HEARTS weaves the threads of local people, places, and pieces into a vibrant and interconnected tapestry of our region.

History is bigger than just one story.

The HEARTS Collaborative (aka HEARTS) is a comprehensive nonprofit regional source of collaboration and connectivity for the community of historic sites and buildings, trails and nature, churches and burial grounds, visual and performing arts, research, archives, and artifacts.

HEARTS also provides unique place-based nonprofit programming at no cost to the public that shares the intricately-woven stories of our region and the people who’ve lived here throughout time.

Upcoming Events

The Tapestry of HEARTS

Intricately interconnected stories of people, places, and pieces in our region shape our local History, from prehistoric times through the 21st century.

The exquisite Ecology of our region throughout history includes our native plants and animals, the natural history of local lands, and our invaluable natural resources.

Live music, poetry, dance, and the visual Arts perfectly complement all our programming, offering new and interesting cultural experiences, creative insights, and bringing diverse audiences together.

Our Reunion Project leads investigative research and champions the recognition of the many generations descended from those who live or have lived in our region throughout time.

Connecting our regional Trails and greenways to the significant people, places, and pieces of our shared local history and creating new experiences.

It all began with the oldest Store in North Carolina and a goal to create and support sustainable financial futures for the preservation of our regions’ history.

The May Pole featured at HEARTS’ May 1775 event in 2024 offered connections to history, nature, dancing, music, and community.

A Hugh Success Story

Acclaimed HEARTS Happenings and community engagement programs provided a dramatic increase in site visitors and financial stability for the historic Hugh Torance House and Store. Positive growth all around reveals a delightful success and the future looks brighter than ever before for North Carolina’s oldest standing store.