A look at the music and literature of the Civil War in Creswell, a look at the special systems of a World War II battleship in Wilmington and a survival-focused living history program in Weaverville are just a few of the opportunities for fun and discovery you’ll find this weekend with the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources.
Here are 13 suggestions to help you make the most of your time:
1. See first-hand how 19th century homesteaders survived in the rough and tumble atmosphere of the North Carolina mountains through demonstrations, workshops and lectures Saturday at Vance Birthplace in Weaverville.
2. Discover the rich music and literature of the Civil War and see what life was like on the home front during the war Saturday at Somerset Place in Creswell.
3. Step back in time for an afternoon of merriment, music, games, traditional craft demonstrations and art-making activities Sunday at the N.C. Museum of Art’s annual Family Renaissance Fair in Raleigh.
4. Take a tour of Horne Creek Farm’s renowned apple orchard Saturday in Pinnacle after hearing about the history of the fruit from one of the nation’s leading experts.
5. Enjoy potato games and hands-on activities at the Museum of the Albemarle Saturday as part of the Elizabeth City-wide North Carolina Potato Festival.
6. Join the N.C. Symphony for concerts featuring the music of Las Vegas Friday and Saturday in Raleigh.
7. Explore the various systems of the Battleship North Carolina-armor, fuel, propulsion, electrical, etc.-and learn about the rationale behind their design during special tours inWilmington Saturday.
8. Discuss Thomas’s Wolfe’s short story “The Lost Boy” with local professor Paul Spivey Thursday at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial in Asheville.
9. Check out trucks throughout history Saturday at the N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer.
10. Kayak through the fascinating history of the Crystal Coast region Thursday with the N.C. Maritime Museum in Beaufort.
11. Understand the importance of the year 1844 during a lecture at the President James K. Polk Historic Site Thursday in Pineville.
12. Hear about how artists use archives for activism from Dr. Wesley Hogan, director of Duke’s Center for Documentary Studies, Thursday at the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA) in Winston-Salem.
13. Learn about the story of Gettyburg’s famous unknown soldier during a talk Sunday at the Museum of the Cape Fear in Fayetteville.
Check out DCR’s calendar for more information on these and other events, and a enjoy a great North Carolina weekend!
