Celebrate July with HEARTS
Saturday, July 4th
HEARTS 250: Forging Our Freedom
Looking for somewhere special to celebrate the Fourth of July Semiquincentennial this Saturday? Join us at the Hugh Torance House and Store and Cedar Grove for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. We hope you can join us for a very special Fourth of July, celebrating living history the HEARTS way, featuring blacksmith and spinning demonstrations, historic artifacts, nature, art, and more! Fun for all ages, special blacksmithery for kids, historic games, and we’ll also have hot dogs (veggie and not), beverages, and the historic store is stocked with artisanal goodies to check out, too! Our live music for the day is a stellar trio, presenting Heidi Sidelinker, Billy Jones, and the legendary Jim Brock! Tickets are free, and donations are appreciated. Get your tickets now!
July 18th
BBQ & Bluegrass
The Historic Sharpe House invites the community to step back in time for an evening of historic charm, savory Southern flavors, and foot-tapping music at the annual BBQ & Bluegrass 2026. Taking place on Saturday, July 18th, this family-friendly event celebrates the heritage of Statesville’s first mayor with a night under the stars.
The evening features a performance by the acclaimed band “None of the Above” (NOTA). With over twenty-five years of experience in the Piedmont Triad area, NOTA is celebrated for their ability to blend traditional bluegrass with elements of Americana, folk, rock, and alternative country. Their unique, organic sound honors the roots of the genre while delivering an out-of-the-ordinary musical experience that resonates with music lovers of all ages.
Guests will enjoy a true Southern feast served buffet-style in the lush backyard of the historic Sharpe House. The menu features:
Slow-cooked Pulled Pork
Traditional red and white slaw
Classic baked beans
Fresh dinner rolls
Decadent dessert choices: Banana Pudding or Blackberry Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream
The festivities will culminate with a concert at the Pasture Stage, located in the serene glen of the original 1860s gentleman’s farm. While sweet tea, unsweet tea, and lemonade are included with your meal, guests may also purchase tickets for beer and wine throughout the event.
July 24th and 25th
Shakespeare: An Evening of Scenes, Sonnets & Soliloquies
Reception 6:15
Performance 7:30
Shakespeare comes home to Statesville this summer as Theatre Statesville, Iredell County's only live theater for adults since 1958, returns to the Pasture Stage at the historic Sharpe House for a two-night celebration of the Bard's most beloved words. On the evenings of July 24th and 25th at 7:30 PM, Theatre Statesville presents its season’s grand finale, with “Shakespeare: An Evening of Scenes, Sonnets and Soliloquies.”
Before each evening’s performance at 6:15, the Sharpe House is hosting an exclusive ticketed reception in the Main House prior to the evening’s production. A light fare of Elizabethan appetizers and punch will be offered, as well as a tour of the newly redecorated rooms on the first floor. On the tour, guests will learn about the relationship between Shakespeare and the Sharpe House.
Tickets are required for both the reception and/or the performance. This collaboration, made possible through HEARTS, connects regional history, ecology, and arts with ongoing preservation of special places in our region. In 2026, HEARTS has been helping at the Sharpe House, breathing new life into the 1866 home of Statesville’s first mayor, facilitating needed repairs, creating new community programs and opportunities.
This curated evening weaves together sonnets, scenes from Shakespeare’s comedies, tragedies, and histories performed by local actors, and intimate soliloquies that highlight the language. The format honors the roots of both organizations, combining Theatre Statesville's commitment to accessible live performance with HEARTS' dedication to using historic places as living classrooms, continuing the long-standing "Shakespeare in the Pasture" tradition.
July 25th
Benefit Bake Sale to Save Brevard’s Chapel Church
Want to take a peak inside Brevard’s Chapel?
Stop by to find some goodies for the weekend and learn more about this very special place.
Saturday, July 25th, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Brevard’s Chapel
6943 Campground Rd, Denver, NC
Built in the 1870's by emancipated slaves, this beautiful little building was slated for demolition. Thanks to HEARTS and the collaboration of many, the demolition has been paused, and we are now raising funds to restore the chapel and create bring new life to this very special place.
All proceeds from the bake sale will be used for the repairs.
Hope to see you there!
PS: Bakers needed! If you’d like to contribute baked goods, please email info@heartsco.org.
Ongoing Events with HEARTS
July 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
Guided Tours at the Hugh Torance House and Store
On Sundays in July at 2:00 PM, step back in time and experience life in the home of Hugh and Isabella Torance and their son, James Torrance's mercantile store. Our experienced docents guide visitors on a living history adventure as they tour the c.1779 homesite and visit the Torance Store. Tickets are required, and donations are always appreciated.
July 9th or July 12th
Sharpe House Tea & Tour
July 9th at 11:00 AM or July 12th at 2:00 PM, enjoy a step back in time where history and hospitality meet with tea. Guests are invited to enjoy a traditional tea service followed by a guided tour of the home’s beautifully preserved first floor.
July 23rd or July 27th
Sharpe House Tea & Tales
July 23rd at 11:00 AM or July 27th at 2:00 PM, guests are invited to enjoy a traditional tea service and a tale of local history, sharing stories of the people, traditions, and moments that shaped the Sharpe House and the surrounding community.
August 1st
Ghost Hunt at Hugh Torance House and Store
Join us on Saturday, August 1st, at 7:30 PM for an authentic ghost hunt led by the experienced experts at the Charlotte Area Paranormal Society to scour for spirits using professional investigative tools and equipment. Tickets are required, and donations are always appreciated.
