"E" is for Ecology in HEARTS, and this month’s event explores the importance and impact of farmlands and wild open spaces in our region. On November 18, 2023, from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM, join us in the historic parlor of Cedar Grove for HEARTS Harvest '23 to celebrate past and present local farms and farming families. Presenting a panel of leaders, each with their own approach to saving special places.
Featuring community preservation and conservation advocates (from left to right) Frank Bragg, Bart Landess with the Catawba Lands Conservancy and Carolina Thread Trail, Zack Wyatt with the Carolina FarmTrust, and Erin Stanforth, the Sustainability and Resiliency Manager for Mecklenburg County.
We will also be sharing maps and stories about the historical farms and farming families in our region. Michael Connor, a descendant of the John Connor farm in Cornelius, will share his family's story, along with stories of other well-known farms in the area.
Historic maps will be presented alongside modern maps showing preserved lands and farmlands, as well as farmlands slated for new developments coming soon.
Learn what you can do to help with preservation efforts, and learn more about the financial benefits of conservation for property owners too. In addition, guests will be invited to taste a treat by Carolina FarmTrust and learn more about a very special historic food that continues to be a top choice for traditional American celebrations.
As always the arts are an integral part of HEARTS happenings and we’re honored to present two talented and amazing Huntersville farming family descendants, musical artist Gina Stewart and visual artist Elizabeth Bradford.
Gina Stewart, a Huntersville native and farm descendent leads the Americana band, "Channeling Granny." The band is an acoustic offshoot of the legendary Charlotte band "Doubting Thomas," formed in the late '80s by Stewart and Brenda Gambill, whose soaring vocal harmonies are a big part of the group's sound.
Elizabeth Bradford’s stunning paintings will be featured in a very special one-day-only show of her intricate and expressive nature paintings in Cedar Grove’s hallway. Guests will also be treated to an artist's talk by Bradford, who will share her artistic journey influenced by her childhood on the Bradford Farm and her lifelong appreciation of nature.
During the event, the adjacent Hugh Torance House and Store will be open offering crafts, snacks, beverages, sundries, and more. Plan to come early and/or stay late to enjoy the historic grounds and take a tour of 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. Cedar Grove opens its doors for HEARTS happenings, monthly community gatherings featuring music, visual arts, and lectures exploring local history, nature, and our shared sense of place. HEARTS Harvest ‘23 is free to the community with tickets available on the Events page at www.HughT.org. Donations are appreciated.
This event is made possible by dedicated volunteers, HEARTS Circle members, Lake Norman Realty, and community donations. All proceeds benefit HTHS’s efforts to further the HEARTS mission of historic preservation, ecological conservation, and forging community connections in our region.
SAVE THE DATE - DECEMBER 9TH
Be sure to mark your calendars for December 9th for HEARTS Winter Wisdom '23. Presenting David Fleming, author of “Who’s Your Founding Father?” Fleming will share his fascinating evidence of the Mecklenburg County patriots ahead of their time in their declaration of independence from Great Britain on May 20, 1775. An entertaining and well-researched book, this book is a must-read for everyone! Signed copies of Fleming’s book are available in the Hugh Torance House and Store and other local retailers. Following Fleming’s lecture will be a book signing. Featuring live music by David Childers and The Serpents, and the surreal paintings of Robert Childers. HEARTS Winter Wisdom ‘23 is free with tickets available on the Events page at www.HughT.org.
Comments