Tattooing in North Carolina: History Talk

FREE Family Fest in Raleigh — Saturday, September 12! Looking for a full day of family fun, creativity, connection, and outdoor adventure? Join us for the 3rd Annual Family Fest at Lakeside Retreats! Optional overnight Camping 📅 Saturday, September 12, 2026 ⏰ 8:00 AM–9:00 PM 📍 4521 Mial Plantation Road, Raleigh, NC 27610 🎟️ FREE admission Enjoy a day filled with: 🔥 Fire show 🎨 Art activities 🥋 Martial arts class 🫧 Bubbles 🧘 Yoga and sound bath 🌲 Forest bathing 🏕️ S’mores and optional overnight camping 🍴 Food trucks and vendors 💛 Sensory yurt 🎤 Guest speakers 🏆 Tug of war …and so much more!

This two-session workshop teaches woodworking fundamentals through the creation of a custom cutting board. Students will apply essential milling and cutting techniques to build a unique, functional piece for their kitchen while gaining hands-on experience with core shop machinery. During the first session, you will mill lumber, cut your pieces to size, and complete the initial glue-up. In the second session, you will refine your design using various shaping and profiling tools to achieve a finished, professional look. This project serves as an excellent intermediate step for those interested in advancing toward furniture projects like box-making. This class is designed for individuals who have already completed a woodshop introduction or possess a strong familiarity with the jointer, planer, and table saw. The environment is focused and collaborative, making it ideal for makers looking to sharpen their precision and confidence. If you meet the safety prerequisites and want to take your woodworking skills to the next level, sign up now to secure your spot in this intensive, two-day training course.

Mindful Museum is a guided wellness program that connects art observation with mindfulness practices. This seasonal event invites participants to explore themes found within our permanent collection to encourage deeper self reflection and mental clarity during the busy summer months. Each session begins with a focused look at a selected piece of art. Facilitators will lead attendees through a structured observation process designed to sharpen awareness and aesthetic appreciation. Following this exploration, you will participate in a guided meditation session tailored to the mood and narrative of the featured artwork. These activities help foster a sense of calm and provide practical tools for integrating mindfulness into your daily life. This event is open to everyone regardless of prior experience with meditation or art history. Whether you are seeking a quiet break from your routine or a unique way to engage with our gallery, you will find a supportive and tranquil atmosphere here. We encourage you to join us to reconnect with yourself and your surroundings. Please reserve your spot online to ensure your place in this restorative experience.

Fiber Art: Through the Ages is a curated exhibition and reception celebrating the evolution of textile crafts. This event showcases a diverse collection of vintage items spanning from the 1860s to the present day, highlighting the history and artistry behind various needlework traditions. Attendees will view a rare assortment of historical pieces including an 1860s Penny rug, 1890s Crazy Quilts, and a 1936 feed sack quilt. The collection also features crochet, needlepoint, rag rugs, and handmade clothing sourced from estate sales and thrift shops. A special feature of the display includes handmade contributions from On The Mend, a group based at the local senior center that supports hospital patients through craft. This reception is designed for history enthusiasts, textile artists, and anyone interested in the preservation of traditional crafts. The atmosphere is educational and welcoming, offering a unique opportunity to learn about the stories behind these vintage treasures. Join us to appreciate the dedication of collectors like Joy Masepoli and support the community efforts of the On The Mend project. We look forward to seeing you at this celebration of fiber arts heritage.

The Millbrook United Methodist Church Food Pantry is dedicated to supporting our local community by providing essential food resources to those in need. Located at 1712 East Millbrook Road in Raleigh, our pantry operates every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to ensure that individuals and families have access to nutritious groceries. We believe in providing a welcoming environment for all, operating on a first come first served basis, and we invite neighbors to visit us up to twice per month to receive assistance. To access our services, please park in the lot off Old Wake Forest Road and proceed up the walkway to the courtyard. We encourage you to follow the Millbrook Food Pantry Facebook page for the latest updates on our weekly inventory and any holiday closures. Whether you are looking for support or searching for ways to contribute, your involvement strengthens our mission. Learn more about volunteering opportunities or how to make a donation by visiting our website at millbrookumc.org/food-pantry. We look forward to serving you and working together to combat food insecurity in our vibrant community.

