HEARTS Junion 25: Revolutionary Descent
You are invited to Junion ‘25
Join us for an exploration of local history through the lens of genealogy and an afternoon of live music, visual art, dance, poetry, and nature. It all happens Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 2:00-5:00 at Huntersville’s historic Cedar Grove. Junion is an annual HEARTS Happening sharing genealogical connections from the HEARTS Reunion Project.
Junion ‘25 is a free community event, tickets are required, and donations are graciously appreciated. Tickets: www.HEARTSCircle.org, Events.
Our 4th anniversary of Junion features Co-Chair of HEARTS Reunion Project, SAR (Sons of the American Revolution) member Andre’ Kearns, who’ll share his journey of discovering his Revolutionary War roots through Henry Johnston of Long Creek.
Kearns is a descendant of Charlotte Kerns, enslaved to James G. Torrance, who built the Cedar Grove plantation. He holds degrees from Morehouse College and Harvard Business School, serves on the board of the National Genealogical Society, and is Co-chair of the HEARTS Reunion Project.
Kearns was instrumental in creating a definitive list of names of those enslaved at Cedar Grove. Totaling 143 names overall, these names were presented in the halls of Cedar Grove at Junion ‘24 to honor their contributions to this land and our community.
Community Poetry
The interactive poem, “Building Hope,” was created by last year’s Junion guests. An opportunity for guests to participate in a new Junion poem will be offered during the HEARTS Junion ‘25 event.
It starts at 2:00 with Dance!
To kick off this year’s program, the Vision Elite Royalty Dance Company will perform an inspiring and soulful performance honoring ancestors and all descendants of the land. Vision Elite Royalty is the performing company of Vision Gymnastics and Dance, founded by Artistic Director Jane Johnson. In addition to performing with Vision Elite Royalty, Mikayla Johnson, also creates their dramatically expressive choreography.
Cedar GROOVE Time!
Junion’s musical guest, International Groove Nation, returns to Cedar Grove following their thrilling performance at last year’s event. This Charlotte-based band consists of talented musicians who present the best of various popular music styles, including dance tunes, rock, modern R&B, and classic soul. As they like to say, “It’s time to get into the Groove!”
A new art exhibit, “Honoring Descendants,” opens in Cedar Grove’s Center Hall, featuring portraits by Sabrina Tillman McGowens and Eva Crawford in partnership with the Nine-Eighteen-Nine Gallery.
Next door, the Hugh Torance House and Store will be open from 2:00-5:00, offering 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 live 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.
HEARTS is a private 501c3 nonprofit historic site. Private tours and events, and volunteer opportunities for stewardship, preservation, and conservation are available. The Hugh Torance House and Store is open to the public each Sunday from 1:00-4:00, and during HEARTS events. Cedar Grove is a private residence that is open only in partnership for select HEARTS Happenings.
For more information, visit www.HEARTSCircle.org or call (704) 920-9931.
