NC Reads @ WFHM

About NC Reads at the Wake Forest Historical Museum

North Carolina Reads is North Carolina Humanities’ statewide book club. NC Reads annually features five books that explore issues of racial, social, and gender equality and the history and culture of North Carolina. All five books pose critical questions about how North Carolinians view their role in helping to form a more just and inclusive society.

The Wake Forest Historical Museum is one of many community groups across North Carolina that host a local, on-site program of their own to accompany NC Humanities’ virtual events. Each month, we’ll meet at the museum to discuss a book and join people across the state in watching a live conversation with the author and subject-matter experts.

This is a great chance to meet neighbors who share your interest in the history and culture of North Carolina! At the heart of North Carolina Reads is NC Humanities’ desire to connect communities through shared reading experiences. Reading is important because it helps develop critical-thinking skills; strengthens minds, vocabulary, and mental health; and creates opportunities to empathize with others’ stories and experiences.

NC Humanities has graciously given the museum a limited number of free books that will be available to participants. When registering please note if you would like to be considered for one of these books. Books can also be purchased from our local bookstore, Page158 Books, or at Wake County Libraries. 

If you have any questions, please email Sarah Soleim, soleims@wfu.edu. 

June 27 at 6:30 PM | Step It Up and Go 

About the Book

Non-Fiction. This book is a love letter to the artists, scenes, and sounds defining North Carolina’s extraordinary contributions to American popular music. Menconi shows how working-class roots and rebellion tie North Carolina’s Piedmont blues, jazz, and bluegrass to beach music, rock, hip-hop, and more.

"100 years of sound. From American Idol to Nina Simone, NC's rich musical legacy thrives. . . . Not every state can merit a hefty book about its music history, or fill an index with so many well-known names."

—News & Observer

About the Meeting

Participants will meet at the Wake Forest Historical Museum on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. This panel will explore how working-class roots and rebellion tie blues, jazz, and bluegrass to beach music, hip-hop, and a celebration of North Carolina popular music. This event features author David Menconi and founder of Ramseur independent label and North Carolina Music Hall of Fame Trustee Dolphus Ramseur in a conversation moderated by NC Humanities’ Board Trustee Elizabeth Carlson. We will have a small group conversation about the book following the program guided by museum staff. Feel free to arrive early to visit with fellow readers or browse the exhibit gallery. Refreshments will be served. 

How to Get a Copy of the Book

The museum has a limited supply of free books for participants. Please indicate your interest in the book below.

Step It Up and Go is available through Wake County Public Libraries.

Paperback and hardcover copies of the book can also be purchased from Page 158 Books, our local bookstore. Please let the store know that you are participating in the museum’s book club to receive a special discount. If you are in the local area, the bookstore can deliver orders of $20 or more to these zip codes: 27587 and 27571. They also offer curbside pickup 11 am-6 pm Monday thru Saturday, and Books can be shipped to your home.

Museum staff will reach out to everyone who requested a book when books become available.

If there are more requests than available books, we will distribute books in order of registrations. Preference will be given to individuals who may be struggling financially. However, you do not need to demonstrate financial need to request a copy of the book.

If you need help getting a copy of the book or have any questions about the museum's book club please email Sarah Soleim at soleims@wfu.edu.