, local sports mascots, and even Santa will join the celebration,” says Site Manager Deanna Mitchell. Free carriage rides will be available and Girl Scouts will be “Caroling for Cans” to seek food donations for the local food bank. The Capitol and many other of the 27 state historic sites will offer free holiday programs.

The annual holiday open house will begin at 6:30. As it has for more than 30 years, the Raleigh Garden Club is decorating the historic Capitol. The General Assembly Chorus will perform in the Rotunda until 7:30 p.m.

Visitors will find the Museum of History and gift shop open, and will enjoy the giant decorated tree in the lobby. Old fashioned toys and games, “make and take” paper tree ornaments, and exhibits add to the fun. The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences also will be open, and will offer hands on activities and “meet the animals” for children. Both museums will close at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 10.

Sponsors are the State Capitol Foundation, Raleigh Garden Club, State Historic Sites Division of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, N.C. Department of Administration-Facility Management, N.C. Museum of History, N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences and the Junior Woman’s Club of Raleigh. Peak Farms in Ashe County donated trees and Northlake Christmas Trees and Nursery in Benson donated wreaths. There will be free parking along the street and in state government lots after 5 p.m.

The State Capitol’s mission is to preserve and interpret the history, architecture and functions of the 1840 building and Union Square. The Capitol is bounded by Edenton, Salisbury, Morgan and Wilmington Streets. For more information, visit www.nchistoricsites.org/capitol/default.htm or call (919) 733-4994.

Administered by the Division of State Historic Sites, the State Capitol is part of 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.

FREMONT – A festive feast of chicken, collards, biscuits and plum pudding will blanket the dining room table at Aycock Birthplace State Historic Site during the Christmas season. The typical late 19th century spread will be shown during free tours on Tuesday, Dec. 1, and Thursday, Dec. 3, 6:30-9 p.m. Gospel music, a shadow play, open hearth cooking, and costumed guides will reflect the post Civil War era when Gov. Charles Aycock grew up.

Performances of old-fashioned gospel music by the Primitive Baptist Singers, and Christmas songs in the a capella (no accompaniment) style will be in the auditorium on Tuesday, at 6:45, 7:30 and 8:15 p.m. On Thursday, the auditorium will become a craft room where kids of all ages can create pine cone angels, reindeer faces and other delights. A costumed volunteer will read a story both evenings while children dramatize the action with cardboard cut-outs and animal sounds.

“Interpreters will explain how men prepared families for Christmas, or seasonal traditions such as hanging stockings and homemade decorations for the tree, and also demonstrate open-hearth cooking, explains Site Manager Leigh Strickland, adding, “Visitors can warm up after the tour by sampling tasty hot apple cider. This is just one of many free holiday events at the 27 state historic sites.”

Charles B. Aycock was born in 1859 in this simple home that is now a state historic site. A vintage 1893 one room schoolhouse was moved to the site to mark his dedication to public education. The site has the mission to preserve and interpret the birthplace and history of Charles B. Aycock.

For further information, call (919) 242-5581 or email aycock@ncdcr.gov. To reach the site, take US 117 north nine miles from Goldsboro or US 117 south 14 miles from Wilson. Turn right from Goldsboro, or left from Wilson, on Gov. Aycock Road. The site is 1-1/2 miles on the right. From Interstate 95 take the US 301 exit at Kenly. Take NC 222 east for 10 miles to Fremont and turn right (south) on US 117. Go two miles and turn left on Governor Aycock Road.

Aycock Birthplace is within the Division of State Historic Sites in 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.

“On Nov. 10, 1898, white rioters in Wilmington murdered blacks in broad daylight and overthrew
a legitimately elected Republican government without public opposition or intervention by the authorities,” said Umfleet. Over the next quarter of a century, in a series of similar race riots throughout the country, Wilmington’s violence led to ever-tightening controls on blacks as they lost their rights and, in many instances, their lives.

The only known coup d’état in American history, the riot was the result of a series of events planned by white businessmen to regain control of government on both local and state levels. State Democratic Party strategists thrust Wilmington into the spotlight as an example of Republican corruption and bad government because of the participation of African Americans in local politics. The change in government that day fully ended black participation in local government until the advent of the civil rights era 60 years later.

In “A Day of Blood: The 1898 Wilmington Race Riot,” Umfleet examines the actions that precipitated the riot; the details of what happened in Wilmington on Nov. 10, 1898; and the long-term impact of that day in North Carolina and across the nation.

Umfleet is chief of collections management for the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the UNC-Chapel Hill and a master’s degree in history from East Carolina University. In 2007 she received the American Association for State and Local History’s Award of Merit and WOW Award for her work on the 1898 Wilmington Race Riot Report.

“A Day of Blood: The 1898 Wilmington Race Riot,” by LeRae Umfleet, is published by the Historical Publications Section of the N.C. Office of Archives and History and the African American Heritage Commission. Historical Publications is administered by the Office of Archives and History, which is part of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources.

Mix together a Fraser fir with holiday lights. Add music, memories and children’s faces all aglow, and you’ve got the recipe for December programs at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh. Capture magical moments during the Capitol Tree-Lighting ceremony, and enjoy performances by the Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble and the band Mappamundi.

Drop by for a lunchtime lecture about Christmas in the 1940s, and wind up the year at First Night Raleigh. All programs are free except First Night Raleigh. Parking is free on weekends.

*Time for Tots: Seasonal Symbols
Tuesday, Dec. 1 or Dec. 8
10-10:45 a.m.
Ages 3-5 with adult
To register, call 919-807-7992.
From menorahs to Moravian stars, find out what different symbols of winter holidays mean. Make your own stenciled place mat to take home.

