January

Annual Hog Killing Dinner

January 26 - 8:00 a.m.

Demonstration of a traditional hog killing, including processing, rendering lard, and salting meat. Traditional dinner served. Plates include chicken pastry, hog hash, cornbread and cracklins. Fee per plate and they go fast!

Southern Farm Show

Jan. 30 thru Feb. 1

Come visit the museum’s booth at the farm show held on the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. Doors open 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.

February

Commissioner’s Breakfast

February 1 - 8:00 a.m.

The 3^rd Annual Commissioner’s Breakfast held on the last day of Southern Farm Show at the Raleigh Fair grounds is a way to get a good breakfast, talk with the North Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture and help the museum! This year we honor the work of Bill Lamm.

April

Casino Night and Auction

April 12 - 7:00 to 11:00 p.m., Entry fee required.

Annual fundraiser. Night begins at 7:00 with blackjack and other Las Vegas-style games played for chip vouchers. Games end at 9:45 and live auction begins at 10:00 sharp. Auction items are bidded using cash and game vouchers. All proceeds go to support the museum. Items for auction include artwork, electronics, building materials, toys and entertainment packages. Complimentary hors d'eovres and adult beverages available. Reserve tickets available. Held at the Wilson County Shrine Club.

Cruisin' Kenly

April 12

This annual event hosted by the Kenly Chamber of Commerce showcases the community’s businesses and attractions. The museum has games and demonstrations all day.  

Triangle Area Pipes and Cigar Expo

April 19

Visit the museum’s booth at the show held at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. Doors are open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

June

1940's Dance
June 14th
8:00 p.m.

Ready to swing into summer? Join us for our 1940's USO-style dance.

25th Annual Anniversary Celebration
June 28, 29
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday: 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

This is the museum’s biggest annual event! Saturday includes artist and traditional farm demonstrations, tobacco tying contest, worm squirm (tobacco worm racing), book and art print signings, wagon rides, livestock pens, children’s games, plenty of food, and music on the main stage. Sunday is planned as an after-church gathering with gospel music performed on the main stage, more food, children’s games, and an antique car show judged by the public.

July

Annual Summer Day Camp

July 14-18

This is a weeklong day camp for elementary-age children to learn more about the agricultural community. Activities include on-farm tours, arts and crafts, learning about museums and artifact discovery, playing games, and having a lot of fun! Advanced reservations, art supply fee, and parent permission forms are required. Day camp is held from 9:00 a.m. until noon daily. Contact the museum for additional information.

October

13th Annual Fall Heritage Day

October 25

A full day of farm demonstrations including soap making, blacksmithing, pottery, quilting, basket making, getting tobacco ready for market, and livestock show. Children’s activities include corn shucking, apple bobbing, heritage games, and wagon rides. Folk music played onstage though entire day.

November

Reverse Raffle Fundraiser

November 8th

Come join the fun and excitement as raffle tickets are eliminated one by one until a final winner is announced! Tickets are $100.00 each and include admission to the event where ample food and an open bar will be available. GRAND PRIZE IS 5000.00! Side board and 50/50 bets are also played all night. Contact the museum for tickets and time of event. Raffle is held at the Moose Lodge, Smithfield, N.C. Ticket holders do not need to be present to win.

Holiday Closing - Thranksgiving

November 27

Closed for holiday. And don’t worry –if you eat too much turkey, just walk it off here tomorrow! Happy Thanksgiving.

December

Annual Christmas Open House

December 6th

Old-fashioned decorations will be in the museum lobby and the Iredell Brown farmstead. Holiday specials will be available in the gift shop and refreshments served. A special appearance by SANTA is also expected! Museum open free of charge.

Holiday closing - Christmas
December 23rd thru 26th

Merry Christmas!

A Look Ahead to 2009

January

Holiday closing - New Years Day
December 31, January 1

Museum closed

Behind the Scenes of a Museum: An Interactive Experience
January 2 thru 20

Museum closed to walk-in guests, but open for those who register to volunteer. Come help us complete gift shop inventories, dust exhibits, update the artifact collection, and clean the historic buildings. If you ever wanted to find out what happens behind the scenes of a museum, this is your opportunity! Call to volunteer and spend a day helping to preserve eastern Carolina's rich heritage.  

Hog Killing Day and Dinner
January 31 - 8:00 a.m.

Enjoy a lunch of traditional hog killing day foods including hog hash, collards, sausage, biscuits, country ham, sweet potatoes, and cracklins. Demonstrations such as salting meat and sausage making will be held before the meal. Demonstrations begin at 8:00 a.m. with dinner served at 11:30 a.m. Fee is $10.00 per plate and advance meal tickets are available by contacting the museum.

Southern Farm Show

To Be Announced

Come visit the museum’s booth at the farm show held on the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. Doors open 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.

Ongoing

Kenly Area Historical Society Meetings

Bi-monthly. Call for specific dates and times.
Includes lectures, community fellowship and special guests working to preserve Kenly's rich historical past.

Workshops

Additional workshops scheduled throughout the year, including classes for both children and adults. Please contact the museum for more information.