The North Carolina Museum of History is excited to announce a full lineup of fall programs that bring North Carolina history to life through lectures, storytelling and hands-on activities. The museum is part of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR).
Just in time for Halloween, the museum’s October History at High Noon program will explore the mystery of Maco Light, one of North Carolina’s most famous ghost stories. The virtual talk will look at the history behind the legend and how it became part of local folklore.
The museum’s 31st annual American Indian Heritage Celebration takes place Saturday, Nov. 21, at the North Carolina Museum of Art. The festival celebrates American Indian history, cultures and contributions through educational programming, live performances, art and storytelling.
Other programs include a storytime about North Carolina state symbols, a painting class inspired by the state bird and a November lecture on Revolutionary leader Cornelius Harnett.
Read on for the museum’s October and November programs. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. Registration may be required.
- In the Moment: Cultural Activities for the Memory Community
Friday, Oct. 9, 1–2:30 p.m.
Join the NC Museum of History for our new program series at the North Carolina Museum of Art, West Building. In the Moment: Cultural Activities for the Memory Community is designed for those living with memory changes and their care partners. This is a joint program series with the North Carolina Museum of Art, North Carolina Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. - Storytime Stewards: So & So Books
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 10:30–11:15 a.m.
Join the NC Museum of History at So & So Books for a free story time! We’ll read “The Box Turtle” by Vanessa Roeder. In this story, we’ll meet Terrance the turtle and his unique shell. Then together, we’ll learn more about box turtles and other North Carolina state symbols and receive a take-home craft. Please register online. - History at High Noon: Maco Light
Wednesday, Oct. 28, noon–1 p.m.
Join the NC Museum of History for a spooky edition of History at High Noon as we explore the mystery of the Maco Light, one of North Carolina’s most famous ghost stories! Reported for more than a century near old train tracks in Brunswick County, this legend tells the story of a ghostly railroad conductor named Joe Baldwin. After a tragic accident, believers have claimed to spot Baldwin’s spirit searching for his lost head. This talk will examine the real history behind the tale and how the story became an important part of local folklore, attracting visitors and curiosity from across the country! - Paint, Sip & Ponder: Cardinals!
Saturday, Nov. 7, noon–2 p.m.
Tickets: $40
Join the NC Museum of History for the next installment of our new paint and sip program—this time featuring cardinals! Instructor Teedgra Carter will guide you through painting a scene featuring our state bird. Celebrate the upcoming holiday or winter solstice or simply the beauty that is our state bird! See some cool cardinal-themed artifacts from the museum’s collection and learn how the cardinal came to be our state bird! When you arrive, grab your favorite libation from Hartwell Raleigh’s very talented bartenders then head on over to the class space. - “The Samuel Adams of North Carolina?”: Cornelius Harnett and the Revolution in North Carolina
Tuesday, Nov. 10, noon–1 p.m.
Discover North Carolina’s “Samuel Adams” in this talk held in conjunction with the exhibit Witnesses to the Revolution: North Carolina and the War for Independence, a collaborative effort of Wilson Library and the Museum of History. Only dimly remembered today, Cornelius Harnett of Wilmington was recognized in his time as among North Carolina's most powerful and influential Patriot leaders. This lecture will explore what we can learn about the American Revolution in North Carolina, particularly the lower Cape Fear, by taking a closer look at Harnett's life. Discover this important historical figure with Dr. Jason Stroud, who has been researching and pondering Harnett’s life and contributions. - American Indian Heritage Celebration Virtual Education Day
Friday, Nov. 20, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Best of Cultural Education Days is an easy-to-stream collection that celebrates diverse traditions, art forms, and perspectives, offering students an engaging way to revisit favorite moments or discover something new. - American Indian Heritage Celebration
Saturday, Nov. 21, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
The NC Museum of History proudly presents the 31st annual American Indian Heritage Celebration! The celebration—with support from its community partners, the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs and the North Carolina American Indian Commission—has been the culminating event in honor of American Indian Heritage Month in North Carolina for more than three decades.
For more details, click the links above or visit ncmuseumofhistory.org.
About the N.C. Museum of History
The North Carolina Museum of History connects the people of our state with the past. Through the collection, preservation and interpretation of North Carolina’s history, the museum cares for more than 150,000 artifacts and shares stories from across the state through exhibitions, educational programs and statewide outreach. The museum is currently closed for renovation and is scheduled to reopen in 2028 with updated infrastructure improvements and additional gallery space. During this time, the museum continues to engage audiences through in-person programs, virtual offerings and partnerships across North Carolina. The museum is part of the Division of State History Museums within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. At more than 100 sites across the state, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.