*History Corner: Christmas Trees
Thursday, Dec. 3
10-11 a.m.
Ages 5-9 with adult
To register, call 919-807-7992.
Growing trees for the holiday season is one of North Carolina’s biggest industries. Find out how trees became a holiday symbol and create a decoration for your own tree. This program is presented with Cameron Village Regional Library.

Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble
Sunday, Dec. 6
3-4 p.m.
Get into a seasonal mood with some cool jazz. With saxophones, trumpets, trombones, bass and other instruments, this group of talented young musicians from local high schools will perform a variety of holiday classics. John V. Brown Jr., director of jazz ensembles and jazz studies at Duke University, leads the Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble.

History à la Carte: Christmas in the 1940s
Wednesday, Dec. 9
12:10-1 p.m.
Bring your lunch; beverages provided.
Sandy Webbere, Associate Curator
During World War II, Christmas brought dreams of peace and wishes for normalcy in the midst of rationing and personal sacrifice. Learn about this memorable period in North Carolina’s past.

*Capitol Tree Lighting
Thursday, Dec. 10
5-7:30 p.m. (museum open)
6 p.m. (tree-lighting ceremony on the Capitol grounds)
A Fraser fir from North Carolina’s mountains will be a new addition to this annual event. Watch it light up the Capitol grounds during this special occasion. Listen to seasonal music performed by groups who will stroll through the Capitol grounds and Bicentennial Plaza, directly in front of the museum. Come to the museum to make paper chains to add to your tree!

*Music of the Carolinas: Mappamundi
Sunday, Dec. 13
3-4 p.m.
A food drive will take place in conjunction with the event.
Mappamundi (“map of the world”) performs acoustic music from Europe, the British Isles, colonial America, and Latin America. The band features strong harmony vocals and plays a wide range of instruments. PineCone co-sponsors the performance.

Help others in need during the holiday season. Bring canned goods to the performance to contribute to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. A collection bin will be placed in the auditorium for donations. The food drive will take place all day Sunday.

*First Night Raleigh 2010
Thursday, Dec. 31
2-6 p.m. (children’s celebration)
7-11 p.m. (nighttime events)
First Night button required for entry.

The Museum of History will be at the heart of the children’s celebration at this annual New Year’s Eve festival of the arts. With a First Night pin or button, receive a $1 discount all day to the exhibit Knights of the Black Flag, which explores the legacy of pirates. The exhibit will be open until 10 p.m. For information, call Artsplosure at 919-990-1158 or visit artsplosure.org.

For more information, call 919-807-7900 or access ncmuseumofhistory.org.
* marks program 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.

All contest submissions (including cover page) must be e-mailed as a Word or PDF attachment. Send submissions to contest coordinator, Rachel Dickens, at rachel.dickens@ncdcr.gov, by midnight on Thursday, Jan. 21.

All papers must be 15 to 20 double-spaced pages (including footnotes and bibliography), prepared with 1-inch margins and typed in 12-point font. A cover page with the following information must be attached to the submission: title, student’s name, abstract of 100 to 150 words, college affiliation, educational status (undergraduate class year or graduate level), mailing address, phone number and e-mail address. The student’s name should not appear on the paper, as the essays will be judged through a double-blind review process by a panel of three judges in the history and public history fields.

For additional details, call Dickens at 919-807-7969. For more information about the N.C. Museum of History, call 919-807-7900 or access ncmuseumofhistory.org.

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.

As an “American Idol” semifinalist in 2004, Charly Lowry of Pembroke sang her heart out before millions of viewers. She appeared as one of the 32 semifinalists during season three of the wildly popular program.

Today, Lowry, a Lumbee tribe member, sings lead vocals and plays acoustic guitar with the band Dark Water Rising. The group will perform during the 14th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh on Saturday, Nov. 21. The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Dark Water Rising will appear on stage from 11 to 11:40 a.m. Admission and parking are free.

The name Dark Water Rising originates from the home county of its six members. It refers to dark swamplands and waters of the Lumber River in Robeson County, which is known for its rich Lumbee culture.

Lowry and Aaron Locklear (a college friend and producer) formed Dark Water Rising to express a sound and free spirit that embraces several genres of music, including soul, blues, country, hip-hop, gospel and rock. In 2006, prior to creating the band, they developed the small independent label GreenSky Records, and Lowry gained local and regional success with the release of the single “BrownSkin.” After touring, she realized she needed the full expression of a live band.

“Our music has never fit into any one category alone,” says Lowry. “We don’t quite fit the mold of most other bands along the East Coast.”

Reminiscent of 1970s and 1980s bands, such as Fleetwood Mac and Heart, Dark Water Rising features a talented female lead singer. Lyrically, the band explores all themes of life, while expressing its sentiment on the recognition of the Lumbee people.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Dark Water Rising on Nov. 21. Stay and enjoy all the activities at the American Indian Heritage Celebration. This lively festival features musicians, dancers, artists and storytellers from North Carolina’s eight state-recognized tribes.* The event is the perfect way to celebrate American Indian Heritage Month. For a complete schedule or more information, go to ncmuseumofhistory.org or call 919-807-7900.

The American Indian Heritage Celebration is supported by the N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs; Museum of History Associates; and United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County, with funds from the United Arts campaign, the N.C. Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes a great nation deserves great art. Additional funding is provided by Food Lion and IBM.

* The eight state-recognized tribes are Coharie, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Haliwa-Saponi, Lumbee, Meherrin, Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, Sappony, and Waccamaw-Siouan. For more information about the tribes, go to http://www.doa.state.nc.us/CIA/.

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.