September brings plenty of reasons to visit the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh. Start practicing those aarrghs and yo-ho-hos for two programs on Talk Like a Pirate Day on Sept. 19. Plus, dress like a pirate that Saturday, and get free admission to the exhibit Knights of the Black Flag.

During Farm Fresh Family Day on Sept. 26, have fun while learning about agriculture in North Carolina. Hop aboard a wagon ride, learn to gin cotton and churn butter, check out the antique tractors and farm equipment, and experience more during this large event. There will be hands-on activities for all ages.

Mark your calendar for these September programs and others. All programs are free, except Talk Like a Pirate! on Sept. 19. Parking is free on weekends.

PROGRAMS

*Time for Tots: Mountain Life

Tuesday, Sept. 1 or Sept. 8

10-10:45 a.m.

Ages 3-5 with adult

To register, call 919-807-7992.

Learn about the people and places of the North Carolina Mountains and make a mountain treat to take home!

History Corner: Horse Racing

Thursday, Sept. 3

10-11 a.m.

Ages 5-9 with adult

To register, call 919-807-7992.

Saddle up for a lesson on North Carolina’s fastest sport — before NASCAR, that is. Learn about famous horses, jockeys and racetracks. This program is presented with Cameron Village Regional Library.



*First Friday at the Movies: “Long John Silver”

Friday, Sept. 4

7-9 p.m.

In this 1954 Australian flick, the sly pirate Long John Silver schemes and double-crosses friend and foe alike while saving a young friend from walking the plank. Free popcorn and beverages!

History à la Carte: North Carolina Women of Influence

Wednesday, Sept. 9

12:10-1 p.m.

Bring your lunch; beverages provided.

Louise Benner, Curator of Costume and Textiles

Throughout the Tar Heel State’s history, women have overcome strong odds to achieve prominence in traditionally male occupations and participate fully in all areas of public life. Find out about some of these notable North Carolinians.

*Talk Like a Pirate!

Saturday, Sept. 19

1-2 p.m. or 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Grades 4-8 with adult

$5 per child ($4 Museum Associates members)

To register, call 919-807-7992. Space is limited.

Benjamin Cherry, Actor and Historian

Celebrate Talk Like a Pirate Day by seeing Blackbeard in a swashbuckling one-man show. Learn about pirates of yore and find out what is really known about Blackbeard (aka Edward Teach). There might even be a duel!

*Make It, Take It: Pirate Flags

Saturday, Sept. 19

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

Identify the flags of some of the fiercest pirates to sail the seven seas and make your own Jolly Roger to take home.

*Weaving Demonstration

Sunday, Sept. 20

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

Weave it together! Watch a museum volunteer weave on a loom in the Pleasing to the Eye exhibition. Learn about the parts of a loom and try your hand at weaving fabric.

*Farm Fresh Family Day

Saturday, Sept. 26

11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Learn about native crops and homegrown products, go on a history hunt in the museum, watch cooking demonstrations, sample delicious farm-fresh foods, and more. Explore our state’s early farm history and learn how to support local agriculture today.

* marks programs of interest to children or families

For more information about September programs, call 919-807-7900 or access ncmuseumofhistory.org. The museum is located at 5 E. Edenton St., across from the State Capitol. Parking is available in the lot across Wilmington Street.