There will be no after-holiday lull at the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh. January brings one of the museum’s largest events, the 12th Annual African American Cultural Celebration on January 26. More than 75 presenters — well-known musicians, award-winning authors, storytellers, dancers, re-enactors and others — will highlight the contributions of African Americans to North Carolina.

On Jan. 13 catch a performance by master showman Ironing Board Sam, a blues and R&B singer, songwriter and piano player who was wildly popular on the New Orleans music scene for decades.

There is all this and more in January. All programs are free unless otherwise noted. Parking is free on weekends.

PROGRAMS

Picturing Our People

Sunday, Jan. 6

2-3 p.m.

José Galvez, Photographer

A Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer, Galvez will discuss his work in capturing the everyday life of Latinos in North Carolina. This program made possible by a grant from the North Carolina Humanities Council, a statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

*Time for Tots: N.C. Firsts

Tuesday, Jan. 8 or Jan. 15

10-10:45 a.m.

Ages 3-5 with adult

$1 per person

Registration required. Call 919-807-7992.

Start the first of the year learning about some firsts in the state. Then make a #1 craft to take home.

History à la Carte: Before Brown, There Was Blue

Wednesday, Jan. 9

12:10-1 p.m.

Bring your lunch; beverages provided.

Eddie Davis, Retired Educator

Over 60 years ago, Durham parents won a battle in the war against school discrimination. Davis tells about this fight for equality and how it helped lead to the landmark desegregation case, Brown v. Board of Education.

*Make It, Take It: Turtle Rattles

Saturday, Jan. 12

1-3 p.m. (drop-in program)

Find out about North Carolina’s first peoples and make a paper rattle to take home.

Music of the Carolinas: Ironing Board Sam

Sunday, Jan. 13

3-4 p.m.

This gifted and engaging performer’s repertoire includes originals, classic blues, and R&B songs. The performance is presented with PineCone, with support from the North Carolina Museum of History Associates, Williams Mullen and WLHC-FM/WLQC-FM.

Tectonic Shifts: The Arab Spring and the Future of the Middle East

Thursday, Jan. 17

7-9 p.m.

Akram Khater, Alumni Distinguished University Professor (CHASS), Professor of History, Director of Middle East Studies Program and Director of the Khayrallah Program for Lebanese-American Studies, N.C. State University

Hear about a topic making international headlines, the Arab Spring. Khater, a native of Lebanon, is the author of several books on the Middle East.

Conservation Assistance Day

Friday, Jan. 18

9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Appointment required. Call Jan Sweatt at 919-807-7823.

Got questions about caring for your treasured possessions? You’re invited to bring up to three objects to the museum for assessment and advice on care from our conservators.

*12th Annual African American Cultural Celebration

Saturday, Jan. 26

11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Join us for the statewide kickoff to Black History Month and celebrate North Carolina’s diverse African American heritage and culture! This year’s theme, Defining Freedom, honors the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. Over 75 musicians, storytellers, dancers, historians, playwrights, authors, artists, re-enactors, chefs, teachers, scholars, and other presenters will help tell the rich and varied stories of our state. It’s educational and fun for the whole family.

This program is supported by the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission, the North Carolina Museum of History Associates, and the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County, with funds from the United Arts campaign as well as the North Carolina Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes a great nation deserves great art.

For more information about the Museum of History, call 919-807-7900 or access www.ncmuseumofhistory.org or Facebook.

* marks programs of interest to children or families