Executive Director
After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in English and Creative Writing, Hart worked in education, journalism, and music before starting at Hart Square Foundation in 2014. When Rebecca began, Hart Square was open to the public one day a year and had one employee. In her first five years, she raised $4 million for the Sigmon Family Education Center, completed in October 2021.
Hart is currently pursuing her Master’s in Cultural Heritage Management at Johns Hopkins University and holds a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) Certification. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Luke Garrison Foundation and is a member of the Development Committee of the Oral History Association.
Development Director
Program Director
Mya Banner began working full-time for Hart Square in 2020. In her time here she has overseen the launch of Hart Square’s membership program, folkways program and JAM program. She has worked to grow our Field Trip visitation to over 4,500 students per year.
With a background in small businesses, childcare, and craft she enjoys imagining new and exciting ways to bring people to Hart Square.
In the community she serves as Vice President of the Lincoln County Apple Festival Board and as a part of the band and child programming team at Freedom Church.
Development & Outreach Coordinator
Elise graduated with her Master’s Degree in Public History from Liberty University in 2024 and completed a Bachelor’s Degree in History with Liberty in 2022.
She worked at Biltmore as an interpretive host and tour guide from 2022 to 2023, giving school, house, and architectural tours. Elise interned with Kings Mountain National Military Park in 2024 and enjoyed learning colonial skills with the park rangers there.
Buildings & Grounds Maintenance
David grew up on a small dairy farm in Catawba County and then served as a nuclear reactor operator in the US Navy Submarine Service. This combination of training and experience set the stage for a 40-year career in industrial maintenance, first in textile manufacturing and then in the fiber optic cable industry. In his senior technician role, David planned and scheduled maintenance activities, kept records, and procured parts.
Event Assistant
Emma’s journey with Hart Square began through volunteerism. She continues to volunteer as a historic docent and has a passion for learning historic craft, particularly fiber arts. Emma is responsible for janitorial services, venue set up, and serving as support staff for private venue rental.
Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer, Health Stat, Inc.
Physician, Hart Family Practice
Hickory, NC
Restoration Specialist, NC State Historic Preservation Office
Ceramic artist and photographer
Raleigh, NC
Senior Vice President of Finance, Valdese Weavers
Historical Docent
Hickory, NC
Purchasing Representative, Blum Inc.
Traditional Fiber Artist
Lincolnton, NC
Budget & Management Analyst, Catawba County Government
Coopering apprentice
Hickory, NC
Senior Database Administrator, Davidson College
Woodworker and Historical Restoration Volunteer
Maiden, NC
Retired VP of Sales and Marketing, King Hickory Furniture
Leatherworker
Linville, NC
Retired Catawba County and Hickory Public Schools Librarian
Historical Docent
Vale, NC
Legal Partner, The Jonas Law Firm, PLLC.
Historical Docent
Lincolnton, NC
Are you passionate about preserving history and sharing traditional culture?
Check our careers page to see our open positions and learn how you can become a part of the Hart Square family.
