CALENDAR OF EVENTS

N.C. Transportation Museum Exhibits and Events Calendar

Interactive Calendar

2010
January
January Women In Railroading
This colorful look into the world of women railroaders, recognizes their contributions, accomplishments and efforts. Women of WWII, the Harvey Girls and stewardesses and nurses are featured. Continues through March 31.
January 15-18 RPCA Annual Conference
The N.C. Transportation Museum hosts the Railroad Passenger Car Alliance, presenting programs, classes and other information.
February
February 13
NEW DATE
The Tuskegee Airmen
The N.C. Transportation Museum will honor Black History Month this Feb. 6 with a special program on the Tuskegee Airmen. Historian Leonard Hunter will speak about the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first black military fighter pilots.
Download related PDF: The N.C. Transportation Museum Hosts Tuskegee Airmen Historian Leonard Hunter
February 20 Piedmont Airlines Day
The history of Piedmont Airlines will be explored at the N.C. Transportation Museum with special guest speaker Carol Dobyns Fair—30 year Piedmont and US Air Flight Attendant. A special look at the Piedmont Airlines DC-3 will be included. There is no charge for this event.
February 27
NEW DATE
The Wright Flyer with Darrell Collins
Darrell Collins, chief historian and interpreter for the Wright Brothers National Memorial, hosts a special program about the N.C. Transportation Museum’s latest addition, a full size replica Wright Flyer. Seating is limited. Please call 704-636-2889 ext. 232 for reservations.
March
March 5 Night at the N.C. Transportation Museum
Special nighttime tours are offered at the museum, as exhibits come to life before your eyes. These free tours are offered at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.
March 6
NEW DATE
“The Lost Light: The Mystery of the Missing Cape Hatteras Fresnel Lens.”
A program by Kevin Duffus, documentarian and N.C. maritime historian, this lighthouse lens was removed in 1861 by Confederate soldiers to prevent it from aiding the enemy. The missing lens then left a trail of destruction, defiance, and recrimination. The program takes at 1 p.m. in the Bob Julian Roundhouse at the Museum. Free event.
Seating is limited. Call 704-636-2889 ext. 232 for reservations.
March 6 Rowan Rides Free
Residents of Rowan County can ride the museum’s 25-minute on-site train ride for free, with proof of residency.
March 13 Volunteer Banquet
The N.C. Transportation Museum honors its many volunteers and their efforts.
March 27 Girl Scout Day
Girl Scouts can earn their N.C. Transportation Museum patch by exploring the site, completing an answer sheet and riding an antique locomotive.

Contact Brian Moffitt for more information, 704-636-2889 ext. 257.
April
April 10 Antique Tractors and Trains Show
The Iron Peddlers Antique Power Club will display antique tractors and farm equipment from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Kids can compete in the Kiddie Tractor Pull. Free event.
April 10 A Thomas and Friends Play Day
Join us for a fun filled day of Thomas and Friends activities. Free.
April 16 Spring Home School Day
A special day for home school groups to explore the museum through workshops and guided tours.

Contact Brian Moffitt for more information, 704-636-2889 ext. 257.
April 17 Annual Studebaker Car Show
Classic Studebakers will be on display from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring your Studebaker and join the fun. Free to register and free to spectators.

To register, call Bob Hopkins at 704-636-2889 ext. 256
April 17 Volunteer Open House
The public meets museum volunteers in our annual recruitment effort
April 17 Membership Day
A day full of fun with special activities and train rides especially for members.
May
May 1 Triad Classic Motorcycle Club Show
Classes for all motorcycle makes from all countries, built between 1900 and 1980. No entrance fee for spectators.
May 8 Learning to Fly
Experience what it is like in the pilot's seat in this hands-on aviation event. We will have cockpits from the Carolina's Historical Aviation Museum, a walk-in hot air balloon and a Black Hawk Helicopter.
May 15 Lester J. Brown Memorial Antique Truck Show
Hosted by Piedmont Carolina Chapter ATHS. Show features trucks of all makes and models that are at least 25 years old. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. No entrance fee for spectators.
May 22 "“A NC Icon Brought to Life: Sea Stories of Sailors Aboard the WWII Battleship North Carolina.”

Author Cindy Horrell Ramsey honors the men who served aboard the U.S.S. North Carolina. Using her book Boys of the Battleship North Carolina, she tells the story of the ship through the eyes of the enlisted crew. The program takes place at 1 p.m. in the Bob Julian Roundhouse at the Museum. There is no charge for this event. This program is brought to you in cooperation with the N.C. Humanities Council.
June
June 12-13 Rail Days
Re-live the golden years of railroading with a weekend full of family fun! Train rides, model trains, live music, children’s activities, the Rail Days Chili Cook-off and more. Tickets available in advance.
July
July 13-16 Summer Camp : “Murder at Spencer Shops”
There is a fee to register. For rising 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.

