Celebrate Black History Month
Press Contacts: For Immediate Release
Susan Friday Lamb, 919-807-7943
Michelle Carr, 919-807-7968
During Black History Month, the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh offers programs about the lives and accomplishments of African Americans who have called North Carolina home. Join the African American History Tour, which highlights stories and artifacts in several museum exhibits. Learn about North Carolinians who have made a difference, despite discrimination and other obstacles, and still inspire us today. During other programs, explore the North Carolina roots of African American literature and enjoy a free musical performance with African beats.
Admission is free, and parking is free on weekends. These programs are presented as part of History Happens Here, a yearlong celebration of history in North Carolina. For more about the state’s history, arts and culture, go to www.ncculture.com.
Programs
African American Reading Room
Saturdays and Sundays, Feb. 6-25
Visit the reading room, stocked with books for all ages about North Carolina’s African American community. Work on a simple craft and take a book list home.
African American History Tour
Saturdays, Jan. 13-Feb. 24
1:30 p.m.
This guided tour visits several museum exhibits. In the exhibit N.C. Sports Hall of Fame, learn about athletes such as basketball star Phil Ford, who played for UNC-Chapel Hill from 1974 to 1978. In another exhibit, see a commemorative flight jacket worn by Col. Vernon Haywood, an original member of the Tuskegee Airmen, the nation’s first African American military flying unit. Hear about herbalist Emma Dupree in the exhibit Health and Healing Experiences in North Carolina. Dupree’s deep knowledge of the healing effects of plants gained her a wide following in her community.
The North Carolina Roots of African American Literature: An Anthology
Saturday, Feb. 10
3 p.m.
William L. Andrews, Editor and Professor of English at UNC-Chapel Hill
Did you know that the author of the first female slave narrative in the United States was from North Carolina? The first African American to publish a book in the South was a North Carolinian, as well. During this program, Andrews will highlight a collection of poetry, fiction, autobiography and essays showcasing the work of eight influential North Carolina African American writers during the 19th century and early 20th century. Learn why North Carolinians’ contributions to African American literature during this time surpassed all other Southern states. A book signing follows the program.
Music of the Carolinas: Charles “Wsir” Johnson
Sunday, Feb. 11
3 p.m.
Master percussionist Wsir (pronounced wa-seer) Johnson will explore the rhythms found in music of the Caribbean, Africa, South America and the southern United States. The musician is a storyteller, documentary filmmaker, educator and author noted for his high energy and enthusiasm. Johnson has a string of CDs to his credit, including Rhythms from the Heart, Meditation Percussion, Drum Tales and Drum Tales Volume II. The performance takes place in Daniels Auditorium. PineCone (www.pinecone.org) co-sponsors the performance.
For more information about these events, call 919-807-7900 or access ncmuseumofhistory.org. Parking is available in the lot across Wilmington Street.
# # #
The N.C. Museum of History’s hours are Tuesday 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.
Susan Friday Lamb, 919-807-7943
Michelle Carr, 919-807-7968
During Black History Month, the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh offers programs about the lives and accomplishments of African Americans who have called North Carolina home. Join the African American History Tour, which highlights stories and artifacts in several museum exhibits. Learn about North Carolinians who have made a difference, despite discrimination and other obstacles, and still inspire us today. During other programs, explore the North Carolina roots of African American literature and enjoy a free musical performance with African beats.
Admission is free, and parking is free on weekends. These programs are presented as part of History Happens Here, a yearlong celebration of history in North Carolina. For more about the state’s history, arts and culture, go to www.ncculture.com.
Programs
African American Reading Room
Saturdays and Sundays, Feb. 6-25
Visit the reading room, stocked with books for all ages about North Carolina’s African American community. Work on a simple craft and take a book list home.
African American History Tour
Saturdays, Jan. 13-Feb. 24
1:30 p.m.
This guided tour visits several museum exhibits. In the exhibit N.C. Sports Hall of Fame, learn about athletes such as basketball star Phil Ford, who played for UNC-Chapel Hill from 1974 to 1978. In another exhibit, see a commemorative flight jacket worn by Col. Vernon Haywood, an original member of the Tuskegee Airmen, the nation’s first African American military flying unit. Hear about herbalist Emma Dupree in the exhibit Health and Healing Experiences in North Carolina. Dupree’s deep knowledge of the healing effects of plants gained her a wide following in her community.
The North Carolina Roots of African American Literature: An Anthology
Saturday, Feb. 10
3 p.m.
William L. Andrews, Editor and Professor of English at UNC-Chapel Hill
Did you know that the author of the first female slave narrative in the United States was from North Carolina? The first African American to publish a book in the South was a North Carolinian, as well. During this program, Andrews will highlight a collection of poetry, fiction, autobiography and essays showcasing the work of eight influential North Carolina African American writers during the 19th century and early 20th century. Learn why North Carolinians’ contributions to African American literature during this time surpassed all other Southern states. A book signing follows the program.
Music of the Carolinas: Charles “Wsir” Johnson
Sunday, Feb. 11
3 p.m.
Master percussionist Wsir (pronounced wa-seer) Johnson will explore the rhythms found in music of the Caribbean, Africa, South America and the southern United States. The musician is a storyteller, documentary filmmaker, educator and author noted for his high energy and enthusiasm. Johnson has a string of CDs to his credit, including Rhythms from the Heart, Meditation Percussion, Drum Tales and Drum Tales Volume II. The performance takes place in Daniels Auditorium. PineCone (www.pinecone.org) co-sponsors the performance.
For more information about these events, call 919-807-7900 or access ncmuseumofhistory.org. Parking is available in the lot across Wilmington Street.
# # #
The N.C. Museum of History’s hours are Tuesday 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.