HEARTS Happenings
Nothing compares to immersing yourself in the past to see new perspectives.
Dancer at HEARTS Junion ‘23 event - Photo courtesy of HEARTS.
Our region boasts an incredibly diverse natural and cultural history. Some stories are known, some have been lost, and some are still being discovered. HEARTS Happenings are events that explore these stories via place-based experiences designed to foster a shared sense of place and community by exploring what is right beneath our feet. Juxtaposing local history and nature content with the best in homegrown music, dance, and visual arts, HEARTS Happenings are free and open to the public.
This year marks HEARTS' fourth year of programming and its’ first year in which HEARTS Happenings will be presented beyond the historic sites of historic Cedar Grove and the historic Hugh Torance House and Store, with exciting events also coming to Lincoln County and Iredell County this year! Our 2025 season shares connections to historical events as well as daily life in 18th-century Mecklenburg County, like the historic Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence document (locally known as the “Mec Dec”) dated May 20, 1775 through modern times while weaving history, nature, and the arts together into a vibrant tapestry of the regions’ historic identity.
‘Who’s Your Founding Father?’ author David Flemming reading at a ‘24 HEARTS event;The Mt. Zion AME Stroller Singers at a ‘23 HEARTS event - Photos courtesy of HEARTS.
Event guests during the maypole dance at HEARTS May Day ‘24 - Photo courtesy of HEARTS.
Upcoming HEARTS Events
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Guided Tours of the Historic Hugh Torance House & Store
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.
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HEARTS Creatures of the Spring '24 Art Contest
Calling all creatives: The “Creatures of the Spring” Art Contest is for all ages with both youth and adult cash prizes up to $200! Submission deadline May 16th, and exhibit on May 24th at HEARTS: Let Freedom Spring at Pioneer Springs Community School, free & open to the community.
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HEARTS Let Freedom Spring
On May 24th, 2025, on land once part of Alexandriana, the massive plantation estate of John McKnitt Alexander, learn about Freedom Springs with David Fleming and Scott Syfert, the nature of springs, the all-ages community art contest “Creatures of the Spring,” stellar live music, and a Crankie too!
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Ghost Hunts at the Historic Hugh Torance House & Store
Do you think the oldest store in North Carolina is haunted? Join us for an authentic ghost hunt led by the experienced experts at the Charlotte Area Paranormal Society to scour this c.1779 homesite for existential activity using professional investigative tools and equipment.
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HEARTS Junion '25: Revolutionary Descent
On June 14th, 2025, our 4th anniversary of Junion features Co-Chair of HEARTS Reunion Project and 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.
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HEARTS Sacred Grounds '25
Join us for HEARTS: Sacred Grounds '25 as we continue our exploration of historic churches and burial grounds in our region with Dr. Julia Moore, live music, and a focus on the plants found in historic burial grounds. This event is part of HEARTS (history, ecology, arts, reunion, trails, store) and will take place at the historic Iredell Jail, home to the Iredell Arts Council.