The HEARTS Origin Story

In the Summer of 2020, Abigail Jennings and Randolph Lewis were introduced to Cedar Grove, the 1831 National Register Greek Revival plantation home of James Galbraith Torrance. The sixth-generation descendant of Hugh Torance, Torrance Banks, was seeking solutions for the next chapter of the majestic historic landmark. Abigail and Randolph were fascinated to learn the deep history of the site, including the neighboring Hugh Torance House and Store known as the oldest standing store in North Carolina, and the natural history of the surrounding areas of preserved land.

This introduction sparked the collective determination of Banks, Liv Wu, Jennings, and Lewis to rehabilitate the historic home and connect Cedar Grove with the community by:

  • Sharing the site’s rich History including prehistoric artifacts, Native American lands, Revolutionary connections, and important 18th, 19th, and 20th-century stories.

  • Highlighting Ecology and nature, plant and animal history, and natural resources.

  • Incorporating music, poetry, dance, and visual Arts to bring diverse audiences together.

  • Recognizing the many generations descended from those once enslaved on the site through the formation of the Reunion Project.

  • Connecting the site to the local greenway Trail network, including the Carolina Thread Trail and Lake Norman’s Emerald Necklace.

  • Creating a sustainable financial future for the nonprofit Hugh Torance House and Store Inc. (HTHS), adjacent to Cedar Grove.

In the Fall of 2021, HTHS adopted the HEARTS mission (below) and opened its doors to host newly designed place-based living history programming. HTHS quickly achieved its goal of reaching a larger audience, connecting more deeply to the community, and realizing sustainable operations. In February 2022, the first HEARTS Happening event was launched at Cedar Grove, honoring enslaved North Carolina poet George Moses Horton and his connection to the Torance family by featuring poetry readings, live music performed by local musicians, and an introduction to native plants found on the property.

Since then, growth has been exponential for HEARTS, with new audiences coming together at every event and with repeat visitors who keep coming back to support and enjoy more educational entertainment.

Recognizing the obstacles nonprofits face in achieving sustainability as 100% volunteer-led organizations while continuing to grow and reach new audiences prompted the HEARTS mission to take the next step by creating the HEARTS Collaborative, Inc., a new 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. Designed to connect and foster collaboration to preserve and share our region’s history, HEARTS sparks community engagement and facilitates sustainable operations with its unique approach.

A large brick house with a red metal roof and black shutters, featuring a porch with four tan columns and a staircase leading up to the front door. There are trees on either side and a grassy lawn in the foreground with outdoor furniture and decorations.
Two elderly women wearing aprons are in a bright kitchen, smiling and holding a bottle of sauce. The kitchen has open shelves with ceramics and a window showing a green outdoor garden. There is a vase of sunflowers on the counter, a large bowl of colorful eggs, and various cooking ingredients and utensils visible.
A woman and a man standing on a porch in front of a green house, smiling at the camera. The woman is wearing a brown patterned sweater, orange pants, and brown boots. The man is dressed in a gray hoodie, blue jeans, and gray sneakers.

Top: Cedar Grove, the 1831 National Register Greek Revival landmark plantation home of James G. Torrance.

Bottom Right: Torrance Banks and Liv Wu with their artisan soy sauce, available at the Hugh Torance House and Store.

Bottom Left: HEARTS Co-founders Abigail Jennings and Randolph Lewis.

HEARTS encompasses a unique collaborative mission to showcase, safeguard, and share NC’s Catawba Valley culture, offering a deeper appreciation for local history, nature, and the arts.