Topics Related to Things to Do

Spinning a Yarn at Aycock Birthplace

Life on the farm in 1870 was not about stylish clothing. No nearby mall or hip boutique offered trendy fashions. Aycock Birthplace and members of the Tarheel Civilians will examine fiber and fixings at the “Spinning a Yarn” program Saturday, May 29, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., in a celebration of creating textiles and clothing. Bring a snack or picnic lunch and learn of bygone days.

This program will feature a sheep shearing demonstration from 10 a.m.-noon and living history demonstrations and children’s crafts throughout the day.

North Carolina State Capitol Will Open to the Public May 17

The State Capitol will open to the public May 17, with some new procedures in place to help ensure the safety of staff and visitors, including:

     · Limiting visitation

     · Installing hand sanitizer stations and increasing the frequency of cleaning high touch public areas

     · Installing protective barriers at information desks

     · Our gift shop will be open

'Bentonville in Bloom' to Showcase the Battlefield’s Natural Resources

Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site is thrilled to announce a new program scheduled for Saturday, May 15 called “Bentonville in Bloom.” This spring event will showcase the natural resources and wildlife that call Bentonville home. 

As battlefield preservation has grown to over 2,000 acres, the wildlife found within those acres have also been conserved. “Bentonville in Bloom” will provide visitors with a chance to learn more about the ecosystem from experts on the flora and fauna of eastern North Carolina.

Alamance Battleground State Historic Site will commemorate 250th anniversary

Alamance Battleground State Historic Site will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the 1771 Battle of Alamance with virtual programs and a special illumination Saturday, May 15.

Three hundred luminaries will mark the positions of the battlefield combatants, with one luminary representing 10 people who participated in the battle. The memorial in light will occur 7-10 p.m.

State Archives Presents Virtual Roundtable Discussion on Preserving Family Memorabilia

The State Archives of North Carolina will host a virtual roundtable, “Preservation Pointers for the Public,” Wed., May 12, 7-8:30 p.m. Enhance your own family archive with tips from the pros! 

May is Preservation Month and State Archives staff want to help you preserve family memorabilia. Staff with expertise in documents, photographs, audio-visual recordings, and electronic records (including social media) will present brief overviews of how to keep those types of materials safe for years to come. They will also address your preservation questions.

Earth Day Observances at State Aquariums and Museums

In honor of Earth Day on April 22, N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources sites have some great events planned throughout April. 

Earth Day is meant to increase awareness of the planet we live on, and encourage people to learn more about pollution, climate change, endangered species, and other environmental issues.

This year’s theme is “Restore Our Earth.”

Gold Panning Returns to Reed for the 2021 Season

When young Conrad Reed discovered a rock that was really a 17-pound gold nugget in 1799, he had no idea that the Carolina Gold Rush would soon start. Reed Gold Mine invites you to join the gold panning action during the 2021 gold panning season April 1-Oct. 31. Individuals aged eight years and older can participate for a $3 fee on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only, weather permitting.

Mountain Gateway Exhibit Showcases North Carolina’s Awakening

During the early 1800s, North Carolina was considered a sleepy, backward state with a sluggish economy and little interest in change. It became known as the “Rip Van Winkle State.” Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Center (MGM) will open a new exhibit Saturday, March 27 about the state’s transformation and the culture of mining in western North Carolina.

Spring into History with PATH!

Songbirds and sunshine return as spring is here! It’s time to get outside and take part in Parks and Trails for Health (PATH), an online program of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources to encourage activity in parks, trails, greenways, and other outdoor spaces. As you plan spring break and Easter outings, add some history and culture and make a visit to a site historic site that also has a trail. Trails range from a quarter-mile to eight miles. Most sites are open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and are free.

'Seeking Liberty in Halifax' Virtual Program

The unsung participation of African Americans in the Revolutionary War will be examined in an online panel discussion Saturday, March 13 at 10 a.m. The virtual discussion, “Seeking Liberty in Halifax,” is a preview for an exhibit of the same name that will open at Historic Halifax State Historic Site April 12.