FAYETTEVILLE — Are you a fan of game shows but can’t travel to Hollywood to be part of a “live studio audience?” Consider attending the Museum of the Cape Fear’s 15th Annual Civil War Quiz Bowl on Thursday, Jan. 28, starting at 7 p.m. Join us as a contestant or spectator in the Pate Room of the Headquarters Library.

The quiz bowl is like a game show. Contestants who are asked questions by the host, Jim Greathouse, who founded the program 15 years ago while employed at the Museum of the Cape Fear. Contestants choose from one of 14 categories. They are asked a question from that category. If they answer correctly, of course they remain in the game. If they answer incorrectly they receive a strike. Three strikes and they’re out. Winners are chosen among the last contestants remaining in two age groups: 16 and under for the youth category, and 17 and up as the adult category. Their prize? A gift card to spend on more Civil War books.

“For the last two years the number of contestants has been less than our maximum allowance of 20. I meet many people who seem to want to participate but are hesitant to do so,” related Leisa Greathouse, curator of education. “For those who need more time to think about it, they can still sign up at the door. We will continue to accept contestants as space permits.”

If you are interested in being a contestant you can call the museum at 910-486-1330 to register, or, for the first time, people can register online at http://museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov/Events.

“Also for the first time we are publicizing the categories ahead of time. This may prove to be an enticement for those who are unsure about participating,” continued Greathouse. “This year the categories are: 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864, 1865, Literature, From Fayetteville to Durham’s Station, True or False, Mixed Bag, Multiple Choice, Who Am I, North Carolina’s Story, Chronology, and Aye, Aye Capt’n,” Greathouse further stated.

As another enticement here are a couple of questions that might be asked during the contest:

Q. What facility manufactured the Fayetteville Rifle?

A. The Fayetteville Arsenal

Too easy? Here’s another:

Q. Who was governor of North Carolina when the Civil War began

A. John Willis Ellis (last names only are acceptable unless otherwise stated in the question)

“At the beginning of the contest, rules are reviewed. The last rule is, ‘We are here to enjoy ourselves. Have fun!’ and at the end of the night we hope both the contestants and the audience were glad they attended a museum event,” concluded Greathouse.

Spectators are welcome! If you are interested in participating there are three ways to sign up: online at http://museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov/Events, call the museum at 910-486-1330 or email [email protected]. For more information about the museum please visit our website: www.museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov or follow us on Facebook. The Museum of the Cape Fear operates under the NC Dept. of Natural and Cultural Resources.