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 28, 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.