The President James K. Polk State Historic Sit will be closed in observance of
​Christmas on Tuesday, December 26 and Wednesday, December 27.

The site will re-open for normal operating hours on Thursday, December 28.

Upcoming Events

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Fall
2023

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Catawba Pottery Lecture: Traditions and Artists
Saturday, December 9
10 am - 11 am

Come join us on Saturday December 9 at 10 am as we host Dr. Stephen Criswell for a discussion about Catawba Nation pottery.

Catawba Indian pottery is the oldest, continuous pottery tradition in North American. For millennia, indigenous potters around the Catawba River have been making ceramics from local clay and producing pieces in the traditional manner. While the number of potters is not huge, the artform deserves greater attention and recognition. For the best potters, the artform allows for individual expression while maintaining strict adherence to traditional techniques.

This talk will offer an overview of the Catawba Nation pottery tradition, including its history, cultural contexts, prominent artists, and manufacturing techniques.

Admission is free but seats are limited. Register online and reserve your slot at https://www.eventbrite.com/.../catawba-nation-pottery...

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Death and Dying Tours
​Saturdays, October 7, 21, 28 and November 4
3 pm-4 pm

Join us for our Death and Dying tours as we explore the place of death in everyday life for families like the Polks, common diseases and associated herbal remedies, as well as burial rites and rituals for Scots-Irish settlers and enslaved African-Americans. Additionally, the tour will delve into the history of the Polk Site Cemetery.
 
Suggested donations for this special tour are $7 for adults; $3 for seniors (62+) and children 13-18. This tour is recommended for children 13 years and older.
 
Tours will take place Saturdays, October 7, 21, 28 and November 4, and will begin at 3:00pm. They will last around 45 minutes and include the Kitchen House and the Polk Family Cemetery. 

Please pre-register for these tours at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/death-and-dying-tours-2023-tickets-723662372637?aff=oddtdtcreator. Or scan the QR code on the graphic!

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Cooking in the Kitchen House with Dontavius Williams
​Saturday, October 14

Dontavius Williams, founder of the Chronicles of Adam, will be at the President James K. Polk State Historic Site cooking in the historic Kitchen House. Come experience the sights, smells, and sounds of a backcountry kitchen as Dontavius shares the history of Southern foodways.

Come learn on Saturday, October 14, 10am-3pm!

(Historic foods are not for public consumption but for educational demonstrations.)

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Susie Worcester Cooking Demonstrations
​Saturdays, September 23 + November 18

This fall, join Susie Worcester in our Historic Kitchen House as she recreates historic foods from the North Carolina backcountry. Susie uses historic receipts to make her food preparation as authentic as possible.

Come learn on Saturday, September 23 and Saturday, November 18, 10am-3pm!

(Historic foods are not for public consumption but for educational demonstrations.)

​More demonstrations to come!

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Guided Tours of the Historic Structures

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On-going Events, Demonstrations, and Interest Groups

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Tatting Demonstrations Thurdays

Join our volunteer Michele as she tatts from 10am-2pm every Thursday! Learn about the history of the art, how it's used, and how it survives today.

Try your hand at tatting with this free demonstration!

Interested in bringing a group to observe? Please email us at polk@ncdcr.gov for more information.

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