Aycock Birthplace – Fremont

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.

Historic Bath

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.

Bennett Place – Durham

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.

Fort Fisher – Kure Beach

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 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.

State Capitol – Raleigh

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.

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.

True love stories include the tale of the “Desperate Voyage,” of a man who singlehandedly crossed the Pacific to declare his love to his bride stranded in a faraway land. Also see artifacts of sailors’ shell-crafted Valentine’s or woven rope purses that were created in lonely hours to give to his true love back on shore.

The evening will incorporate pop culture romance, such as that of Leo and Kate of “Titanic” fame, or matches aboard the “Love Boat.” These may pale in comparison of tales of husbands and wives who sail together around the world on a small boat, or whaler’s wives who spend years alone, waiting for husbands to return from sea. Share in a tale of local romance and guess what museum staffer proposed to his wife while sailing through Beaufort Inlet.

Call (252) 728-7317 for information and program reservations, which are required. Admission is $15 per couple or $10 per person. Museum hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. Admission to the museum is free.

The N.C. Maritime Museum, within the Division of State History Museums, 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.

Hunter is a member of North Carolina’s Wilson V. Eagleson Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen Inc. This chapter is part of the national Tuskegee Airmen Inc., a group formed to honor the accomplishments and history of African Americans who participated in the Army Air Corps in WWII.

Hunter will tell the story of the nearly 1,000 pilots who graduated flight training at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama between 1941 and 1946. The airmen were segregated on army bases and in the air, flying P-51’s with the tail painted vermillion. Their successes in the air, however, led other pilots to nickname the Tuskegee Airmen the “red-tailed angels.”

Nearly half of those pilots saw action overseas, earning an outstanding record of service, while breaking down barriers of ignorance. It was said that the Tuskegee Airmen faced two battles, the war overseas and the battle against racism in Europe and at home.

Leonard Hunter’s program will take place Feb. 13 in the Bob Julian Roundhouse Orientation Room at 1 p.m. The program is free, but space is limited; for reservations call (704) 636-2889 ext. 232.

The N.C. Transportation Museum is located in historic Spencer Shops; the former Southern Railway repair facility is located just five minutes off I-85 at Exit 79 in Spencer, N.C., and about an hour from Charlotte, Greensboro or Winston-Salem. The museum is part of the Division of Historic Sites 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. Visit www.nctrans.org for more information on the museum. For information on the Department of Cultural Resources, call (919) 807-7385 or visit www.ncculture.com.

Amelia Parker, Executive Director of the International Civil Rights Center and Museum, will highlight the museum and the early days of the Civil Rights movement. She will present History à la Carte: 50 Years Since the Sit-Ins on Wednesday, Feb. 10, at 12:10 p.m. at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh. Bring your lunch to this lunchtime program; beverages are provided. Admission is free.

The International Civil Rights Center and Museum states that part of its mission is “to ensure that the world never forgets the courage” displayed by the four young Agricultural and Technical College of North Carolina (now North Carolina A&T State University) students on Feb. 1, 1960. When the “Greensboro Four,” Franklin McCain, Joseph McNeil, Ezell Blair Jr. (now Jibreel Khazan) and David Richmond, sat at a whites-only lunch counter in the Woolworth store, their actions served as a blueprint for other nonviolent civil rights protests across the South and the nation.

Drop by the Museum of History to hear Parker’s presentation on Feb. 10.

For more information about the museum, call 919-807-7900 or access ncmuseumofhistory.org or Facebook®. The museum is located at 5 E. Edenton St., across from the State Capitol.

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.

Click here to see the February edition of the N.C. Museum of Art eView.

Reed Gold Mine, Midland (open)

President James K. Polk Birthplace, Pineville (open)

Zebulon B. Vance Birthplace, Weaverville (open)

Thomas Wolfe Memorial, Asheville, (opens at noon - closing at 4 p.m.)

Ft. Dobbs, Statesville,  (opens at 10 a.m.)

Transportation Museum, Spencer, (open)

Horne Creek Living Historical Farm, Pinnacle, is closed.

All other sites are operating on their regular schedule.

Please call specific site for Saturday operating status.

For information call (919) 807-7389. The Division of State Historic Sites is 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.

Astronomy Night fans haven’t had a view of Mars this great since early 2008. Also known as the Red Planet due to its reddish color, Mars reached opposition (its closest approach to the earth for the year) at the end of January. Organizers say that now is the perfect time to view and photograph the planet as its red surface is fully illuminated by the sun and shines brightly in the winter sky.

“With Valentine’s Day so close, it will be a perfect time to bring some chocolates and your special someone to spend an evening under the spell of the Red Planet,” said Town Creek Site Manager Rich Thompson.

Participants are encouraged to bring personal telescopes and binoculars. The site will have its own telescopes on hand for observation. Participants may bring blankets or chairs for outside viewing and are advised to dress for the weather.

Registration for this event is required. Call (910) 439-6802 or e-mail towncreek@ncdcr.gov to register.

