Kids activities part of new George Washington exhibit; volunteers needed

The Real George Washington explores the life of Washington from his time as a young land surveyor and experimental farmer to when he was a general and president. Highlights include the only surviving complete set of Washington's dentures; three life-size figures of Washington based on cutting edge forensic research; and reproductions of Martha Washington's gold wedding dress and purple satin slippers.

Admission to the exhibit will be $10 for adults; $8 for seniors, active military personnel with ID and students age 19 and older with ID; and free for kids 18 and under.

But there will be several days when admission is free or reduced including Sept. 25 during the museum's Family Day: Colonial North Carolina event.

The event will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 25 and feature free admission to the exhibit, along with chances to see craftspeople at work, storytelling about backcountry Carolina, crafts for kids and other activities.

And the museum also is seeking volunteers for its Colonial North Carolina Discovery Room, which will be designed for grade schoolers and include interactive activities about life in backcountry North Carolina during the 18th century. The room will stay open throughout the exhibit's run. Volunteers are needed to staff the room from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. weekends.

Orientation and interview sessions are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sept. 2. Volunteer coordinator Debra Nichols tells me they are looking for people who enjoy working with elementary school kids and are comfortable talking with them. Teaching experience is a bonus, but not a requirement. And an interest in history, especially 18th century, is a plus.

If you're interested, contact Debra to schedule an interview at debra.nichols@ncdcr.gov or 919-807-7986.

The museum also will offer its usual series of programs for kids ages 3 to 13. They require pre-registration.

In September, they are:

The museum's History Corner: Master Craftsman Thomas Day runs 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sept. 1 for kids ages 6 to 9. Participants can learn more about Thomas Day and find out what made him and his furniture so unique. (If you haven't had a chance to see the Thomas Day exhibit at the museum, it's well worth your time and includes some activities for kids).

History Hunters: History Mystery runs 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sept. 1 for kids ages 10 to 13. The program explores how historians unlock the past.

And Time for Tots: Pigskins and Leatherheads runs 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Sept. 7 or Sept. 14 for kids ages 3 to 5 with an adult. Kids will learn about football and create a field kick game to take home.

To register for any of these programs, call 919-807-7992.