You have to see the work of award-winning wood-carver James Duxbury of Graham to believe it. Watch him demonstrate his craft at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh on Aug. 14. His creativity and mechanical skill result in beautifully made kaleidoscopes, miniature carousels, bowls and even wooden hats.

Another August program features the fascinating talk about people of color who served in the Union or Confederate army during the Civil War. Drop in for this lunchtime program presented by Earl Ijames, Curator of African American and Community History.

All August programs are free. There is something for all ages at the N.C. Museum of History. Parking is free on weekends.

Programs *2nd Saturdays: Wonderful Wood Saturday, Aug. 14 Noon-4 p.m. (drop-in program) Watch James Duxbury make bowls and other objects from that “tree-mendous” renewable resource, wood. See and purchase his work in the Museum Shop, and sample yummy “Goodness Grows” products made in North Carolina. 2nd Saturdays = art, heritage, food, and fun at 37 state historic sites and museums. Free! Visit www.ncculture.com.

*Make It, Take It: Wood Works Saturday, Aug. 14 Noon-4 p.m. (drop-in program) How much wood does a woodworker work? Find out by making your own wood craft to take home.

History à la Carte: Colored Confederates and U.S. Colored Troops Wednesday, Aug. 18 12:10-1 p.m. Bring your lunch; beverages provided. Earl Ijames, Curator of African American and Community History Using primary sources, Ijames will look at people of color who served in the Union or Confederate army during the Civil War. Hear about their struggle for freedom and learn what is being done to honor them today.

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

* marks programs of interest to children or families

The N.C. Museum of History’s hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

The museum is part of the Division of State History Museums, Office of Archives and History, an agency of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. The department’s Web site is www.ncculture.com. See the exhibit Behind the Veneer: Thomas Day, Master Cabinetmaker. For details, go to ncmuseumofhistory.org.