In accordance with Governor Roy Cooper’s Executive Order 117, and to help limit the spread of COVID-19, The President James K. Polk State Historic Site will suspend public operations beginning March 17. All events and programs are cancelled during this time.
Upcoming Events
The President James K. Polk State Historic Site has a full calendar of family events, educational programming, historic demonstrations, and other learning experiences for history buffs off all ages. Keep an eye on our social media as well for pop-up events!
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Spring Volunteer Open House
Do you love history? Enjoy interacting with people? Have a special modern or historical skill? Join us! Become a volunteer!
Stop by to learn more about what volunteer opportunities we have, take a tour of the site, and meet current volunteers to discuss their experiences. Veteran volunteers are encouraged to attend, brush up on the tour, and share their knowledge with new and prospective volunteers!
21 March 2020 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Free Admission, Registration Required | Click here to register.
Do you love history? Enjoy interacting with people? Have a special modern or historical skill? Join us! Become a volunteer!
Stop by to learn more about what volunteer opportunities we have, take a tour of the site, and meet current volunteers to discuss their experiences. Veteran volunteers are encouraged to attend, brush up on the tour, and share their knowledge with new and prospective volunteers!
21 March 2020 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Free Admission, Registration Required | Click here to register.
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Learning Local Lecture Series: Sorting Out the New South City
A new edition of Charlotte Historian Tom Hanchett's book, Sorting Out the New South City, is being released with color maps and a more accessible price. Join us to hear from Tom about his seminal work on Charlotte's 20th century development, the new edition, and his life since retiring from his position as Historian at the Levine Museum of the New South. The talk will be followed by a book signing.
All proceeds raised from this the event go to the Friends of the Polk Birthplace a non profit, 501 (c)(3) that supports the educational mission of the museum.
11 April 2020 | 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Free Registration | Click here to register.
A new edition of Charlotte Historian Tom Hanchett's book, Sorting Out the New South City, is being released with color maps and a more accessible price. Join us to hear from Tom about his seminal work on Charlotte's 20th century development, the new edition, and his life since retiring from his position as Historian at the Levine Museum of the New South. The talk will be followed by a book signing.
All proceeds raised from this the event go to the Friends of the Polk Birthplace a non profit, 501 (c)(3) that supports the educational mission of the museum.
11 April 2020 | 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Free Registration | Click here to register.
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Senior Day
Calling all local seniors for a day of historical demonstrations, play, talks, and more! This event will feature many of the same things you might find at our family events, but with a focus on some of the most dedicated history lovers in our community. In addition to the days events we will also have a raffle that will raise money for the Friends of President Polk’s Birthplace, a non-profit 501c3 organization that makes events like this one possible.
23 April 2020 | 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Free Admission | Click here to register.
Calling all local seniors for a day of historical demonstrations, play, talks, and more! This event will feature many of the same things you might find at our family events, but with a focus on some of the most dedicated history lovers in our community. In addition to the days events we will also have a raffle that will raise money for the Friends of President Polk’s Birthplace, a non-profit 501c3 organization that makes events like this one possible.
23 April 2020 | 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Free Admission | Click here to register.
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Earth Day Workshop
This workshop is perfect for nature-lovers of any age! We will be making birdseed ornaments and seed balls that you can take home and add to your backyard to make it a more welcoming space for birds, bees, and more. Registration is for one participant and includes all supplies.
All proceeds raised from this the event go to the Friends of the Polk Birthplace a non profit, 501 (c)(3) that supports the educational mission of the museum.
25 April 2020 | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
$5 per person | Click here to register.
This workshop is perfect for nature-lovers of any age! We will be making birdseed ornaments and seed balls that you can take home and add to your backyard to make it a more welcoming space for birds, bees, and more. Registration is for one participant and includes all supplies.
All proceeds raised from this the event go to the Friends of the Polk Birthplace a non profit, 501 (c)(3) that supports the educational mission of the museum.
25 April 2020 | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
$5 per person | Click here to register.
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Spring Workshop Series: Knitting Level Two
Join us for a level two knitting workshop. Whether you attended level one or you already know the basics, this workshop will help you hone your skills and move on to slightly more complex techniques. Participants will be expected to know how to tie a slip knot and how to do the knit stitch. The class will review casting on and binding off and will also cover purl stitch and reading patterns.
All proceeds raised from this the event go to the Friends of the Polk Birthplace a non profit, 501 (c)(3) that supports the educational mission of the museum.
25 April 2020 | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
$10 per person | Click here to register.
Join us for a level two knitting workshop. Whether you attended level one or you already know the basics, this workshop will help you hone your skills and move on to slightly more complex techniques. Participants will be expected to know how to tie a slip knot and how to do the knit stitch. The class will review casting on and binding off and will also cover purl stitch and reading patterns.
All proceeds raised from this the event go to the Friends of the Polk Birthplace a non profit, 501 (c)(3) that supports the educational mission of the museum.
25 April 2020 | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
$10 per person | Click here to register.
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Spring Workshop Series: Basket Weaving
One of our most popular workshop topics is basket weaving. Susie Worchester is back again with yet another beautiful basket design for all skill levels. All supplies are included in the cost of the class. This class will fill quickly, so register while you still can!
All proceeds raised from this the event go to the Friends of the Polk Birthplace a non profit, 501 (c)(3) that supports the educational mission of the museum.
2 May 2020 | 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
$25 per person | Click here to register.
One of our most popular workshop topics is basket weaving. Susie Worchester is back again with yet another beautiful basket design for all skill levels. All supplies are included in the cost of the class. This class will fill quickly, so register while you still can!
All proceeds raised from this the event go to the Friends of the Polk Birthplace a non profit, 501 (c)(3) that supports the educational mission of the museum.
2 May 2020 | 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
$25 per person | Click here to register.
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Spring Workshop Series: Cross-Stitch Bookmark
The history of needlework stretches back to the earliest years of human history. During President Polk's time, all young women of the middle and upper classes were taught this historic art and today we are seeing a major revival in its popularity! Embroidery and cross-stitch are relatively simple to learn and, once you do, you can create an endless number of beautiful works of art for yourself or to give as beautiful gifts.
Join us to learn the simple art of cross-stitch and create a bookmark featuring classic quilt patterns. All supplies are included in the cost of registration.
All proceeds raised from this the event go to the Friends of the Polk Birthplace a non profit, 501 (c)(3) that supports the educational mission of the museum.
16 May 2020 | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
$15 per person | Click here to register.
The history of needlework stretches back to the earliest years of human history. During President Polk's time, all young women of the middle and upper classes were taught this historic art and today we are seeing a major revival in its popularity! Embroidery and cross-stitch are relatively simple to learn and, once you do, you can create an endless number of beautiful works of art for yourself or to give as beautiful gifts.
Join us to learn the simple art of cross-stitch and create a bookmark featuring classic quilt patterns. All supplies are included in the cost of registration.
All proceeds raised from this the event go to the Friends of the Polk Birthplace a non profit, 501 (c)(3) that supports the educational mission of the museum.
16 May 2020 | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
$15 per person | 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* |
