Upcoming Events
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Slave Dwelling Project Weekend
The Stories We Tell: Cabin Sleepover Experience
Mr. Joseph McGill, Founder and Executive Director of the Slave Dwelling Project, invites you for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. During this intimate evening, guests will sleep in a historic log cabin at The President James K. Polk State Historic Site, birthplace of the 11th U.S. President. Here, participants will have the opportunity to share in a meaningful discussion on the life experiences of enslaved peoples, contemporary social issues and the U.S. presidency before spending their evening in a crudely constructed historic log cabin. Following the sleepover, you will have the opportunity to reflect, write and record your story using a variety of media, including digital and video recorders and journals. SPACES ARE EXTREMELY LIMITED! REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. This event is made possible through the Friends of President Polk’s Birthplace Inc. and through funding from the North Carolina Humanities Council, a statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. 13 September 2019 | 9:00 pm - Until Morning Free with Registration | Click here to register. 
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The American South As We Know It: Documentary Screening and Discussion with Film-Maker Frederick Murphy The President James K. Polk State Historic Site and Fredrick Murphy, Founder of History Before Us and a documentary film maker, come together to kick off the weekend. The evening will feature a reception with opening remarks by Joseph McGill, founder of the Slave Dwelling Project. This will be followed by a screening of Mr. Murphy’s film, “The American South as we Know It”. Mr. Murphy will then discuss his journey in producing the film and concluding with questions from the audience. Following the evening reception, registered guests who pre-registered for the overnight experience, will make their way out to the grounds of the Polk farm for this truly unique experience. SEATING IS LIMITED. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. This event is made possible through the Friends of President Polk’s Birthplace Inc. and through funding from the North Carolina Humanities Council, a statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. 13 September 2019 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Free with Registration | Click here to register. 
Inalienable Rights: Living History Through the Eyes of the Enslaved
Join Mr. Joseph McGill, Founder and Executive Director of the Slave Dwelling Project and first-person interpreters for a one-of-a-kind living history event. Families are invited to encounter folks in every corner of the living history village, where interpreters will tell stories and present lectures related to the lives of enslaved Africans. In addition, interpreters will demonstrate various skills, including cooking, quilting and storytelling. This weekend is made possible through the Friends of President Polk’s Birthplace Inc. and through funding from the North Carolina Humanities Council, a statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. 14 September 2019 | 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Free with Registration | Click here to register. |
On-going Events, Demonstrations, and Interest Groups
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Young Hickory Explorers
The Tarheel Junior Historian Association is a group of clubs throughout North Carolina that promote a love of history. More than that, Junior Tarheels learn critical reading and writing skills, advocacy, volunteerism, art, videography, public speaking and more! Clubs are student-run, so join us and help steer the Young Hickory Explorers towards success in 2019 and beyond! Contact Kate Moore at kate.h.moore@ncdcr.gov or by phone at 704-889-7145 with any questions! 4th Saturday of every month
11:30 am - 12:30 pm ************************ Call for confirmation: 704-889-7145 |
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Weekly Fiber Arts Meetup with the Catawba Valley Fiber Guild
Laura Bain of Phun Knits leads a weekly get-together of fiber lovers of all sorts. Those interested in either modern or historic fiber arts are welcome! Whether you knit or crochet; spend hours pouring over the many gorgeous yarn choices or hours spinning the wheel as your create your own yarn; follow a carefully laid-out cross stitch design or free hand an embroidery creation all your own, all fiber lovers are welcome! Please Note: Meetup members will not typically be in costume during meetings, though they would be happy to discuss historic fiber arts with any visitors who stop in. Members interested in historic spinning, dyeing, weaving, knitting, etc. will be encouraged to join Laura and staff members as they share their knowledge with school groups visiting the site. Period-appropriate clothing (1790s-1810) may be provided to those interested in the educational aspirations of the group. |
Every Wednesday
11:00 am - 1:00 pm ************************ Call for confirmation: 704-889-7145 |
Every 2nd + 4th Thursday
September through May ************************ Call for confirmation: 704-889-7145 |
The Historical Cooking Guild of the Catawba Valley
The Historical Cooking Guild of the Catawba Valley is at the site on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, September through May. Use all your senses as you see, smell, and hear about what the average cook would have prepared during the time that James Polk was a boy. The ladies may simply be stoking the fire and researching "receipts" or they might be rendering some bear fat to use in a wide variety of dishes. You never know what you may see when you stop in, but it is sure to be a fascinating glimpse into a time gone by. *The Cooking Guild will return to the kitchen in September* |
