Celebrate at 'Day in Durham' June 8

A day of free family fun on June 8 will celebrate all things Durham; the cavalry to the rescue, and an early Juneteenth commemoration, in the first of three 2nd Saturdays programs organized by the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources this summer.  Unique programs of arts, history, food, and fun will be found on June 8, July 13 and Aug. 10 at the 27 state historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, and a history center this summer.

Duke Homestead will offer "Bull Fest" to celebrate the Bull City's roots with local artists, businesses, live musicians and a mini food truck rodeo. The Little River Cloggers; Durham Bulls mascot Wool-E-Bull; and local artisans and craft makers selling their wares are among attractions. Demonstrations of making bags and labels for the first W. Duke and Sons pipe tobacco, cooking on a wood stove and period toys and games are just a few of the activities that will delight all from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bennett Place invites you to "Join the Cavalry" in an examination of the unique role of the cavalry throughout U.S. military history. Interpreters portraying Union and Confederate soldiers on horseback will demonstrate tactics, drills and weaponry from the Civil War era. The program is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Historic Stagville will celebrate the emancipation of the enslaved after the Civil War on June 19, 1865, when the last slaves learned they were free. Blues musician John Dee Holman, storyteller Priscilla Best, children's author Carole Boston Weatherford, and the Golden Genies dance troop are among performers. An African Drum Circle will provide a lively beat, and children's toys and games will be offered, all 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A special repeat performance of slave narratives, "Let Them Be Heard" by Bare Theatre will be presented at 7, 8 and 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 and available online and at the site.

For more information call (919) 807-7389 or visit www.2ndSaturdaysnc.com.

Durham is home to many historic and cultural events. Find out more at the Durham Event Calendar.

Juneteenth Comes Early to Historic Stagville on June 8

Historic Stagville is getting an early start on Juneteenth celebrations, for the June 19, 1865, date cited as when the last of the enslaved learned they were free -- months after the Civil War ended. A day full of family activities and riveting slave narrative performances at night will create a well-rounded observance at Stagville. This is the first of 2nd Saturdays programs arranged by the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources at museums and historic sites statewide on June 8, July 13 and Aug. 10.

The day’s activities include a joyous drumming circle of commemoration, craft making including cowrie shell necklaces and cardstock Thomas Day benches. North Carolina Award winning children’s book author Carole Boston Weatherford will read “Juneteenth Jamboree.”

Also celebrate the blues, with North Carolina Folk Heritage Award winner John Dee Holman in performance. The Golden Genies from the Durham Center for Senior Living will dance and prove that you’re never too old to keep on stepping. Storyteller Priscilla Best will entertain young and old, and the period games of “Graces” and “Mancala” also will delight the kids. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be for sale.

Spellbinding performances of “Let Them Be Heard” will be presented by Bare Theatre productions starting at 7 p.m., and on the half hour.  Actors bring to life the words of slave narratives performed in cabins that were constructed and lived in by the enslaved.  This is a return from last year by popular demand.  Tickets are $10 and are on sale for the powerful performances on June 7 and June 8, and also on June 14 and 15. Tickets may be purchased at online or in person at the site.

For additional information call (919) 620-0120. Historic Stagville is within the Division of State Historic Sites within the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources.      

Another Juneteenth celebration, produced by Spectacular Magazine, will be held in Durham on June 15th at CCB Plaza.  Learn more about that event here.

To learn more about history in Durham, visit online.

Festival Season Is Just Beginning

Any other community having just hosted the Bennett Place Civil War Surrender Commemoration, Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, and the Doughman might look forward to taking the summer off, but not Durham. In Durham, the summer months are just as prolific with the Juneteenth Celebration, American Dance Festival, Festival for the Eno, the Bull Durham Blues Festival and the NC Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.

Durham's festivals are unique; they don't just fill the calendar, many have earned global reputations and continue to put Durham in the national spotlight. These signature festivals are a part of Durham's story. They are a part of Durham's incredible quality of life.

The New York Times recently called Durham a "major summer dance destination." The American Dance Festival, which runs throughout the months of June and July, is one of Durham's great cultural assets. Tickets for the 2011 season are available here.  For more events, visit the Official Durham Community Calendar, Durham's most comprehensive event calendar, a service of Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau.