HEARTS Catawba Nation

Before European settlers arrived in our region, this area was inhabited by many tribes. Join us for a free community event at Cedar Grove to learn more, featuring HEARTS from the Catawba Nation. The event will explore local Native American history, nature, art, dance, music, and crafts. Speakers include Ensley Guffey, Catawba Nation Archivist, who will discuss the Catawba militia and their involvement in the American Revolution and US military. Dr. Robert Carter, Catawba Nation Wildlife and Habitat Stewardship Manager will share information about the ecology utilized by the Catawba. Kassidy Plyler, Catawba Citizen and Cultural Public Programs Specialist, will speak about Catawba genealogy and share research resources. 

Join us to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Catawba Nation with traditional dancing and drumming performed by members of the Catawba Nation throughout the afternoon. Art and crafts will be showcased and available for purchase. 

Designed to inspire and enhance our community’s shared sense of place, HEARTS grass-roots events are known for juxtaposing regional history and ecology with curated local music, visual art, and dance in multi-faceted, place-based programs.

Next door, the Hugh Torance House and Store will be open from 2:00-5:00 offering new and interesting 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 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.

​The Hugh Torance House and Store (HTHS), is a private 501c3 nonprofit historic site. Group tours and volunteer opportunities for stewardship, preservation, and conservation are available. Open to the public each Sunday from 1:00-4:00 and during HEARTS events, and is located at 8231 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC 28078. Cedar Grove is a private residence that is open only in partnership for select HEARTS Happenings.  

For more information, visit www.hught.org, email info@hughtorancehouseandstore.org, or call (704) 920-9931.