The Charlotte Museum of History on December 9 for a live-streamed program to learn about one of North Carolina’s most unique holiday celebrations, Jonkonnu.

The Jamaican and West African origins of the holiday enabled enslaved people in North Carolina during the 19th century to preserve its religious and cultural traditions. The museum’s free lunchtime program will explore the cultural and historical significance of Jonkonnu, a Christmastide tradition that tapped into African spiritual roots through a combination of costume, music, and dance.

Sharon Bryant and Keith McClease from Tryon Palace in New Bern will join the museum for the program. Bryant is African American outreach coordinator and McClease is the garden operations supervisor at Tryon Palace, which hosts a Jonkonnu celebration annually to continue the tradition into the 21^st century. McClease also is the lead drummer for Tryon Palace’s Jonkonnu celebrations and helped to revive the tradition at the historic site.

This program will be live-streamed on the Museum’s Facebook and YouTube channels. Registration is not required. To get a reminder email, sign up here. Sign up to get a reminder email from the museum at charlottemuseum.org/events. A recording will be available on YouTube after the event.

GALLERY: Things You Should See and Do in North Carolina

• Morehead Planetarium and Science Center

  Share

  The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center located in Chapel Hill is a great place to learn all about North Carolinas history. Some of the exhibits cover a wide range of topics, such as Firsts in Flight, which pays tribute to African Americans and describes their contributions to space exploration and the development of aviation in great detail. It is free to attend.

• Explore the Breweries of North Carolina

  Share

  We have a lot of beer here in the Carolinas. There are actually 30+ breweries throughout the Queen City alone! There is nothing like trying out a new beer and enjoying fun taprooms. If you like discovering new beers try tackling the NC Beer Guys map of breweries. You can see it here: https://www.ncbeerguys.com/nc-breweries/

• Carolina Panthers

  Share

  Attending a Carolina Panthers game is a Charlotte must. With football back (Yay) who wouldn't love wrapping up in your warm team gear and cheering on our boys? Okay...you might get a little chilly out there in the stands if it is the winter time, but the Carolina Panthers are right here in the QC and a game is a perfect way to spend the day. Wear some gloves and go, team!
• Charlotte Hornets Game

  Share

  Enter the swarm and take yourself to see at least one Hornet’s game this year. In the winter, you can enjoy a seat in the hive while watching some talented basketballers shoot some hoops and enjoying classic stadium concessions all in the comfort of the stands. It's warm and cozy and so much fun! A Hornets game is a memorable and exciting experience for all ages, regardless of whether basketball is your thing.

• Carolina Hurricanes

  Share

  Are you ready to enter the storm? Attending a Carolina Hurricanes hockey game is fun for the whole family. The arena is located in Raleigh and is a great way to immerse yourself in some Carolina culture.

• The Biltmore Estate

  Share

  It is a North Carolina must-see to visit the Biltmore Estate. A beautiful place to visit, it's a very majestic and historic location. Located in Asheville, the estate spans 8,000 acres and dates back to the 1890s. The Biltmore has 43 bathrooms, 35 bedrooms, and 65 fireplaces, just to name a few features of its 180,000 square feet.
• Visit William B. Umstead State Park

  Share

  I love this park. It is located between Durham, Cary, and Raleigh in North Carolina, across 5,579 acres of land. With its wooded paths and trails and beautiful lakes, it is certainly one of the must-see places to visit in North Carolina for nature lovers. The William B. Umstead State Park offers many different ways to spend your time. Hiking, cycling, walking, running, and even canoeing or paddle boating can all be done.

• See A Durham Bulls Game

  Share

  Baseball your thing? You should catch a game if you are in the Durham area. Durham Bulls are a minor league baseball team in North Carolina and are a great way to spend time with family and friends. Around the stadium, there is also a lot to do after the game. It is located in the historic tobacco lane, which has shops, picnic areas, and more!

• Head to the Beach!

  Share

  Beautiful beaches can be found in North Carolina. Since the 1930s, North Carolina beaches have been a top destination for families. You could visit the Outer Banks, Wrightsville Beach, or even Topsail Beach. Rental cottages and beach houses are popular on the coast as people go to escape the heat, enjoy the ocean breezes, swim in the Atlantic waters, and have a good time with friends and family.
• Battleship North Carolina

  Share

  Fancy a trip on a real-life battleship? Imagine the daily challenges her crew faced in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. Across the nation, they came, young men who had grown up in the crucible of the Great Depression. They were now determined to serve their country in its hour of need. Through their oral histories, photographs, and mementos, you will get the opportunity to hear their stories as you explore the exhibits and the Ship.

• Charlotte Knights

  Share

Sign me up for the Country 103.7 email newsletter!

Members get exclusive insights into new music, music news, contests, quizzes, and more!

First Name *

Last Name

Email *

Subscribe

By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.