The Oak and Iron Impact Series is a community fitness initiative designed to combine high-energy movement with meaningful social contribution. Participants engage in a professionally led workout session while raising funds and awareness for local charitable causes. This event serves as a platform to foster community wellness and collective responsibility. Attendees can expect a structured, full-body circuit training session tailored to accommodate diverse physical abilities. The program includes warm-up routines, guided strength and endurance intervals, and a communal cooldown period. Experienced coaches lead every segment to ensure safety and proper technique throughout the morning. Water stations and recovery resources are provided on site to support all participants during the session. This event is open to everyone, regardless of current fitness level or previous experience. We maintain a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where individual progress is celebrated and team spirit is encouraged. Whether you are an experienced athlete or just starting your fitness journey, your participation makes a tangible difference. Register today to secure your spot and help us reach our impact goals through the power of movement.

CosPaws for a Cause is a community pet costume parade and fundraiser designed to assist a local individual facing significant medical expenses. This gathering unites animal lovers to provide financial support through a collective community effort. The event focuses on combining charity with public engagement to ensure those in need receive necessary aid during a difficult time. Participants can look forward to a vibrant pet costume parade and a competitive contest. The program includes raffle drawings featuring items donated by local businesses and creators, as well as interactive community voting sessions to determine contest winners. These activities offer a structured way for attendees to engage with the fundraiser while enjoying an entertaining afternoon dedicated to pets and creative expression. This family friendly event is perfect for pet owners, animal enthusiasts, and community members looking to make a positive impact. Expect a welcoming atmosphere filled with creativity, compassion, and shared goals. We invite you to join us in supporting a neighbor in need while celebrating the special bond between pets and their owners. Register your costumed pet today to contribute to this meaningful cause.

This lecture explores the history of the American Revolutionary era by examining the lives of lesser known figures through an LGBTQ+ perspective. Hosted by Megan L. Cherry, an associate professor of history at North Carolina State University, the event reexamines the conventional narrative of the war for independence. You will discover how gender and sexuality were actively contested during the late eighteenth century in North America. Professor Cherry will present research on individuals whose stories are often missing from traditional textbooks. The session highlights social dynamics that shaped early American identity. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how personal experiences of gender and sexuality intersected with the political turmoil of the revolution. The presentation focuses on historical evidence and academic analysis of these overlooked lives. This event is designed for history enthusiasts, students, and anyone interested in a broader look at American history. It offers a professional and engaging environment for intellectual growth and discovery. Join us for this insightful look into the complexities of the past. Please register online to secure your spot for this informative session.

This community arts workshop combines storytelling and movement to explore individual journeys, family histories, and personal connections to the American experience. Participants will examine these themes through creative expression and collaborative artmaking to reflect on memory, identity, and resilience. During the session, attendees will engage in guided movement and collaborative exercises using textile items. Please bring meaningful fabric pieces such as scarves, old T-shirts, blankets, or other cloth materials. These items serve as both movement props and core components for a temporary art installation created during the event. The workshop concludes with an informal sharing session where the collective installation acts as a visual representation of the group experience. This event is open to all individuals interested in community storytelling through physical expression. No prior dance experience is required. The atmosphere is collaborative, welcoming, and focused on shared reflection. Join us to contribute your unique history to this living tapestry of stories. Registration is required to secure your place in this inclusive arts experience.

Experience a journey back in time at Historic Yates Mill County Park. This expansive one hundred seventy-four acre wildlife refuge features the historic Yates Mill, which stands as the final operable water-powered gristmill in Wake County. Restored to full working order, the mill offers a rare glimpse into the agricultural traditions that shaped our local history over two centuries ago. Join us for our recurring Mill Open House sessions, where historic interpreters provide fascinating insights into the engineering and daily operations of this remarkable site. Guests are invited to step inside to explore the inner workings of the mill while learning about the regional history of milling technology. Admission is entirely free, and these drop-in sessions require no prior registration. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply looking for an educational outing with the family, the mill provides a unique opportunity to connect with the past. We encourage you to visit our website to view the complete schedule of upcoming programs, guided nature hikes, and educational workshops held throughout the season at the park.