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 Fleming 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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Ghost Tours 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 Catawba Nation '25
October 18th 2:00-5:00 PM
Join us for our annual HEARTS Catawba Nation event at historic Cedar Grove in Huntersville. Featuring Catawba Nation history, live Catawba Native music, live ancestral dance performances, community dancing, jewelry, ceramics, and more from our Catawba neighbors.
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Spirit Day at the Hugh Torance House and Store
October 26th, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Enjoy a historic twist on Halloween, with Scots-Irish Halloween origin stories, seasonal treats, games, and more.
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VIP Ghost Hunt at Cedar Grove with CAPS
October 31st & November 1st - 8:00PM
Do you think the historic Cedar Grove plantation home of Hugh and Isabella Torance is haunted? Here's your chance to find out! Join us for the VERY FIRST authentic ghost tour at Cedar Grove led by the experienced experts at the Charlotte Area Paranormal Society (CAPS).
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HEARTS Harvest '25: Milk and Honey
Nov 8th 2:00PM - 5:00 PM
Join us for our annual HEARTS Harvest at historic Cedar Grove. What’s a milking parlor? How can you really help the bees? What role did dairy play in our local farming history? Featuring answers to these questions and much more, with live music by Heidi and the River Down.
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Hanging of the Greens
November 30th - 1:00PM
Join us for our annual Hanging of the Greens and help us decorate the Hugh Torance House and Store for the winter holiday!
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Traditional Holiday Craft
December 7th - 1:00PM
Join us for a seasonal treat! Let’s make traditional holiday crafts at the Hugh Torance House and Store!
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HEARTS Winter Wisdom '25
December 6th 2:00 -5:00 PM
Join us for our annual holiday celebration at historic Cedar Grove, featuring live music, dance, and so much more! Enjoy Cedar Grove decked out for the holidays and step back in time for winter stories from centuries past in the Piedmont.
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Feasting and Caroling
December 14th - 1:00PM
Join us for a seasonal treat! Watch a colonial cooking demonstration and sing along with carolers at the Hugh Torance House and Store!