Mars’ red color is caused by iron oxide that is rich in the soil. Scientists have two theories as to how iron became present in the soil. One theory suggests that early Mars was covered with water which wore away iron in the ancient rocks. Once the waters went away, the iron remained on the surface. A second theory is the iron comes from the numerous meteorites that pounded the surface of Mars.

Upcoming Astronomy Night programs include:

March 20 – Vernal Equinox and Saturn

April 10 – Saturn and Mars

May 22 – The Moon

For more than a thousand years, American Indians farmed lands later known as North Carolina. Around A.D. 1000, a new cultural tradition arrived in the Pee Dee River Valley. Throughout Georgia, South Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and western and southern Piedmont North Carolina, the Mississippian tradition spawned complex societies. Inhabitants built earthen mounds for their leaders, engaged in widespread trade, supported craftspeople and celebrated a new form of religion.

In 1937 excavations began at Town Creek Indian Mound. Key features of the site were reconstructed including the mound, two temple structures, a burial hut and surrounding stockade. Archaeologists’ excavations revealed that the mound at Town Creek was constructed over an early rectangular structure known as an “earth lodge.”

The mission of Town Creek Indian Mound is to interpret the history of the American Indians who once lived here. The visitor center features interpretive exhibits as well as audiovisual displays. A national historic landmark, Town Creek Indian Mound State Historic Site is North Carolina’s only historic site dedicated to American Indian heritage. Tour groups are welcome and encouraged. The site is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. It is closed to the public on Mondays and most major holidays.

The historic site is located at 509 Town Creek Mound Road approximately five miles east of Mt. Gilead, in southern Montgomery County between NC 73 and NC 731. For more information on Town Creek, visit www.towncreek.nchistoricsites.org.

Administered by the Division of State Historic Sites, Town Creek Indian Mound 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 on Cultural Resources is available 24/7 at www.ncculture.com.

WINNABOW – Just as they did in 1865, Union and Confederate forces will clash in battles over Ft. Anderson and Town Creek on Feb. 20-21, as the Brunswick Town/Ft. Anderson State Historic Site commemorates the 145th anniversary of the Confederates’ final attempt to prevent Union soldiers from taking Ft. Anderson and ultimately Wilmington.

The Brunswick Town/Ft. Anderson State Historic Site will host a pair of battle re-enactments, “The Fight for Ft. Anderson” at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20, and “The Battle of Town Creek” at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 21, at the site. In addition to the battle scenarios, the event will feature evening lantern tours, guest speakers, sutlers (vendors in period clothing), artillery drills, infantry drills, military hospital demonstrations, and period women’s fashions. Both the panel discussion and the battle re-enactments are free to the public. The site opens at 9 a.m. both days.

“This event is designed to help the public understand Fort Anderson through living history, battle reenactments, and interpretations,” said Brunswick Town/Ft. Anderson Site Manager Brenda Bryant. “Our intent is to interpret our site history to our visitors and allow them to experience the sites and sounds of the American Civil War as historical re-enactors relive the history of Fort Anderson.”

A preliminary scholarly panel discussion titled “2009 Archaeology at Ft. Anderson,” will take place on Feb. 16 at the Southport Community Building in Southport, N.C. The panel discussion begins at 7 p.m. and is sponsored by the Friends of Brunswick Town/Ft. Anderson, in cooperation with the historic site, the Friends of the N. C. Maritime Museum at Southport, the N.C. Maritime Museum at Southport, and the Southport Department of Tourism.

The Brunswick Town/Ft. Anderson State Historic Site is located at 8884 St. Phillips Rd. SE, Winnabow, N.C., 28479. For more information on this program or the site, call (910) 371-6613 or visit www.nchistoricsites.org/brunswic/brunswic.htm.

Brunswick Town/Ft. Anderson State Historic Site is part of 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.

Saturday, Feb. 6, will be open to the public from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Demonstrations, mustering of the troops and artillery firing will occur on The Green and at Waterfront Park. Many exhibits of personal collections of Civil War era artifacts will be on display in the lobby. Members of the Tar Heel Civilians, a North Carolina Civil War re-enactment group, will present programs that bring the Civilian aspect of the wartime era to the public. A lecture series will be held in the Gaither Auditorium. Speakers and their topics include: Ronnie Woolard: “The Impact of Chaplains on Civil War Soldiers”; Jason Madre: “The Battle of Elizabeth City History of the Mosquito Fleet” and Bruce Long: CSS Appomattox.
To schedule a group for Student’s Day, Friday, Feb. 5, call the Museum’s Education Department at 252-331-4032.

The Museum of the Albemarle is located at 501 S. Water Street, Elizabeth City, NC. (252)335-1453. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Closed Mondays and state holidays. Serving Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hertford, Hyde, Northampton, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington counties, the museum is the northeast regional history museum of the N. C. Division of State History Museums within the 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.

WHO: David Moore, staff archaeologist, N.C. Maritime Museum

WHAT: Lecture on the slave ship Henrietta Marie

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2 p.m.

WHERE: N.C. Maritime Museum, 305 Front Street, Beaufort, N.C. 28516

For additional information call (252) 728-7317. Museum hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. Admission to the museum is free. The N.C. Maritime Museum, within the Division of State History Museums, 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.