OCTOBER PROGRAMS AT THE N.C. MUSEUM OF HISTORY

October’s changing leaves, pumpkin patches, and cooler days bring a renewed sense of energy after summer’s sweltering heat. Take advantage of that vigor and come to the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh, where October programs offer something for all ages.

The month begins with author and political historian Garland S. Tucker III of Raleigh. He will highlight his book Conservative Heroes: Fourteen Leaders Who Shaped America, From Jefferson to Reagan.

Treat yourself to a free night out for First Fridays at the Museum: Best of Longleaf, 2015-2016. Watch a variety of short films selected from the museum’s Longleaf Film Festival, held each May.

Speaking of treats, October winds up with the always popular Halloween Safe Night at the Museum. Follow the trick-or-treat trail through the exhibit The Story of North Carolina. What will surprise you along the way?

Check out these programs and more at the Museum of History. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. Parking is free on weekends.

PROGRAMS

[Editors: Please include registration information when applicable.]

Book Signing: Conservative Heroes: Fourteen Leaders Who Shaped America, From Jefferson to Reagan  

Sunday, Oct. 2, 2 p.m.

Garland S. Tucker III, Author and Political Historian

Tucker’s book provides snapshots of several early statesmen — such as Nathaniel Bacon, James Madison and Thomas Jefferson — in addition to more modern names — including William F. Buckley, Calvin Coolidge and Ronald Reagan — who supported American conservatism: a philosophy rooted in the virtue of limited government. Copies of his book will be available for purchase after his talk.

*Time for Tots: Fun at the Fair

Tuesday, Oct. 4, 10-10:45 a.m.

Ages 3-5 (with adult)

$3 plus tax per child; $1 plus tax for Associates/museum members

To register, visit NCMOH-programs.com.

Learn about the start of the North Carolina State Fair, then create a little fair fun of your own.

*History Corner: History in Pictures

Wednesday, Oct. 5, 10-11 a.m.

Ages 6-9 (with adult)

$3 plus tax per child; $1 plus tax for Associates/museum members

To register, visit NCMOH-programs.com.

Tour two photo exhibits, Photographs by Hugh Morton and Selma to Montgomery, and investigate the past through pictures.

*History Hunters: Picture Perfect

Wednesday, Oct. 5, noon-2 p.m.

Ages 10-13

$5 plus tax per child; $3 plus tax for Associates/museum members

To register, visit NCMOH-programs.com.

Bring your own digital camera or smartphone and discover some basics of good photography with Raleigh photographer Ray Pfeiffer, who will talk about using photos as historic records and help you take some pictures of your own. Afterward, see how you did in a show-and-tell review session.

First Fridays at the Museum: Best of Longleaf, 2015-2016

Friday, Oct. 7, 5-9 p.m.

Most films fall within the PG-13 range.

To register and buy concession packages in advance, visit LongleafFilmFestival.com. For information, call 919-807-7965.

This free event includes a variety of shorts from the museum’s Longleaf Film Festival. The films begin at 6:30 p.m. The museum’s lobby-level exhibits and the Museum Shop will be open throughout the evening. Try samples from Clouds Brewing (while they last).

Music of the Carolinas: Joe Penland

Sunday, Oct. 9, 3 p.m.

Free tickets for this concert are distributed while they last beginning at 2 p.m.

In 1916 a devastating flood hit the mountains of western North Carolina, providing inspiration for original ballads and traditional folk songs. Musician, singer and songwriter Penland grew up in rural Madison County in the Appalachian Mountains.

A small exhibit, So Great the Devastation: The 1916 Flood, will be available for viewing before and after the concert. The program is presented with PineCone and support from the Museum of History Associates and Williams Mullen.

History à la Carte: Above the Fold: History in the Making

Wednesday, Oct. 12, noon-1 p.m.

Register at NCMOH-programs.com and purchase a boxed lunch—or just bring your own. Beverages provided. For information, call 919-807-7986.

Teresa Leonard, Director, News Research, Raleigh News & Observer

Newspapers are a daily record of history in the making. Leonard, who writes the N&O’s Past Times blog and a column in the paper, will provide a glimpse into how reporting has changed over time and reveal some fascinating stories she’s found through the years.

After Hours: Protesting for Our Rights

Thursday, Oct. 13, 5:30-8 p.m.

Recommended for adults only.

To register, visit NCMOH-programs.com. For information, call 919-807-7985.

Civil disobedience and peaceful, passionate protests are often part of the fights for civil rights. Leaders from North Carolina’s African American, American Indian, Latino and LGBTQ communities will talk about four landmark protests that have helped us all.

Then, an after-hours tour of the Selma to Montgomery exhibit will provide additional inspiration to help you design and paint your own protest sign. Drinks and snacks will be available. The program is co-sponsored with the N.C. African American Heritage Commission.

*History of the Harvest: Farm Fresh

Saturday, Oct. 15, 1-3 p.m.

Get a taste of life on the farm in days past while learning about North Carolina crops. Try your hand at chores, like churning butter. Plant a few seeds to take home, and go on a scavenger hunt in our garden. Then pick up some tasty recipes that use our state vegetable, the sweet potato.

*Make It, Take It: Mini Greenhouses

Saturday, Oct. 15, 1-3 p.m. (drop-in program)

Take a walk through the fall crops in the museum garden, then make a miniature greenhouse and plant some seeds to take home.

*Halloween Safe Night at the Museum

Monday, Oct. 31, 6-9 p.m.

Ages 12 and under (with adult)