Warm Up Winter By Viewing Quilt Exhibition at the Museum of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City, NC

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Warm Up Winter By Viewing Quilt Exhibition at the
Museum of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City, NC
(Elizabeth City, N.C., Jan. 23, 2008) – Nothing warms up winter’s chill like the cozy comfort of a downy quilt. Visitors to Elizabeth City, N.C. will have a chance to view a selection of handcrafted quilts when they take in “Quilts – Patches of Time, “ through Feb. 29 at the Museum of the Albemarle.

Representing 22 specially selected quilts from the museum’s collection of more than 175 quilts, the exhibition displays a variety of textile creations that span the centuries, from the early 1870s through the 1990s. With varied patterns and vibrant colors, the collection includes both quilts and other quilted pieces, such as doll and crib quilts and a quilted waistcoat.

Quilts served practical purposes as means of providing protection from the cold, but they were also made as gifts for special occasions, such as weddings, births and other rites of passage. The museum staff worked with volunteers of the Colonial Quilt Lovers Guild, a group of local craftswomen, to restore, repair and document the quilts. (Correction the Quilt exhibit will now be on display through Sunday, May 25.)

The Museum of the Albemarle (www.museumofthealbemarle.com) is located at 501 South Water Street in Elizabeth City, N.C. The northeastern regional branch of the North Carolina Museum of History, the museum interprets the history of 13 counties in northeastern North Carolina – considered by many to be the birthplace of English America. Admission is free. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 2 to 5 p.m.; closed Mondays and holidays. Call (252) 335-1453.

Visitors who plan to see the quilt exhibition, may also wish to schedule their trip around these other winter activities and special events:

Feb. 2
Valentine Faire
Learn how people celebrated love during Colonial times when The Museum of the Albemarle (www.museumofthealbemarle.com) hosts a Valentine Faire from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Make lovebird, decorate a Celtic love spoon or make a feeder to take home to your own backyard lovebirds! There will also be sweets and chocolates for dipping dried fruits and pretzels. Admission is free. Call (252) 335-1453.

Feb. 5
Spencer’s “Theatre of Illusion”
More than magic, “Theatre of Illusion” combines theatrical flair with cutting-edge illusions, special effects, music and stage magic. Nationally known magicians Kevin and Cindy Spender put on a spellbinding show! Reserved seating: $14, $17, $20; show starts at 7:30 p.m. Call College of The Albemarle (www.albemarle.cc.nc.us) at 1-800-335-9050.

Feb. 7
Albemarle Historical Roundtable Speaker’s Series:
Monitor National Marine Sanctuary Program
Dave Alberg, superintendent of the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary, discusses the Marine Sanctuary program’s history and involvement along the Outer Banks and the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” The lecture takes place at The Museum of the Albemarle (www.museumofthealbemarle.com) at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Call (252) 335-1453.

Feb. 9
The Museum of the Albemarle’s Living History Day
From 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., The Museum of the Albemarle (www.museumofthealbemarle.com) hosts a special day featuring costumed interpreters, demonstrations and home-front reenactments from the Civil War era. Author Alex Christopher Meekins will present a lecture and book signing related to his new book, Elizabeth City North Carolina and the Civil War: A History of Battle and Occupation. Admission is free. Call (252) 335-1453.

Feb. 9, 10, 13 and 14
Valentine’s Tea Luncheons at the Culpepper Inn
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a five-course British tea luncheon at the Culpepper Inn (www.culpepperinn.com). Luncheons are served at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (two seatings) on Feb. 9, 13 and 14, and at 1 p.m. on Feb. 10. Call (252) 335-9235 for reservations and ask about their romantic overnight packages.

Feb. 13 – 14
Valentines Day Planetarium Presentation
St. Valentine takes center stage for this featured presentation at the Elizabeth City State University Planetarium (www.ecsuplanetarium.org), from 4-6 p.m. Admission is free, however reservations are required. Call for a schedule at (252) 335-3759.

Feb. 27
African American History Month in Elizabeth City
To commemorate African American history month, Elizabeth City will present two special programs, including a theatrical presentation of the landmark “Brown vs. Board of Education” U.S. Supreme Court decision that declared separate educational facilities were inherently unequal.
• Martin Luther King Planetarium Presentation
Elizabeth City State University Planetarium, 4 – 6 p.m.
Admission is free (reservations required). Call for a schedule at (252) 335-3759.
• “Brown vs. Board of Education”
College of The Albemarle Community Auditorium, 9:30 a.m.
Admission: $5. Call 1-800-335-9050.

For travel information and suggested itineraries, call the Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-866-ECity-4U (1-866-324-8948) or (252) 335-5330 or go to www.DiscoverElizabethCity.com