From funk music to gardening, June will bring an eclectic mix of programs at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh. As always, there will be programs for all ages.
Sam Lathan, who played drums for James Brown and the Famous Flames, was one of the musicians from eastern North Carolina who influenced the creation of funk music in the 1960s. Come hear him talk about his experiences in the early funk music scene and about traveling the world with Brown. Lathan will present the program History à la Carte: Drumming Up the Funk!
Join the program Herbalicious!, when gardening enthusiasts will teach you about doorstop (or dooryard) gardens and how to use fresh herbs. Complementing this nature-inspired program, artist Marina Bosetti will create ceramic tile designs featuring plant or animal designs.
The Starring North Carolina! Film Series continues with “Blue Velvet” (MPAA rating: R-L,S,V). This early Dino De Laurentiis film was shot primarily in Wilmington and Lumberton. Rolling Stone magazine named it best film of the 1980s. Of special note, the exhibit Starring North Carolina! showcases costumes and props from “Blue Velvet,” including one of Isabella Rossellini’s blue velvet robes and the silicone prop called “Mr. Ear.”
Take advantage of these programs and more at the N.C. Museum of History. Admission is free unless otherwise noted. Parking is free on weekends.
Programs
First Fridays at the Museum
Friday, June 5, 5-9 p.m.
Visit The Story of North Carolina chronological history exhibition and the Starring North Carolina! film exhibit (half-priced admission; last tickets sold at 8 p.m.). The N.C. Craft Brewers Guild will feature tastings of beer from Gizmo Brew Works in Raleigh during the evening. Find something special in the Museum Shop. Father’s Day is June 21, so get your shopping done early.
See a preview of a new exhibit case opening June 6 in the museum lobby. The case, titled Hey America!: Eastern North Carolina and the Birth of Funk, will feature audio and video clips that help illuminate the roles of African American musicians from eastern North Carolina who played prominent roles in the creation of funk. This genre of highly danceable music helped integrate dance floors across America during the middle and late 1960s.
Time for Tots: We All Scream for Ice Cream!
Tuesday, June 2 and 9, 10-10:45 a.m.
When the weather gets hot, who doesn’t love ice cream? Find out about ways people kept cool during summers of the past, and churn up an old-fashioned treat to enjoy for yourself Ages 3-5 (with adult). $3 plus tax per child; $1 plus tax for museum members. To register, visit NCMOH-programs.com. For information, call 919-807-7979.
History Corner: Life on the Farm
Wednesday, June 3, 10-11 a.m.
Learn about life on an early-20th-century farm. Visit part of the History of the Harvest exhibit, and make a corn-y craft to take home. Ages 6-9 (with adult). $3 plus tax per child; $1 plus tax for museum members. To register, visit NCMOH-programs.com. For information, call 919-807-7979.
History Hunters: Hoeing a Row
Wednesday, June 3, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Not long ago, most North Carolinians lived and worked on farms. What was it like? Come, and find out! Ages 10-13. $3 plus tax per child; $1 plus tax for museum members. To register, visit NCMOH-programs.com. For information, call 919-807-7979.
History à la Carte: Drumming Up the Funk!
Wednesday, June 10, noon-1 p.m.
Drummer Sam Lathan was one of the many musicians from eastern North Carolina who influenced funk music — and even played drums for James Brown and the Famous Flames. He will talk about his experiences in the early funk music scene and about traveling the world with Brown. Bring your lunch; beverages provided
Storytime in the Gallery
Thursdays, June 4 and 11, 18 and 25, 10-10:30 a.m.
Meet a staff member at the information desk and follow your guide to one of the museum galleries. There, you can look around and listen to a history-related story. Topics change every week! Ages 3 and up.
Starring North Carolina! Film Series: “Blue Velvet”
Friday, June 12, 6 p.m.
An early Dino De Laurentiis film, “Blue Velvet” (shot primarily in Wilmington and Lumberton) received instant praise, several award nominations, and best-movie honors for 1986; Rolling Stone magazine even named it best film of the 1980s. The exhibit Starring North Carolina! showcases costumes and props from “Blue Velvet,” including one of Isabella Rossellini’s blue velvet robes and the silicone prop called “Mr. Ear. MPAA rating: R-L,S,V; run time: 120 min. $5 plus tax per person; $4 plus tax for museum members.
Make It, Take It: Garden Journal
Saturday, June 13, 1-4 p.m. (drop-in program)
During this part of June’s 2nd Saturdays program, sew together a simple book using historical methods, and utilize it in recording your images and thoughts from exploring the History of the Harvest garden exhibit.
Herbalicious!
Saturday, June 13, 1-4 p.m.
Join local gardeners, herb organizations and museum staff to learn about doorstop (or dooryard) gardens, past and present. In colonial times, doorstop gardens provided a self-sufficient household with foods, flavorings and herbal medicines. Take a sensory tour of the museum’s garden in the History of the Harvest exhibit. Participate in short sessions on how to use herbs in the kitchen, and create hands-on crafts to take home. In addition, watch artist Marina Bosetti create Art Nouveau-inspired ceramic tiles that incorporate plant or animal designs.
Music of the Carolinas: Two of a Kind: Bill Myers & Dick Knight
Sunday, June 14, 3 p.m.
Myers (who plays piano, saxophone, flute and vibes, in addition to directing, arranging and composing) and Knight (who plays trumpet, alto saxophone and flügelhorn) are also members of the Monitors, a renowned North Carolina-based group that plays jazz, rhythm and blues, soul, and oldies. The performance is presented with PineCone and support from the N.C. Museum of History Associates and Williams Mullen. Free!
Saturdays in the Garden
Saturday, June 27, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Join the museum’s garden staff for an informal tour of the History of the Harvest exhibit along Bicentennial Plaza. Tours begin at the information desk in the lobby.
For information about the N.C. Museum of History, call 919-807-7900 or access www.ncmuseumofhistory.org or follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ or YouTube.