Herb Gardening and Seed Starting
The herb garden was planted for cooking herbs and plants that provided purposes of medicine, fragrance, and dye. Plant placement was informed by two rich traditions, including the 17th and 18th-century European gardens and Native American practices. Gardening is a huge part of life today as well. Come connect the past to the present with our talented herbologist.
Pinch Pot Pottery
Venture centuries back in time and learn about the area’s first peoples (the Catawba people) and their earthenware traditions. Follow the history to the early 19th century, when European settlers began creating alkaline glazed stoneware made from the clay of the Catawba River Valley. Learn the still-active and vibrant artistic tradition while joining it with your hand-crafted pinch pot.
Square Dancing Station
Journey into the past and learn square dances, step dances, reels, and other dance forms practiced in Southern Appalachia. These distinctive folk dances are the culmination of the many heritages that settled in this region. Folk dancing today is built on the European, African American, and Native American traditions of our past, but they are very much alive in the present.
Carolina Life Cabin Tour
On a behind-the-scenes look at Hart Square Village, we will explore several cabin interiors, learn about the tools and inventions of the nineteenth century, and experience daily life for this area’s inhabitants and settlers. Hart Square’s historic log cabin collection is the largest in the nation, and during this station, you will get a sample of what it was like to live in Early America. We will engage in many compare and contrast exercises as we look at life then and now!
