Before European settlers arrived in our region a few hundred years ago, this area was home to a thriving culture of Native Americans for ten thousand years. Join us for a free community event to learn more about these Indigenous people at HEARTS Catawba Nation on Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 2:00 - 5:00 pm. at Huntersville’s historic Cedar Grove, 8229 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC, and visit next door at the Hugh Torance House and Store. Tickets for HEARTS Catawba Nation are free with donations appreciated. Click here for tickets or visit www.hught.org.
Ensley Guffey, Tribal Archivist for the Catawba Nation, will share stories on the fierce Catawba militia and their role in the American Revolution and other US wars.
Dr. Robert Carter, Catawba Nation Wildlife and Habitat Stewardship Manager will share information about the ecology utilized by the Catawba. Dr. Carter specializes in research on Native uses and relationships with the plants and animals of the southeastern US.
Kassidy Plyler, Catawba Citizen and Cultural Public Programs Specialist, will discuss tribal genealogy and share research resources.
Following the speakers, cultural dance and drum performances by Catawba Nation citizens, presenting traditional dances such as the Fancy Dance, the Jingle Dance, the Hoop Dance, Traditional/Hunters/woodland Dance, and Friendship Dance.
Catawba Nation artisan crafts will be showcased and available for purchase. Pictured above is jewelry by Jeannie Sanders, a Catawba Nation artist.
Designed to inspire and enhance our community’s shared sense of place, HEARTS grass-roots events are known for juxtaposing regional history and ecology with curated local music, visual art, and dance in multi-faceted, place-based programs.
Next door, the Hugh Torance House and Store will be open from 2:00-5:00 offering new and unique local artisan goods and fresh local honey, snacks, beer, wine, sundries, and more. Plan to come early and/or stay late to enjoy the historic grounds and tour the oldest standing store in NC. The Hugh Torance House and Store is one of Mecklenburg County’s few surviving 18th-century structures and is adjacent to Cedar Grove, the 1831 Greek Revival home of James Torrance, son of Hugh and Isabella Torance.
HEARTS (history, ecology, arts, reunion, trails, store) happenings are free, place-based gatherings featuring music, visual arts, and lectures exploring local history, nature, and our shared sense of place. These events are made possible by dedicated volunteers, HEARTS Circle members, community partner Lake Norman Realty, and donations. All proceeds benefit HTHS’s efforts to further the HEARTS mission of historic preservation, ecological conservation, and forging community connections in our region.
The Hugh Torance House and Store (HTHS), is a private 501c3 nonprofit historic site. Group tours and volunteer opportunities for stewardship, preservation, and conservation are available. Open to the public each Sunday from 1:00-4:00 and during HEARTS events, and is located at 8231 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC 28078. Cedar Grove is a private residence open in partnership for select HEARTS Happenings.
For more information, visit www.hught.org, email info@hughtorancehouseandstore.org, or call (704) 920-9931.
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