For more information, call Vickie Peacock at 704-636-2889 ext. 232.
July 24 Cub Scout Day
Cub Scouts ride the train in the morning, then earn their Geography Pin and Belt Loop during afternoon workshops.

Contact Brian Moffitt for more information, 704-636-2889 ext. 257.
August
August 7 All Ford Show
All Ford Show: A Celebration of Lincolns. Show features classic Ford automobiles, from Model A’s and Model T’s classic Mustangs and the latest in Ford technology. No entrance fee for spectators.

To register, call Bob Hopkins at 704-636-2889 ext. 256
August 14 “Moving into the Carolina Backcountry:  Colonial Era Transportation in the Carolinas and Virginia, 1585-1785.”
Military historian Tom Magnuson, M.A. describes the history of ground transportation in the southeast from Colonial times through the beginnings of powered transportation. The program takes place at 1 p.m. in the Bob Julian Roundhouse at the Museum. There is no charge for this event. This program is brought to you in cooperation with the N.C. Humanities Council.
August 21 Honda Gold Wing Show.
The Gold Wing Road Riders Association’s Chapter M show their classic motorcycles from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
August 28 Fire Apparatus Show
Hosted by the Spencer Fire Department Auxiliary, this show will feature fire trucks from the first half of the 20th century to the present. People’s Choice Awards and Best in Show Awards will be presented. A parade of fire trucks will start the event at 9 a.m. with judging beginning at 10:30 a.m. Admission is free.
August 28 A Thomas and Friends Play Day
Join us for a fun filled day of Thomas and Friends activities. Free.
September
September 4 MOPAR Car Show
The Plymouth Car Club will display all kinds of Mopar vehicles, with no entrance fee for spectators, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
September 24-26, October 1-3 Day Out With Thomas™
A working Thomas the Tank Engine locomotive visits the museum, with a variety of entertainment events geared toward young children. Fee to be determined.

For information, call the N.C. Transportation Museum at 704-636-2889.
October
October 15 Fall Home School Day
A special day for home school groups to explore the museum through workshops and guided tours. Contact Brian Moffitt for more information, 704-636-2889 ext. 257.
October 16 Antique Automobile Club of America Show
Spectators are welcome to this members-only car show, with no admission fee. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
October 23 “North Carolina’s U-Boats – U-85, U-701, U-352”
This program, conducted by oceanographer Jim Bunch, tells the story of WWII-era German U-boats sunk off the coast of North Carolina, what remains of them today and research expeditions to the boats. The program takes place at 1 p.m. in the Bob Julian Roundhouse at the Museum. There is no charge for this event. This program is brought to you in cooperation with the N.C. Humanities Council.
October 30 Pumpkin Patch Express
Kids and their parents enjoy a train ride with friendly ghosts and witches before visiting the Pumpkin Patch Fair. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
October 30-31 Autumn Train Excursions
The N.C. Transportation Museum hosts day trips to great destinations. Dome seating, first class seating and coach seating offered. Destinations and ticket prices to be announced.
November
November 5-7 Rail Camp
Participating Boy Scout troops will take train and turntable rides, explore the museum property, and earn their Railroading Merit Badge. Fee required.

Contact Brian Moffitt for more information, 704-636-2889 ext. 257.
Nov. 30 - Dec. 3, Dec. 7 - Dec. 10, Dec. 14 – Dec. 17 Jingle Bell Express
A 25-minute train ride for school groups with holiday music and a holiday story. Fee and pre-registration required.
December
Dec. 4-5, Dec. 11-12, Dec. 18-19 Santa Train
Santa rides the train, passing out oranges and candy canes, a Southern Railway tradition. Storytelling of classic Christmas tales and an ornament-making activity are also part of this event. Fee to be determined.

For information, call the N.C. Transportation Museum at 704-636-2889.
Dec. 4, 11, 17-18 Cookies & Cocoa With Santa
Take an evening train ride to the Roundhouse and enjoy cocoa and cookies with Santa at the North Pole. Get a picture with Santa and hear Christmas stories read by one of Santa’s helpers. Fee to be determined.

For information, call the N.C. Transportation Museum at 704-636-2889.
 

GIFT SHOP | RESTORATION PROJECTS | EXHIBITS | VIDEO GALLERY | FOR KIDS | MEDIA INFORMATION | BECOME A VOLUNTEER | BECOME A MEMBER | RELATED LINKS

Department of Cultural Resources
Smithsonian Affiliations Institution


Member of the Association of
Science-Technology Centers
ASTC Travel Passport Program

NC Transportation Museum
411 S. Salisbury Ave.
Spencer, NC 28159
704-636-2889
877-NCTM-FUN
Email: nctrans@nctrans.org



Site Designed and Maintained
by Animink Incorporated