HEARTS Catawba Nation ‘25 - 10/18/25 at Cedar Grove
Frog effigy by Catawba artisan Justin Johnson, one of the featured Catawba artists at this year’s HEARTS Catawba Nation ‘25.
Join us for a truly immersive experience at HEARTS Catawba Nation ‘25, an event dedicated to exploring the profound and enduring legacy of the Catawba people who graced this land long before us, made possible in partnership with the Catawba Cultural Center. Featuring Catawba Nation history, live Catawba music, ancestral dance performances, community dancing, jewelry, ceramics, and more, this free community event happens on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 2:00 - 5:00 pm, at Huntersville’s historic Cedar Grove (8229 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC).
Prepare to be captivated as Catawba tribal members bring their rich history and vibrant culture to life at historic Cedar Grove. This unique gathering offers a rare opportunity to delve into the traditions and stories that have shaped the Catawba identity for generations. Through engaging presentations, interactive demonstrations, and personal narratives, you'll gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the people whose roots run deep in this very soil. Don't miss this chance to connect with the past and honor the living heritage of the Catawba Nation.
Ceramics and jewelry by Catawba artisans Justin Johnson, Jeannie Sanders, and Amanda Wilson will be showcased and available for purchase.
Pottery and jewelry by Amanda Wilson featured above.
Catawba Artisan Spotlight: Amanda Wilson
Born in Rock Hill, South Carolina, Amanda has been an artist for many years. The act of creating has always brought her joy. She was raised in the home of her great-grandmother, Bertha Harris, who passed down cultural traditions through heartfelt kitchen table conversations. Amanda began making art on a small wooden board and continues that journey today, crafting both traditional pottery and contemporary works. She hopes to blend her passion for jewelry and pottery into a unique and meaningful collection. Along the way, she has been guided by her mother, Karen Scruggs, who carries her own wealth of knowledge in traditional arts such as basket weaving and pottery. Amanda proudly embraces her heritage and is dedicated to passing these traditions on to her children, keeping her culture alive for future generations.
Scenes below from last year’s HEARTS Catawba Nation ‘24. We look forward to sharing even more American history that happened right here in our own backyards at this year’s expanded sequel.
At 2:00 on the grounds of Cedar Grove, guests are invited to watch and participate in cultural dance and drum performances by members of the Catawba Nation. These will include traditional dances such as the Fancy Dance, the Jingle Dance, the Hoop Dance, the Traditional/Hunters/Woodland Dance, and the Friendship Dance. Guests are invited to roam the grounds, visit and shop with Catawba artisans, and discover plants on site used by the Catawba.
At 3:00 in Cedar Grove’s historic parlor, join us for three mini-lectures on Catawba history, nature, and genealogy with featured speakers:
Ensley Guffey, Catawba Nation Archivist, will discuss the Catawba militia and their involvement in the American Revolution and the US military.
Dr. Robert Carter, Catawba Nation Wildlife and Habitat Stewardship Manager, will share information about the ecology utilized by the Catawba.
Kassidy Plyler, Catawba Citizen and Cultural Public Programs Specialist, will speak about Catawba genealogy and share research resources.
Tickets for HEARTS Catawba Nation are free, with donations appreciated.
Join HEARTS and Together We’ll Make It Happen
Designed to inspire and enhance our community’s shared sense of place, HEARTS Happenings are grass-roots events known for juxtaposing regional history and ecology with curated local music, visual art, and dance in multi-faceted, place-based programs. HEARTS (History, Ecology, Arts, Reunion, Trails, and Store) is made possible by dedicated volunteers, HEARTS Circle members, presenting partner Lake Norman Realty, and generous donations from the community. All proceeds further the HEARTS mission of historic preservation, ecological conservation, and forging community connections in our region.
HEARTS is working to preserve, explore, and share the important threads of our region’s rich tapestry of history, nature, and the arts. What began in Huntersville at Cedar Grove and the Hugh Torance House and Store has expanded to Iredell and Lincoln, and we look forward to exciting announcements on the horizon. Through HEARTS, we are creating sustainable futures for our special historic places. Thank you for your support. For more information, visit www.heartscollaborative.org or call (704) 920-9931. To connect with HEARTS for nonprofit services, group tours/events, service learning projects, sponsorships, and/or volunteer opportunities, please email info@HEARTSCollaborative.org or call 704-920-9931.
