The N.C. Museum of History has several programs coming up during Black History Month that focus on North Carolina’s African American history and culture. All of these events are free.
African American History Tour
Saturday, Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Explore the lives and accomplishments of African American North Carolinians from the antebellum period to the Civil Rights era.
History à la Carte: Operation Dixie
Wednesday, Feb. 8
12:10-1 p.m.
Bring your lunch; beverages provided.
Nearly 10 years before the Montgomery bus boycott, black workers in eastern North Carolina campaigned for civil rights in tobacco warehouses. Discover how thousands organized and secured union contracts in nearly 30 “leaf houses.” James Wrenn from the Phoenix Historical Society will present the program.
Music of the Carolinas: Boo Hanks
Sunday, Feb. 12
3-4 p.m.
Drawing from a deep musical well, Hanks showcases his virtuosity in the delicate finger-style guitar of classic Piedmont blues. The performance is presented with PineCone, with support from the N.C. Museum of History Associates, Williams Mullen, and WLHC-FM/WLQC-FM.
To Free a Family: The Journey of Mary Walker
Monday, Feb. 13
11 a.m.
Leaving her son and daughter behind in 1848, Mary Walker fled from slavery and the plantation that is now Historic Stagville in Durham. She spent 17 years trying to recover her family. Dr. Syd Nathans, Professor Emeritus at Duke University, will present a talk based on his book about her remarkable story. The program is sponsored by the N.C. African American Heritage Commission.
Return to Tradition
Saturday, Feb. 25
10 a.m.-noon
Presented in conjunction with the Sons of the American Revolution, this program focuses on a lesser-known fact about the American Revolution: significant numbers of people of color fought for the Patriots during the war. Hear keynote speaker Gen. James Gorham, North Carolina’s only African American four-star general.
