Educational Programming Highlights

by Charlotte M. Patterson, Education Curator

As 2019 ended, many participants came to our holiday programs, which included the Designers’ Workshop: Deck Those Halls on November 16, where participants made a wooden snowman family. Also, once again, the popular Gingerbread Workshop on December 6 was sold out. This year’s houses incorporated decorations based on How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss. The annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 7, with its new theme, Christmas at Who-Seumville, saw just under 2,000 people come through our doors to see beautiful new rotating trees that showcased glittering ornaments; and, much to the delight of children present, the Grinch himself even made an appearance. Cameras flashed all day as families made their way through magical Who-Seumville displays and a huge backdrop of the ‘town inside a snowflake’ that our Junior Docents spent weeks painting. WhoSeumville signs and decorations were scattered throughout the museum, and Grinch cake was served with hot cocoa and sprinkles. Separately, more than 2,000 school students came for education-packed mornings that included a special STEM project on how the Grinch’s heart grew. We look forward to two more years of Grinch visits.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: CHRISTMAS AT WHO-SEUMVILLE. Waiting in line to see Santa.

In January, Temperance and Bootlegging: A Nation Under Prohibition opened with informational panels and artifacts such as moonshine stills, a temperance medal, and wine and whiskey bottles. Members at the FOMOA opening were first to enjoy the introduction of a new beer—Monck’s Mash—especially brewed by Ghost Harbor Brewing Company for the exhibit. The public opening featured Daniel S. Pierce who discussed his newest book, Tar Heel Lightnin’: How Secret Stills and Fast Cars Made North Carolina the Moonshine Capital of the World .

February’s Black History Month programs featured our centennial observance of the Harlem Renaissance, with 600 students who took sessions on literature, music, art, and performance. Sessions were sponsored by Albemarle Voices for Diverse Culture (AVDC) and manned by volunteers from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. A public day of the same topics was also held, but included a session on 1920s-style clothing and some hands-on art activities. To close the observance, An Evening of Entertainment, sponsored by AVDC, included the premiere of a video, Underground Railroad in in Line to see Santa

Northeast North Carolina , created with sponsorship from the General Assembly and FOMOA. In addition, Porte Towne Magic, a high school choir from Portsmouth, Virginia, presented The Harlem Renaissance: A Tribute to the Past, Present, and Future . Through dance, music, and literature, Porte Towne Magic explored the roots and impact that this era has had on our culture. Invited guests, dressed in 1920s attire, even enjoyed a reception in the lobby-turned-speakeasy piano bar.

As usual, March winds blew in children, learning about Dr. Seuss, reading his books, and enjoying hands-on experiences.

Looking ahead, Summer Fun Days, At the Movies! For Kids, and other programs will provide fun and educational days at the museum during summer vacation. Additional programs connected to exhibits will continue throughout the run of those exhibits. We invite you to visit often so you can view our exhibits and the programs we’ve developed to enhance them.